20 Questions with Samantha Gopal

What was the last book you read? 

1. 1. Fiction: The Trapped Girl by Robert Dugoni – I’m a huge crime fiction fan and love a good detective series; perfect escapism for me
   2. Non-fiction: Think Again by Adam Grant – great thought starter about embracing an open mindset, moving away from trying to convert people to our way of thinking, and instead being curious enough to ask questions, challenge our assumptions, and update our own beliefs.

What do you enjoy about this industry? 

This industry is constantly evolving, challenging us to stay on top of our game, be ahead of the curve and strive to earn our customers’ loyalty.

How do you handle criticism? 

I’m my hardest critique so tend to be on the front foot when it comes to other people’s criticism! I’m a big self-reflector and appreciate other people’s insights, but I’m not going to lie – delivery is key to how well I receive it! 

Is there any advice you’d give your 16-year-old self? 

Don’t sweat the small stuff, run your own race and back yourself! I’ve spent way too much time overthinking, and for little pay off. I constantly compare myself to others’ achievements, and forget to focus on what actually makes me content in life. And my lack of confidence has been a constant in life, that can impact others as much as myself.

What takes up too much of your time?

Overthinking! I’m working on it but definitely a lot of time and energy gets consumed in this activity that I know could be better utilised elsewhere!

What did you want to be when you were five years old? 

I think I wanted to run a shop. Maybe retail was in the pipeline from the start!

What was the first live concert you attended? 

I’m from the UK originally and was into indie music big time. Possibly the Stereophonics – really showing my age now!

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Binge watching reality TV – particularly relationship focused ones! 

What is one song that you would request a DJ to play at a party? 

Probably Stevie Wonder Superstition – classic!

Do you have a favourite social media platform? 

Instagram for pleasure, LinkedIn for professional.

If you could appear on any TV show as a special guest, what would it be? 

Would love to be a guest judge on The Block!

What’s on the top of your bucket list? 

Would love to do a hot air balloon ride over an African safari.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Well I grew up in the UK and now live in Melbourne, so if we still classify the UK as ‘home’, I’d say here!

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

Bounce back! I’ve had to learn to be pretty resilient over the years and rely on myself. Even when the chips are down, it’s knowing that the one constant in life is change and that things won’t always be like this.

Do you have any secret talents? 

My ability never to waste food – there’s always a way to use everything up in the fridge and breathe new life into leftovers!

Do you have any pets? 

Historically I had rabbits but now I have a 2.5 year old blue staffy called Kobe who is my best mate, cheeky to the core and my cuddle monster!

Do you support AFL? – Who is your team? 

Support is a strong word but it’s Cats all the way!

How do you typically unwind after a long day? 

Pilates class, reading and a cuddle with the pup on the couch!

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

David Attenborough – what a legend of a man and a life he has enjoyed. 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Product development – taking an idea from concept through to execution.