The Heavenly Hotseat: Huw Davies, Chief Communications & Campaigns Officer, (RED)

A regular feature for the Heavenly Hymnsheet, our monthly email newsletter. Each month we invite a guest to share their answers to ten questions on what makes them tick.

1. Where and when were you happiest?

I think driving around the South Island of New Zealand back in 2007 would have to be one of those moments. The majestic landscapes, the sheer space, the huge skies, the great food and the insanely good coffee made for a week that was deeply happy and one I’d love to repeat some day.

2. What do you value most in other people?

Humour. It’s everything.

3. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

I will always remember my brilliant first boss when I was with Chrysalis Radio many many years ago, Steve Parkinson, telling me that he would be more impressed if I admitted I didn’t know something, and asked for help, versus pretending I had it licked and failing miserably. It was my first proper job and that piece of advice has always stuck with me – in essence, never be afraid to ask.

4. What did you dream of being when you were young?

There was only one dream: to work for MTV. It never came true, but I’m reconciled and still happy.

5. What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?

Amy Schumer hosting Saturday Night Live this past weekend. She is a force and I find her physical humour to be enormously amusing.

6. What keeps you awake at night?

My kids and my dog who snores in her old age. I often have my greatest mental clarity in the early hours and can make – and remember – a list in my brain that sets the next day straight.

7. What is your favourite word?

I have a few choice ones, many of which are not suitable for a publication of this calibre!

8. Which talent are you most envious of?

There is something utterly beautiful about a true pianist. I will always regret giving up my piano aspirations, aged 10.

9. Which famous painting would you choose to have in your home?

I really love Frank Stella’s work and have long dreamed about owning one of his ‘Concentric Squares’ paintings.

10. What is your proudest moment?

Aside from seeing my children growing into decent humans, landing my job in America was a huge moment and one of great pride. I have loved New York since I first visited aged 18 – I can still recall seeing the skyline for the very first time, coming in on the Greyhound from Boston! So when the call came that my client wanted to take me from my London agency into an in-house role, in New York, it was an enormously proud moment and one of life’s great forks in the road.