Lisa is director of Adastral Park, BT's research and development headquarters. She is building an exciting innovation ecosystem to find new and impactful technology solutions, supporting 150 businesses at Innovation Martlesham, and is passionate about inspiring the next generation with an education enrichment programme. Lisa is on the board of several regional development organisations and is a visiting professor at University of Suffolk. She talks to Gina Long

What’s your connection to East Anglia?

I moved to East Anglia as a graduate 25 years ago. I had been a bit of a nomad before then and it wasn’t long before I fell in love with Suffolk, and decided to stay. This is very much home which I share with my husband and children.

What’s your East Anglian heaven?

Well that’s easy! It’s the natural beauty. A perfect day would be a sunrise paddle board on one of our lovely rivers (the closest being the Deben) followed by breakfast in the pub, and a walk in the countryside.

What’s your East Anglian hell?

It’s far away from my mum.

Do you have any favourite restaurants locally?

Well it has to be The Table in Woodbridge. The food is scrummy and I absolutely love the al fresco vibe. I’m a sucker for fairy lights and they do have a lot.

What’s your favourite local landmark?

I do love the Tidemill in Woodbridge, the perspective from the river especially, but I am a big fan of the scallop at Aldeburgh. I take a lot of photos and the scallop features in some good ones. It’s the sky, the coast and the sculpture.

What’s the best thing about living in East Anglia?

The summer. Long lazy days, paddle boarding to wild beaches, bike rides through the forests and walks to great outdoor drinks at pubs.

What would be your Mastermind subject?

I'd be rubbish at Mastermind but it would probably be a toss-up between squash clubs in the UK (having toured them all traipsing after my talented son) or all the walking/running tracks on Kolocep Island.

What’s always in your fridge?

Peppers. Always. And usually at the very bottom, stuck right at the back a slimy spring onion.

What’s your simple philosophy of life?

I have two. The first is never give up and the second is to have as much adventure as you can possibly cram in. Steve my husband’s is ‘never follow Lisa’ as you usually end up lost and hiking for hours.

What’s your favourite film?

Monsters Inc, closely followed by How to Train Your Dragon.

If I have to choose one with real people in it it’s What’s Up Doc, a film I watched many times with my dad and the tears of laughter always happen.

What was your first job?

I worked in admin for a company that sold sunbeds. And I accidentally deleted the whole customer database just before I returned to university.

What is your most treasured possession?

A silver ring with three little bells on it that my dad gave me when I was about four when he came back from India. And my paddle board as it takes me everywhere that I want to be. Plus my passport as it takes me on even grander adventures.

Who do you admire most?

Nelson Mandela was incredible. To endure so much and to emerge with a forgiving heart is inspirational.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Holidays!

What do you like most about yourself?

That I am great at choosing great places to live.

And that I'm usually pretty good at building meaningful relationships with people.

What is your worst character trait?

I’m always late (trying to cram everything in). Oh and I’m always right.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Croatia. The Elaphiti islands.

The best day of your life?

Clearly the days my two children were born were the best.

What is your favourite breakfast?

Josh my son makes a mean breakfast. He recently made an awesome omelette which has accelerated to the top of the list.

Do you have a favourite tipple?

Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand or Chilean, and very cold.

Any hidden talents?

Not turning back on myself whilst on a walk. Even if it means climbing over fences or rummaging through bushes. Or the other talent is breaking rules.

What is your earliest memory?

I think I remember stalking a stray tabby cat that I referred to as ‘Tiger’ which later allowed me to adopt it.

What would you like played at your funeral?

Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves. It always makes me dance and as a follower of the sun, it seems so apt. I'd love for everyone to go wild and dance like mad at my funeral.

What’s the worst thing anyone has said to you?

‘You can’t’ - I usually then try to prove them wrong.

Why do you live here and nowhere else?

People, place, opportunity.
People are fabulous, the place is beautiful and there is so much opportunity to make a difference.

What do you want to tell our readers about most?

Keep East Anglia beautiful. Let’s all work together to help drive opportunities for our families and our friends, to help boost East Anglia, but let’s work extra hard to protect its natural beauty.

I am always looking for interesting people from Suffolk and Norfolk to feature in my Q&A. Please contact me at gina@hallfarmfornham.com or follow me on Instagram @ginalong_geewizz