COFFEE BREAK with… Joanne Cooper, Secretary – Midlands & Anglia
Coffee Break with… is a Christie & Co series showcasing the brilliance, expertise, and diversity of our network of over 200 employees.
When did you join Christie & Co?
19 May 2003.
Where were you when you accepted your role at Christie & Co?
I can’t remember, it’s such a long time ago now!
What was your first job?
I had a newspaper round after school on a Thursday, and I also used to teach gymnastics on a Saturday morning.
In a couple of sentences, can you tell us a bit about your job at Christie & Co?
I am a secretary based in the Ipswich Office, supporting agents, carrying out various tasks including anti-money laundering checks.
What’s your favourite thing about Christie & Co?
Working as part of a team – there’s always someone willing to help and offer advice.
What’s been the biggest challenge of your career so far?
Being on furlough whilst being pregnant, having an active two-year-old and not being able to see and have help from family and friends.
Tell us a bit about your life outside work – what are your hobbies?
With two small boys, I don’t have much time for hobbies. However, when I do have the opportunity, I enjoy spending time with my family and catching up with friends.
What’s your hometown? Where do you live now?
I was born in Ipswich and soon after moved to Needham Market. I am now raising my family back in Ipswich.
Where’s the best place you’ve been on holiday?
America/Canada – I did a three-week tour around Washington, Florida (Disney World, of course!), New York (we went up the twin towers the year before September 11) and Niagara Falls, which we flew over in a helicopter as well as the Maid of the Mist boat tour.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I have a long list! My biggest one, though, would be bad manners – I can’t abide rude people.
What would be your desert island meal?
A roast dinner with all the trimmings, finishing off with a white chocolate panna cotta.
What’s your favourite film?
The Intern.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
Having seen the pyramids and Valley of the Kings, I’d like to visit Las Vegas and see the Grand Canyon.
What is your biggest fear?
Big spiders!
What news source do you read every day?
BBC News.
What’s your social media platform of choice?
Facebook.
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