One Minute Intervew: Elizabeth Sidebotham, communications and compliance manager, Northern Powergrid

Liz has “free-ranged” across the electricity sector in IT, distribution, supply and home sustainability assessment in the UK and Australia.

What was your first job?

I was a dental nurse while at school and university.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

The best part is working with highly motivated people as part of a multi-organisation, multidisciplinary team. The worst part of the job is driving, but I relieve the boredom by listening to audio books.

What’s your dream job and why?

A film reviewer. Imagine being paid to watch films all day!

What’s your most treasured possession?

Old family photos and a family tree, which goes back to about 1760 on my maternal grandmother’s side.

Where did you last go on holiday?

Australia.

In the Hollywood film of your life, who would play you?

Susan Sarandon or Uma Thurman.

Reveal something about yourself not many people know.

There is a Sidebotham Street in Manchester, which was named by my great-grandfather, who designed the homes on the street.

What album is currently in your car CD player?

King Nibble – one of the children’s favourites.

What’s your favourite film and TV programme?

Film: Little Miss Sunshine. TV: The Big Bang Theory, hilarious even though it does paint a very nerdy picture of scientists and engineers.

What quote or saying do you most overuse?

You would need to ask my family and colleagues that, but the saying I most dislike is “the devil is in the detail”. The physicist in me likes to discover the elegant solution, which I think is in the detail, not the devil.

If you ruled the world, what would you do first?

Assemble a diverse group of creative thinkers and ask them what the second thing should be.

What’s your favourite joke?

Did you hear about the man who drowned in muesli? He was pulled under by a strong currant.

This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 12th April March 2013.

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