Diane Wood

Do not be afraid to try something new – it may or may not work out but at least you will have tried. Don’t give up as you can turn that corner and find something different is there waiting to be grasped with both hands. Never be afraid to ask because“if you don’t ask you don’t get”.

The opportunities to volunteer on some fabulous projects with the schools or universities. The networking with your peer group is amazing, learning new skills being part of a committee, attending brilliant conferences and events, that are there, because our volunteers are passionate about making it happen.

On a personal level that would be having my son Alex and cycling the NC500 for Friends of Anchor. Workwise organising an event that was run in four cities on consecutive days with eminent forensic scientists talking to the public about forensic science as part of National Science Week – that was such fun but hard work that paid off.

A vet, an artist with Disney (I still love to draw) or a lorry driver – such opposite extremes.

Having the belief in myself to move from a science career to working for myself and making a good job of looking after the various clients that I gained – learning it’s all about trust in yourself and in others who believe you can do it.

Probably not – I am very lucky and privileged to get to do what I do and I think I needed to learn from the first part of my career to be able to believe that anything is possible if you try hard enough.

Probably my dad – who showed me that hard work and sheer determination will open doors, to have a great network of contacts and that always to be a good person. I remember being to Offshore Europe in the early days and going around all the stands with my dad – talking to his colleagues and contacts and now some of my contacts are sons and daughters of his network.

Walking on beaches surrounded by a pack of golden retrievers – heaven!

One woman, a houseful of goldens and the benefits of owning a Dyson!

Show people that you would never ask them to do something that you would never do yourself, always smile – be positive and above all always be kind.

Walking my dog by the sea and listening to the crash of the waves.

I did want to be a pilot at one point.

I love doing USA road trips or travelling around France.

Reading New Beginnings at the Birdie and Bramble by Alison Craig and I am totally addicted to NCIS.

Oh – I would be Cameron Diaz in Charlies Angels – or Lara Croft in Tomb Raider – some sort of action character.

Sitting my motorcycle test, going on the trans-Siberian train journey, travelling through India by train, and so much more.