9 to 5 with Avi & Anita

Welcome to 9 to 5 with Avi and Anita a podcast where we talk with excellent women in the middle of their career journey about how they got where they are and where they're going. We're perptually curious about how people ended up in their jobs - maybe because neither of us have ever had a plan. There's a lot out there for women at the start of their careers and lots out there too following women at the top of their careers. But what about those of us in the middle? That's who we want to hear from. We've booked in friends and colleagues working in all kinds of fields to chat about how they juggle life and a career that feels worth it. A little about your co-hosts: Anita Dullard is studying a MSc Climate and Energy Policy, taking time out from media advocacy; Avigail Shai is a diplomatic and policy adviser, and former diplomat – they met working in the international humanitarian sector, stayed for the chat and shared hilarity. Hit up your regular podcast platforms to find 9 to 5 with Avi and Anita and subscribe. If you love it, don't forget to drop us a review and share where ever these good things get shared.

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9 to 5 with Avi & Anita

Episode 9: Sophie Uddin

February 09, 2022 • Sophie Uddin • Season 1 • Episode 9

Sophie Uddin joins us from London where she is the Operations Director at Spiritland, a venue fusing an immaculate music listening experience with great food and booze. Sophie has managed some of the finest restaurants in London (imho) including Providores and Tapas Room, Grangers, 10 Greek Street and Vinoteca.

We talk about making it up as you go along, the drama and gossip at every restaurant, which makes sense as hospitality is theatre in essence; negotiating money in a sector and the shifts in workplace culture and asking for what you want.

Key facts about Sophie

Last meal: An Indian curry

Currently reading: Luster by Raven Leilani

Currently watching: Schitt’s Creek every day, on repeat, obsessed. And The Sopranos for the first time.

Listening to: Laura Marling’s last album; the new Floating Points album. And The Paper Kites.

Favourite unwind: watch movies constantly

What advice would you give to someone thinking through the next step in their career?

Three things:

Think a little bit more about money. Just a little bit, and just negotiate. Because actually, you're not going to get anything if you don't ask and there's no harm in asking. If someone says no, they say no, but no one's just going to offer something to you, you have to ask.
Always do whatever you're gonna do with people that you really, really want to do it with. With my current partner, I really want to work with him, it's an absolute joy every day. And that's so important, and you need to be aligned. If you have different skill sets, what you want to do ultimately needs to be aligned, because you don't want to be in a constant battle.
And just don't be a dick on the way. Particularly in hospitality. It's a really small industry. And everybody knows everybody. And you just need to be kind.

A little about your co-hosts

Anita Dullard is a media and advocacy strategist; Avigail Shai is a diplomatic and policy adviser, and former diplomat – both currently work in the international humanitarian sector.

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