Although she’s only been with Goodmans since April 2022, it feels like Maxine has been part of our team for years – and we mean that in the nicest possible way! Based in our Plymouth office, Max goes above and beyond to support clients, and can be relied upon to lend a hand to others in the team when needed. She’s always up for a good social do too!
To say that Max had a varied career before joining us is an understatement. From 12 years as a nanny to managing a pub, being a full-time mum and bagging a BSc in Law with Business, she’s also worked as a Paralegal, ISO-qualified internal auditor, and Imports Assistant in retail. That unique blend of experience has translated brilliantly to client service… well, maybe the admin, legal, compliance and quality control skills more than changing nappies or calling last orders!
Hi Max, let’s get straight to it: how would you describe your work in three words?
Fun, interesting and varied. But it’s obviously more fun when I don’t have to answer ridiculous questions about myself!
Ha, well the good news for you is that this will be all over in a couple of minutes! Let’s get on with it: what's been your proudest moment at Goodmans to date?
Still being employed!
We think you have a bit more to be proud of than that, but we’ll accept your answer! How about what keeps you smiling at work every day?
Me – I’m hilarious! But seriously, I’ve never worked anywhere like Goodmans where everybody gets on so well and can have a laugh with each other and genuinely care for one another.
That’s so nice to hear, and we agree you do have a cracking sense of humour! It’s no secret that you’re a huge Paul Weller fan, so we can guess what’s on your playlist, but what are you currently reading?
The third book of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. It was recommended to me by my teammates Nikki, Izzy and Holly, and Holly very kindly lent me her copy for me to read. It appears I’m very late to this party!
Other than having your nose in a good book and jamming to The Jam, what keeps you busy when you’re not working?
My twin godsons, who are two years old, and my two teenage daughters. Add the mad husband and the crazy dog and home life is quite manic! My husband and I both like cooking so we’re currently setting a challenge where one of us picks a country and the other person has to cook two courses from there, but it’s not allowed to be anything we’ve cooked before. We’ve completed Japan, Morocco, Spain and Italy so far…
That’s a great idea for a challenge, and a tasty one too. Next up, what do you think is the best thing about the South West?
Friends of mine own a house on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall and my favourite thing is to walk the cliffs on very windy days, as it really does blow the cobwebs away and make you feel alive.
Sounds bracing! Can you tell us a quote or phrase that goes through life with you?
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!
Spoken like a true adventurer! This one might be a bit trickier: who is your hero and why?
Cadbury because they make all the Heroes!
Enough said! You’ll be pleased to hear that this is the last question: if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
To quote Baz Luhrmann, “wear sunscreen” – not that my younger self would have ever taken advice from me!
Thanks Max, it was great to pick your brain, even though you found it a bit painful! We’ll switch the spotlight off now so you can get back to it 😊