Back to NewsA Heads Up with Simon Gooding
Inspired in self-Isolation
Since the Covid-19 crisis worldwide began and health authorities around the globe urged people to self-isolate and practice social distancing on a massive scale as part of an enormous effort to #FlattenTheCurve of the global Coronavirus pandemic … we are reaching out to industry friends, colleagues, associates, partners, etc., and asking them to share their #StayHome and #QuarantineAndChill activities with us during this extraordinary time.
Robe: What would you normally be doing?
Simon: I work for the architectural lighting brand Anolis in the UK as business development manager, so normally I am out-and-about engaging in face-to-face meetings with clients around the UK.
Robe: Where are you right now?
Simon: Working from home in Northampton. Reaching out to customers, checking-in, doing some general housekeeping on our CRM system and maintaining open projects.
Robe: What are you doing to fill the time?
Simon: Working from home, home-schooling my 10-year-old son, cooking and juggling the omnipresent work-life balance.
Robe: What’s the most creative thing you have done since the Covid-19 crisis began?
Simon: Cooking and cocktails!!!!
Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the crisis?
Simon: My 10-year-old son and also supporting my wife who is a funeral director and therefore a designated ‘key worker’ during this time.
Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?
Simon: Yes, assorted social media videos with families and people in the lockdown creating fun and uplifting video content – which is a nice alternative to the general doom and gloom of the mainstream news media!
Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video?
Simon: I have re-watched Gavin & Stacy (hugely popular BBC comedy tale of love between Essex boy (James Corden) and Welsh girl (Ruth Jones) … the 2019 Christmas Special was watched live by over 18 million people and finished on a cliff-hanger!) …. and having to endure the Disney+ channel!
Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through this?
Simon: Reconnect with family and friends. Head to the pub!
Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d want to say?
Simon: In these very surreal times, we must stay positive and focus on moving forward. It’s an extremely difficult and worrying time for everyone, but we need to stay strong together. “Just keep swimming!”