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 fresh ground coffee, she’d like to share a car with Dame Judi Dench, looks for empathy and enthusiasm in a new employee and would like to be remembered as the bus driver who changed the way employers view the importance of mental health and wellbeing at work.

Sandi Marshall, Owner, Workplace Wellbeing, occupies the 20 Questions’ hot seat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Currently, Dogs Behaving (very) Badly with Graeme Hall. I have a five month old puppy called Gus so I need all the tips I can get!

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

A: Dame Judi Dench. Not only is she a phenomenal actress but I bet she has some great stories to tell.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: To be able to lift the lid on mental poor health, bust lots of myths and reduce the stigma surrounding it.

Q: And the worst…?

A: Knowing that there are not enough affordable resources out there to support everyone that needs it.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: I didn’t really have a childhood hero but I did have lots of great role models and, in later years, great mentors. My Mum was a role model and Derek Lott [former Yellow Buses’ Managing Director] was a great mentor.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Fresh ground coffee. I hate the taste of all things coffee but the smell is awesome.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Far too many gorgeous places to choose from so I am going to go with my friend, Sara’s house on Bournemouth’s East Cliff. There is always great food, great company, lots of laughs (and a few tears) and the occasional glass of wine too.

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

A: If you know what you want, go for it. If you don’t know what you want, don’t worry, you will find it as you go along. But don’t ever stick with doing something you hate.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Food for Thought by UB40.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Lack of respect. You don’t have to agree with other people’s views or ideas but we should all respect each other’s right to hold those opinions.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. It just does it for me!

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

A: Empathy and enthusiasm. Many skills can be taught but these are key.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Crème caramel – homemade though.

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

A: Preferably with some parma ham.

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

A: The people. I have met some fantastic people through networking in Dorset and the support I have been given is awesome.

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

A: Put a good amount of money into supporting mental health services for people of all ages.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: The lack of kindness that people show each other, especially on social media. There is an amazing guy named Luke Manton who has Tourette’s. He regularly posts on social media and is a real inspiration but he has also receives some truly horrendous comments from people. It frustrates me that these bullies hide behind a keyboard and feel safe being so unkind.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Spain. Cliché I know but I love the weather, the food, the culture, the family vibe and the fact that it is only a relatively short flight.

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

A: Who knows?! There have been so many twists and turns over the years that I am happy to sit back and see where life takes me.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: The bus driver who changed the way employers view the importance of mental health and wellbeing at work. And all without a corporate gym membership or yoga class in sight!