CEO by Day, Karaoke Queen by Night

CEO by day, Karaoke Queen by night — Introducing Sam Smith.

Often when we think of “CEO”, our minds jump to boardrooms, business strategies, and briefcases. Thankfully, Sam Smith defeats the odds, and she reminds us that behind most successful businesswomen are karaoke-loving Beyoncé fans who aren’t afraid to dance around the kitchen like nobody is watching. 

Throughout her powerhouse career, she’s lead from the top with boldness and humour (check out her very impressive LinkedIn if you don’t believe us!) so we were obviously thrilled when she agreed to an interview discussing all things guilty pleasure TV and alter egos. 

This is leadership with a twist. Trust us, it’s anything but boring. 

1. What’s your weekend alter ego?

After a hectic week, I really try to just go with the flow at weekends. This means making sure I find time to properly relax and switch off — this lively brain of mine needs a break every now and again.

2. What’s the most unexpected hobby you have?

My hobbies cover anything from playing tennis to hiking, really. Something I love is experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen (yes, this includes ditching the instructions and convincing myself that I know how to do it after two minutes) and of course, going out for lunch with friends. Travelling is also something I’m lucky enough to do often. 

3. What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?

Honestly? The trashier the better. I’ll binge Love Island so hard that I’ll be pulling my colleagues “for a chat” in the boardroom at work. Just joking. Any programme that means I can completely go into another world and zoom out of reality for half an hour, sign me up!

 4. What’s your “CEO by day, ___ by night” secret?

Obviously, my favourite hat that I wear must be that of silly mummy. There’s nothing better than spending my evenings with my daughter after school. Time to chill out, chat, and get creative.

 5. What’s your go-to power song – the one that gets you hyped?

Oh, it has to be Love on Top by Beyoncé. Just when you think the key changes can’t go any higher, BAM! I’m hitting the high notes with confidence like I’m headlining Glastonbury.

6. What’s the most un-CEO thing about you?

This is easy (and quite shocking, in fact!) but I love people making decisions for me outside of work. I love answering with “I’m easy, it’s up to you,” anytime someone asks where we should go for lunch, what we should eat, or which movie we should put on that evening. 

7. What’s your ultimate “switch off” ritual after a long day?

Something I love doing but know I should dedicate more time towards, is reading and learning from other entrepreneurs: their struggles, their success, what they pair with their sourdough in the mornings. I also love helping my daughter with her homework – am I the first Mum to ever say this? And of course, nothing beats a good book or a long walk in nature. 

8. Fill in the blank: “People would never believe I ___.”

Gosh, it seems a lifetime away now, but I used to sing solos at people’s weddings when I was young. I was Head Chorister, so I love a sing song and am always up for some karaoke.  

9. Describe yourself in one sentence, off-duty edition.

There isn’t really an on-off version of me. This is something I’ve learnt over the years: to be truly authentic and do what feels right for me. Of course, making good decisions is important, but so is having boundaries and having the freedom to say no when something isn’t right or working out. I guess there’s a bit more silly dancing around the kitchen at home than in the office!

10. Anything you’d want to tell your younger self.

Something I’d tell my younger self is know your worth. You deserve a seat at the table just as much as everyone else. Don’t be afraid to believe in bigger – the sooner you realise that the others at the top are just like you, the better! Keep yourself open to more experience and more opportunities, and you’ll go further than you ever thought possible.