Biz Extra

My advice to anyone starting out? Embrace every new challenge as a learning opportunity

By Staff Reporter [email protected]

Published: October 15, 2020 | Updated: 16th October 2020

Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

Her favourite smell is a roast dinner cooked by her husband, she gets angry at selfish and unkind people, chooses being close by the beach as the best thing about living and working in Dorset and would like to be remembered for her kindness.

Caroline Saunders, Owner, 4 C Marketing, takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: I am a sucker for most crime dramas, but if I had to pick one, I’d say Silent Witness. The first few series were the best.

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: My dad. He died when I was 20 and there is so much that he’s missed out on that I would love to catch up with him about.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Working flexibly around my family and making a difference to small businesses. Also, that lightbulb moment when people get it and realise marketing isn’t so scary after all.

Q: And the worst…?

A: Not having enough time! The school run comes round surprisingly quickly every day. I’m always full of ideas, but don’t always get the time to put them into action.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: I loved reading as a child, so probably Anne of Green Gables, or the girls in Malory Towers. They seemed to go on such brilliant adventures.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Roast dinner, cooked by my husband.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Mudeford Quay. It’s the reason we moved to Dorset last year. We had visited so many times and finally decided to call it home. On a sunny day, being on the beach on the far side of Mudeford Spit feels like it could be the Mediterranean.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Embrace every new challenge as a learning opportunity. From the great jobs to the not-so-great jobs. From the fantastic bosses to the awful ones. Every experience has taught me something and helped make me the person I am today.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: I honestly can’t remember but growing up in the late 80s/early 90s, there were definitely Now That’s What I Call Music! albums and some Kylie and Jason in my collection.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: People being selfish and unkind. Not taking the time to think about other people’s points of view, or what might be going on in their own lives. Jumping to conclusions and making judgements about other people is rarely helpful.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: Harking back to my teenage years, it would have to be some good cheesy pop – Spice Girls (Wannabe), S Club 7 (Reach) or Take That (Never Forget).

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: A willingness to learn. Loyalty. Honesty. Teaching skills is the easy bit if people have the right attitude in the first place.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Swordfish and Prawn Kebabs served at our favourite restaurant in the Algarve with a glass of cold Vinho Verde in the sun. Bliss.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Sponge pudding all the way!

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: Being so close to the beach. Who wouldn’t be inspired by our beautiful surroundings? Yet I can still get into London for a client meeting in a couple of hours.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: It’s certainly a pretty tough gig at the moment. I do think our healthcare system really needs support. So many doctors, nurses, paramedics and other medical professionals put their lives on the line for fellow human beings every day.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Not having enough time! I love running my own business and being a wife, mum, daughter, friend etc. But it is certainly a balancing act to juggle everything and feel that you’re giving every part of your life the attention it deserves.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: A small village called Acoteias in the Algarve. We’ve been going there for over ten years and it is definitely my happy place.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: Ultimately, I’d love to end up working in marketing for schools. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so being able to combine my marketing skills and my passion for education would be a great match.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Kindness.

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