Alison Shields, executive director, Paddington Central Management Co
Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
I grew up in south Ayrshire and now live in Battersea, London.
What was your first job?
As part of my degree course, I worked for a year at British Rail Property Board in Glasgow. It was great experience.
What has been your favourite job (before this one)?
Estates manager at Chelsea Harbour. I really enjoyed the creative challenge.
Who was your most inspirational boss (before your current one)?
Fer Dijkstra, head of research at Knight Frank & Rutley. I learned lots about applying a scientific approach.
What’s the best thing about your current job?
The diversity of my role and the freedom to get on with the job.
And the worst?
Never enough hours in the day.
Describe your colleagues in three words.
Diligent, professional, fun.
Tell us something about yourself that not a lot of people know.
I hurtle around London in a G-Wiz electric car.
What’s your favourite building?
Favourites include the art deco Hoover Factory and Battersea Power Station.
And your least favourite?
The Trellick Tower, W10.
What’s your favourite music?
The less said about my musical taste, the better.
What’s your favourite film?
Touching The Void.
What’s your favourite book?
Pride And Prejudice and the Lonely Planet travel guides.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
We have excellent restaurants at PaddingtonCentral. Pearl Liang provides great Chinese food and I love the Union Bar & Grill.
What do you do at the weekend?
Although my daughter is only 4 she has a full social diary, and I seem to be her social secretary and weekend play coordinator.
What was your best holiday?
Trekking in Nepal with my then-boyfriend, now husband.
Which two people would be your ideal dinner guests?
Brunel, and Fleming – who discovered penicillin at St Mary’s hospital, a fellow Scot. We could discuss all the changes at Paddington.
