Elizabeth is our talented new event planning maestro with speed-reading skills, wanderlust, and green fingers. She’s also a gin connoisseur, and cooks a mean roast.
Eighty-seven books in one year. That’s how many Elizabeth, or Lil for short, conquered last year, and it equates to reading a book every four days. This year, she’s already on 64 and looks set to beat her record. This bookworm loves to escape somewhere new in a good book, especially when actual travel is off the table. “It’s not a talent as such, but I’m a pretty fast reader; I absolutely devour books. I tune everyone out when reading, and I can’t leave a book unfinished. I aim to read 52 books a year but tend to overshoot this. I once read all seven Harry Potter books in three days just to see how long it would take. I did stop for sleep and food, and, I promise, I do actually take in all the detail,” she explains.
Not only does this singular-minded focus, ability to concentrate for long periods, and attention to detail make Elizabeth a word-inhaling book machine, it also makes her a formidable planner and organiser. Away from her desk, event schedule and bulging bookcase, she likes to hang out with family and friends and look after all her plant babies. “I’m cultivating an indoor jungle,” says Lil. Beyond taking care of her foliage-filled library-like home, Lil loves yoga and walks on the beach or in the bush – often involving coffee or brunch.
To uncover even more about our well-read new colleague, we turned to her friends and family for some revealing insight, and that’s exactly what we got: “She has a bubbly, infectious smile, loves wine in the sun, and is sarcastic, loyal, strong, independent, loving, caring, puts the toilet paper the wrong way round, takes no prisoners, and cooks a great roast. She is a fun-sized (as in short) human with a large heart and large personality.”
We’re looking forward to getting to know Lil a little better ourselves, so we asked her our five signature get-to-know-you questions.
1. WHICH CAMPAIGN or role IN YOUR CAREER ARE YOU MOST PROUD TO HAVE WORKED ON?
One project that just made my heart happy: creating a pop-up Christmas Dinner for Dogs called Santa Paws Dinner. We custom designed and built little tables for the dogs to eat at, including booster boxes for the vertically challenged, along with festive decor & table settings and a Christmas photo opportunity for dogs and owners.
The best part? I got to spend three days surrounded by dogs. It was interesting considering all Health and Safety issues from a dog perspective (what might they chew, how many can be in attendance at once). We also did a session with therapy dogs where dog lovers that didn’t own a dog could attend, and the interactions were just gorgeous. All proceeds from the event went to Guide Dogs UK.
2. WHICH PERSON, DEAD OR ALIVE, WOULD YOU LOVE TO HAVE DINNER WITH?
My amazing Mumma. We lost her almost five months ago, and no matter how many interesting or famous people there are in history to choose from, there is no one else I would rather have dinner with, and no one else could impart as much wisdom as her.
3. WHAT SHOW ARE YOU CURRENTLY BINGEING ON NETFLIX? AND WHAT MAKES IT SO ‘BINGEABLE’?
Currently, nothing – is that weird? But somewhat recently, Love Island, as I just enjoy the drama, and Sex Education, which is just a fairly light but absorbing, feel-good series. I’m more likely to binge a book series, and I’ve just finished a fantasy series called Serpent & Dove, a dystopian future series called the Red Rising Saga, and some good old historical fiction about Henry VIII’s unfortunate wives.
4. WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DRINK? AND WHY?
A really good G&T, ideally a local gin I haven’t tried yet. Great Barrier Island Gin is a current favourite. You also can’t beat a good Espresso Martini, though I’ve had to learn to stop after one, or maybe two. I don’t mix well with too much caffeine.
5. Name one thing on your bucket list.
A safari in Africa. I’ve had some pretty bucket list moments travelling, including a night in the Sahara Desert, a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, and exploring some of the many beautiful islands of the Mediterranean; they’re all just such unforgettable memories. But I also want to tick off the Great Walks of New Zealand and to discover more of the beautiful scenery in my backyard.
Want to join an award-winning, creative-experiences agency? Check out our latest vacancies and you could be featured here!
[cta-btn-1] [cta-btn-2]