In this speedy interview, CommsRebel founder Advita Patel answers a series of fun and business-related questions.

What would you be doing if you weren’t running a business?

I’d still be working in communications but probably for some organisation, hopefully making a difference. If I didn’t transition to comms in my 20s I think I’d be working as a HR professional. I started my masters in HR before I swapped over to Strategic Marketing. And if I was brilliant at my Chemistry A-Level, I’d have been a pharmacist!

What’s your favourite season and why?

I love Spring. Everything is so new and fresh so it feels like a clean break. I create my 90 day plans around seasons as I feel very different in each one. Spring is about creativity and new ideas, Summer is about development and learning, Autumn is about reflection and adjustment and Winter is for rest and recuperation.

What was the last thing you Googled?

In all honesty it was my name – hahahahaha. I was looking for a podcast I featured on and I couldn’t find the original link.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Ooo this is a tough one. I feel I already live in one of the best places – Manchester. It has everything you need, city vibes, country hikes, great restaurants, nice bars, fabulous people! The second place would probably be NYC – it holds a special place in my heart.

Tell us something no one knows about you?

I sponsor an elephant in a Kenyan orphanage but I’m absolutely petrified of them – so weird as I adore them (from a distance).

What’s your ambition for CommsRebel in five years?

Global domination – haha! I want CommsRebel to be the go-to consultancy for organisations who want to do things differently about workplace culture. I’m baffled at how many organisations spend quite a bit of money on systems and products to help increase engagement when they haven’t done the basics e.g. asking their colleagues what they need to thrive. From my research and work with clients most people want to belong, feel included in decisions, understand what value they bring to the organisation and be rewarded appropriately. We are in danger of over complicating the most basic needs.

How do you relax?

I never in a million years thought I’d ever say this – but going to the gym has transformed my mental health and mindset. As soon as I took pressure off myself, I started to love the experience.

Would you rather the ability to fly or be invisible? Why?

Fly, I always underestimate how long it will take me to get somewhere but if I could fly I’d be there in a jiffy!

What’s your favourite book?

The Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, transformed my life.

And finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

What other people think about you is none of your business. As a recovering people pleaser, I remind myself of this frequently.