Penny speed meets... Sally Griffiths, director of training and consultancy, VFM

What was your first ever job — and were you any good at it?
I was an au pair in Helsinki and then Corsica. It was interesting trying to communicate with three‑year‑olds who didn’t speak English. I think I was quite good at it.

If an MP3 player really could only hold three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life?
Would I lie to you? by Eurythmics; Tell me Lies by Fleetwood Mac; and Lyin’ Eyes by The Eagles

Who was your top teenage pin-up?
Siouxsie Sioux from Siouxsie and the Banshees.

My colleagues won’t know this about me but...
I hitched to Paris from the south of France when I was a student.

Favourite book of all time?
Candide by Voltaire – I read it when I was hitching to Paris.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“How hard can it be?” In response to the comment “I don’t think I can do it”.

What would be your chosen superpower?
Teleportation. I’d transport myself around the world in my spare time.

How would a typical school report about you read?
Goody goody at English and French; shocking at maths.

My top tip for climbing the insurance career ladder is...
Stay informed and be nice to people.

What’s the most annoying thing people do in your office?
Take their shoes off, forget they’ve taken their shoes off and then walk around the office with their shoes off .

My last supper would comprise...
Fish and chips, champagne and whisky.

Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Toad Thompson – my old boyfriend who, as of last year, is now my old man. He’s always a good sounding board.

Last film you saw?
Django Unchained – brilliant. 

Name your five ideal dinner party guests (dead or alive) noting what they bring to the party
Voltaire for French wit; Johnny Depp – a fellow Francophile; Marilyn Monroe for glamour; Adele for a sing-song, plus she seems like a laugh; and Oliver Reed to bring a case of wine and 24 cans of Stella.

Marmite: food of the gods or work of the devil?
Gods, definitely. It’s also great for playing jokes on French people who are led to believe it’s chocolate spread.

Career high point to date?
Winning an award for our accredited ACF Tech course.

What do you say when strangers at a social gathering ask what you do for a living?
I tell them I train people to spot lies and deception by listening carefully. Then I ask them to tell me all about themselves. They get nervous for some reason...

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?
Phoenicia.

Finish this sentence: Insurance is a great industry to work in because...
The industry is passionate about fighting fraud.

Would you like to be probed by Penny on one of her speed meets? Get in touch via Stephanie Denton

This article was published in the 1/8 August 2013 edition of Post magazine