Back to NewsA Heads Up with Jo Harding
Inspired in self-isolation
With Covid-19 lockdowns worldwide and health authorities urging 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 do you do normally?
Jo: I am the UK sales development director for the Anolis architectural lighting brand and I deal with direct sales and sales strategies designed to grow our share in UK markets.
Robe: Where are you right now?
Jo: Meopham in North Kent.
Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating / on lockdown?
Jo: I’m working from home, getting to grips with all the online meetings and digital communications, whilst also trying to keep fit in mind and body! This involves taking my dog Millie out for a daily run around the lanes – there is lots of beautiful countryside around us, so it’s quite soothing for the mind.
And I’m getting used to having both my husband and my son around … for all of the day!
Robe: What’s the most creative thing you’re able to do in isolation?
Jo: I’m going to start ramping up the creativity levels in cooking, and also read more books … for which I never normally find the time!
Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the Covid-19 crisis?
Jo: Yes, the husband, son, dog and 3 guinea pigs – though the dog and guinea pigs are totally oblivious to the crisis of course! I’m also in daily contact with my mother who lives in Cheshire.
Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?
Jo: Joe Wicks (AKA "The Body Coach" a British fitness coach, TV presenter and author) but I haven’t done anything about that yet! Aim to try his classes soon.
Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video
Jo: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962 American drama film directed by Robert Mulligan) and Blade Runner 2049 (a 2017 American neo-noir science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve) and I really enjoyed the video of James Corden and Tom Cruise sky diving!
Robe: What’s the first thing you’d like to do when we are through it?
Jo: Spend some time with my mum, go out for some wonderful meals and get back to my running club to see all my running buddies.
Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you’d like to say?
Jo: Let’s hope after the end of this, the world can be a kinder place and that we look after the planet better than we have been doing up top now!