Behind the door

The Journey

The world is a marvellous place that offers us many paths to pursue. I continue on this one simply because I love it.

This is just a snippet of my path from a northern mill town to the sunlit shores of Australia; from the British corridors of power to the diplomatic dinners of Brussels, before, like a homing pigeon, circling back and nestling in a cosy Cheshire village, where I begin my next chapter: bringing my exceptional level of support and expertise to you.​​

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Curious to Hear More..?

I’ve had a privileged career and remain truly grateful to those who helped me reach each new phase of learning. And if (or when) you meet me, you’ll see I’ve stayed grounded and true to myself and my roots.

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It wasn’t all sunshine, sparkle, or Ferrero Rocher. This journey was a crucible, one where I learned my craft supporting principals at the highest levels of Royal Households, Government, diplomacy, and global consultancies.

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The pace often felt akin to being strapped to a rocket… and just as it launched, realising your strap had come loose and you simply had to hold on.

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It wasn't all sunshine, sparkle, or Ferrero Rocher​​​

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Lessons from the Ride

Picture a world more “Thick of It” than “West Wing”, sure we walked and talked down the corridors of Whitehall departments, but more often than not someone forgot to grab the emergency banana or the speech, we weren't infallible, but I was trusted to ensure the odd hiccup didn't derail the whole train, that the speech might be on the next tube trundling along, but when it reached the hands of the principal it was ready to go. 

 

On this journey I learned the critical importance of precision, discretion, problem-solving in the moment, and juggling everything from meet and greets at the international conference I have just planned, delivered and closed, to urgent birthday gifts for dignitaries and VIPs.

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Even as a senior governance professional, I never quite escaped that quiet tickle of anxiety when submitting minutes for Her Majesty’s review — waiting to see if the royal red pen would appear.

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I share this insight into my journey to show the human side behind Cellar Door VA, and to highlight I’ve faced situations where reputation and challenge sat side by side like awkward bedfellows, and found a way to turn each into a positive outcome, all whilst getting the day job done.

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The path was rarely straightforward, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Every twist taught me something about people, about pressure, about what it really means to support someone at the highest level.

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What I bring to Cellar Door VA is not just a list of skills. It is judgment, discretion, and the quiet confidence that comes from having been trusted in rooms where the stakes were real.

If that sounds like what you need, I'd be glad to hear from you.

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Why “Cellar Door”?

Is it a homage to the great wine cellars of State?

No. It’s simply a phrase often said to be one of the most pleasing to the English speaking ear, and it always stayed with me.

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So when it came time to choose a name that represented my business, I wanted something pleasant, memorable, and quietly secure, something that felt like home.

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Thank You

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Thanks for taking the time to read a little about how I got here.
You can find more details on what I do over on the How we can help page.

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