Elaine Walker
Head of Legal at The Genius Group and Director at AskRose
The head of legal at consumer redress, legal technology and litigation infrastructure business The Genius Group, and director of pensions reclaim company AskRose, shares her passions and interests with The Brief.
How do you like to start the day?
Ideally with a nice, relaxing breakfast and a bit of time to myself. In reality, it's usually a military operation getting two teenage boys out of the house with everything they need. If everyone leaves on time, I consider that a successful start!
What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?
My "Work Wife" mug, courtesy of The Genius Group’s contracts and recruitment manager Emily Cole-Gibbard. I'm not entirely sure whether it's a term of endearment or a reflection of how much time we spend together, but I'll take it!
Who is your closest colleague?
Natalie Mottershead, my co-director at AskRose. We've worked closely together through plenty of challenges and successes, and she's someone I can always rely on for support and a good laugh. Although Emily might dispute the title, given that she's officially claimed me as her work wife!
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
I don't actually have one. I'm much more sentimental about memories and experiences than possessions. Perhaps I need to start a tradition and find something worth passing down.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
That's impossible to answer because it completely depends on my mood. But give me a proper dance-floor anthem, preferably something from the 80s or 90s, and I'll be the first one up dancing and probably the last one to leave!
What’s your favourite play?
Blood Brothers, without hesitation. I've seen it several times in Liverpool and it never loses its impact. I know exactly what's coming, but it still gets me every single time. An incredible piece of theatre
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Morgan Freeman. He's one of those actors who can make almost anything worth watching. And if he narrated my life, even the school run might sound profound!
What’s your favourite book?
I couldn't possibly choose just one. I love a book that completely draws you in and makes you forget everything else going on around you. My favourite is usually whichever one has most recently kept me up far later than I intended.
What book are you reading right now?
Perfect by Cecelia Ahern, the sequel to Flawed. I'm enjoying getting back into the story, although finding uninterrupted reading time between work, family life and football is another matter!
What book do you wish you had written?
The royalties from Harry Potter would certainly be nice! But seriously, I'd love to have written something that really resonated with people, touched their lives and perhaps even made a difference to the way they see the world.
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
The internet has to be up there. It's completely transformed how we work, communicate and live. Although, as a parent of teenagers, I do sometimes question whether giving everyone 24-hour access to it was entirely a good idea!
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
I’d love to say football, although technically I already play for a ladies’ team. I absolutely love it but, unfortunately, my enthusiasm sometimes outweighs my ability – but I like to think I make up for it with effort!
Who inspires you in business?
People who have built successful businesses from nothing. I really admire anyone who has the courage to take an idea, back themselves and turn it into something successful. We often see the end result without appreciating the setbacks, sacrifices and sheer determination it took to get there.
In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
Somewhere in between. I like to look smart and put-together, but comfort is important too. One of the benefits of moving away from traditional legal practice is not feeling obliged to dress like I'm going to court every day!
Where do you go to relax?
Somewhere sunny, preferably with a beach, a good book and absolutely no schedule. I love travelling and exploring new places, but I also appreciate the occasional day when the biggest decision is where to go for dinner.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
I've always wanted to travel around South America. There's something about the mix of culture, scenery and adventure that really appeals to me.
A trip through Laos and Cambodia is also firmly on my bucket list. I love holidays that combine exploring somewhere completely different with a bit of relaxation.
Unfortunately, my travel wish list seems to grow considerably faster than my annual leave allowance!
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
My car keys! Between work, the boys' sporting commitments and trying to fit in my own exercise, I seem to spend half my life driving somewhere.
What’s the best part of your job?
The variety without a doubt. I love being involved in the wider business rather than just looking at things from a purely legal perspective. I enjoy understanding how the businesses operate, solving problems and helping turn ideas into something that actually works. No two days are ever quite the same, which suits me perfectly.
How do you unwind after work?
Unwind might be a slightly ambitious description! Most evenings involve ferrying my two boys around to their various sporting commitments while trying to squeeze in a circuits or Pilates class at the gym myself.
Exercise is the best escape, even if the logistics of getting there sometimes feel like another full-time job!
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
A proper girls' night out. Good company, plenty of laughs, a few drinks and a dance floor. I love getting dressed up and having a good night with my friends. The only downside is that these days the recovery seems to take considerably longer than the night out itself!
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