Susanne Shah
Co-director at Vardags, Newcastle
Susanne Shah is in this month’s 20 Questions hot-seat
What time did you wake up this morning?
7.00am.
What’s your favourite object in your office?
Not quite an object exactly, but I love the new wallpaper we have in our client interview rooms. Each room is so different and unique it makes it a really nice environment to work in.
Who is your closest colleague?
My co-director in the Newcastle office, Nicky Hunter.
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
A Christmas tree decoration that came from my grandparents’ home. It brings back lovely memories of family being together at Christmas.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
Aerosmith 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing' I used to sing this to my eldest son when he was a baby to get him to sleep and it worked every time.
What’s your favourite play?
I was lucky enough to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway last month, it was amazing.
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Audrey Hepburn. Breakfast at Tiffany's is my all-time favourite.
What’s your favourite book?
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
What book are you reading right now?
The Girl on the Train.
What book do you wish you had written?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This really made an impression on me at an early age, with its focus on having that gut instinct of right and wrong, its message is very thought provoking.
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
The wheel - without the wheel the world wouldn't be as we know it now.
Is there a sport that you wish you could play?
Football - I would love to be able to impress my two sons being able to play football well.
Who inspires you in business?
Someone who starts from very humble and limited means, but with hard work and determination are able to make a success of themselves. This type of person is such a role model to the next generation that anything is possible.
Dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
Dress up whenever possible.
Where do you go to relax?
I enjoy a spa day away. It's nice to get away from everyday stresses and strains just to relax and chill out for a while.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Australia, I would love to hire a motor home and travel around the country for an extended holiday.
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
My handbag, the amount of things I keep in there would put Mary Poppins to shame!
What’s the best part about your job?
The best part about my job is being able to really help and make a difference in people's lives. At a time when they are experiencing one of the most difficult periods in their lives, helping them make plans for the future for themselves and their children is really rewarding.
What’s your favourite post-work tipple?
Elderflower Champagne Cocktail.
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Eating ice cream straight from the carton.
