Each week we shine the spotlight on a prominent person in Dorset and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

Her favourite smell is lavender; she looks for positivity, empathy and individuality in a new employee; chooses a Sunday roast as her favourite food and would like to be remembered for making people feel happy and valued. 

Linda O’Sullivan, CEO, Dorset Mind, takes the ‘hot seat’ for our popular 20 Questions.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: I have just discovered Schitt’s Creek. It is hysterical and the fact my kids and I love watching it together makes it even better as it’s become ‘Our Show’!

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

A: The actor and radio presenter Cillian Murphy. I saw him perform live in the play ‘Grief is the Thing with Feathers’, written by Max Porter. Cillian Murphy’s performance was phenomenal and the fact he is from Cork City, where my parents were born, makes me in awe of the fact he has such a perfect Birmingham accent as Tommy in Peaky Blinders. He also plays fab music on Radio 6 Music.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Meeting so many new and interesting people who want to help Dorset Mind have a greater impact.

Q: And the worst?

A: My inbox and my inability to manage it.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: Zorro!

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Lavender.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: That’s a tough question as I’m yet to explore the whole of Dorset. Currently I would have to say West Bay.

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

A: Fake it until you make it and trust that every mistake or uncomfortable experience can be a lesson!

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Parallel Lines by Blondie.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Dog mess left on pavements.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: To pick one is tough but it has to be ‘The Fields of Athenry’. My Dad used to sing it all the time at family gatherings and when he did it would make you shiver.

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

A: Positivity, empathy and individuality to name but a few.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Sunday roast.

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

A: In winter, steamed sponge and melon in the summertime.

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

A: The stunning landscape. It’s a tonic that makes work feel effortless and joyous, especially when I arrive to a meeting and see the sea.

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

A: Increase the status and benefits of frontline care staff who serve older people in care homes and in the community.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Traffic jams.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: France.

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

A: Living in Dorset by the sea.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Making people feel happy and valued.

• dorsetmind.uk