Jane wears our Brompton Jacket in Navy Performance Tailoring, £198

What does your job involve in a nutshell? 

That’s actually quite a complicated question! I am the Head of Lexington Reception Services division. Fundamentally, I am responsible for all the service that we deliver. But I have an operations team as well as being quite operational myself. We manage over thirty contracts looking after clients and providing the services they need.

What is your typical working day and has it changed after covid?

There isn’t really a typical one as it varies a lot. Depending on meetings and whether I am working with team members or clients, every day is different. There has been a change since covid, I work from home sometimes and the way I work with clients has changed as their working patterns are much more flexible. Personally, it has improved my work/life balance, so in that respect it’s been better for me.

What is your motto for leadership?

I actually spoke to my team about this and asked for their opinions. I believe in empowering people to do their jobs and supporting them so they can do it. I always aim to be a visible leader, someone approachable who my team can run things past but who encourages them to do things themselves. I learnt a long time ago that if I didn’t delegate, I was going to drown. I want them to know who I am; I do not want to just be the face of an organisation.

What is your go-to work style?

Because I came from a very corporate background, I still find it quite hard to dress down. It just doesn’t feel quite right for me. When I dress for work, I like to put my armour on. While I am definitely a dress lady, I do also like a trouser suit. I feel comfortable and professional in corporate wear.

What is the one piece of career advice you would give your 20-year-old self?

To believe in myself more (I didn’t) and not to be afraid to try new things. I don’t believe in regrets. If you don’t try, you won’t find out. The only thing you will regret is what you don’t do.

What is your worst office fashion faux pas?

Personally, I don’t think there have been any, but I have had horrendous uniforms in the past. When I was a receptionist for an investment bank, my worst uniform was a pleated purple tartan skirt that was just mid-calf (which I found really unflattering) with a cream ruffle neck blouse and a purple bolero jacket. It was hideous and we all hated it, but our client was Scottish and loved it.