Last month we spent time getting to know Ailsa Horne a bit better, and she nominated you for this month’s ‘5 minutes with’. We like to start with the basics. So, can you tell us about how you came to join the Capacity team?
I’m pretty new to Capacity. I joined the team last September after moving up to Liverpool from London. I began my career working in frontline roles in charities and in the homelessness sector. Before joining Capacity my most recent role was as an Organisational Designer for London Borough of Camden.
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
Working on solving real problems that impact people’s lives.
Okay, now for some rapid-fire questions. What three words best describe you?
Caring, curious and warm (I hope!).
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My Nan was always full of nuggets of wisdom that I think about often, I think my favourite was “it would never do for us all to be the same”.
What inspires you?
I’m lucky to be around people who care deeply about the world and try to make it a better place, all while keeping a good sense of humour. Whether it’s through their work or the kindness they show to others, that’s what inspires me.
If you could have a superpower what would it be?
Flight!
What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you were younger?
Probably that you can’t worry yourself out of a difficult situation, you just have to tackle it head on.
Who’d play you in a biopic of your life?
Someone once said I gave them ‘Saoirse Ronan vibes’… whatever that means, I’ll take it!
If you had a magic wand, what’s the one thing you’d fix?
Inequality, the fact that some have so much while others have so little. And seeing as I have a magic wand, I’ll add the climate crisis in there too.
What’s your favourite place in the Liverpool City Region?
I’m new to Liverpool and love exploring. I recently visited Granby Winter Garden. I think that place is my favourite as it represents everything I love about this city. The community, the people and radical spirit.
What’s one thing on your bucket list that you want to tick off this year?
I’ve finally committed to learning to drive, so hopefully I will be ticking that off in 2025.
What’s a skill you’re working on mastering?
Heather Mackelden convinced me to sign up for the Liverpool Half Marathon, so I’m working on running.
What are you most excited about in life right now?
Last year my partner and I moved from London to Liverpool. So, I feel most excited about continuing to explore this great city and building our life here.
One last question – who should we spend 5 minutes with next month?
I nominate George Leroy!
