5 Minutes With: James Wright of Cheerful Buddha

What would you be doing if you weren’t in the food industry?
Gardening, probably. I love surrounding myself with nature, and that’s when I feel happiest.

What was your first job?
Washing dishes at a local carvery restaurant that did 450 covers a night. Taught me to work hard, literally and metaphorically. Very different to what I do now.

What inspires you?
Seeing my son learn every day, and early mornings (both are related).

What’s the worst job you’ve done?
Putting wood in a machine and watching it become two pieces of wood for eight hours a day. Although, I did enjoy having plenty of time to ponder life! Maybe I’d have never been where I am now if I didn’t have all that time to think.

Tea or coffee?
Coffee, filtered, with Oatly Barista.

What’s your favourite part of the job?
Receiving people’s feedback and positivity about our products - makes it all worthwhile.

And your least favourite?
The rest of the team waiting for my video to reconnect on calls - happens every time!

What would be your last supper?
Sushi with a cold beer. Japanese food is so amazingly tasty and healthy. And, who doesn’t like a cold beer!?

What’s your motto?
Be good, be kind, be yourself.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Camel jerky. Never again.

What’s your favourite book?
A Modern Way To Eat by Anna Jones.

Sweet or savoury?
I didn’t have to think for long about this question - sweet.