In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Lara – the lone ranger of Venti Comms (howdy), and as a little break from talking shop, here are 11 of the strangest and most random things I can think of to share with you.

Erm… enjoy?!

1. My mastermind subject would be Star Trek.

But not just ANY Star Trek. Only the Deep Space 9 series, of which I have a disturbingly encyclopaedic knowledge.

2. If I could be transported to any time and place, it’d be California’s Sunset Strip in 1984.

For someone with an insatiable appetite for 80’s hair metal and glam rock, it would’ve been the best time and place I can think of on earth. If you ever meet me, you’ll realise how unlikely the 80’s rock fetish is – but I have the battle scars to prove it; tinnitus from one too many Motley Crue concerts.

3. When I was just 18, I was joint Managing Director of a freight company.

Along with two other partners, we ran a short-lived road haulage operation. Again, if you ever meet me, you’ll realise what a bizarre and unlikely scenario that is.

4. I’ve been a digital nomad since 2022.

It’s annoying and overused term, I know. But a few years ago, after falling in love with the city, I decided to base myself in Athens – or, more accurately, between Athens and my native Shropshire. I’m very thankful we live in a world that supports remote work – all of my clients are based in the West Midlands, and wherever I’m based, it doesn’t affect what I deliver. I feel really alive here. If you ever find yourself in the city, I’ll take you for a coffee!

5. I make a seriously moreish lasagne.

This is probably also predictable considering some of my heritage is Italian. I don’t like minced beef – the fibrous texture grosses me out – so I use chopped pancetta instead and way more pasta sheets than you’re supposed to. It’s much nicer!

6. If I could have a drink with anyone – living or dead – it’d be Hunter S Thompson.

I think he’s probably the most impetuous, fascinating, unorthodox and liberated person that ever lived. Have you ever read his epic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved? Hilarious and exhilarating!

7. I didn’t name my business after a Starbucks drink size.

Or did I? Ha. No, I mean it is a good size for a mocha frapuccino. Venti simply means ‘twenty’ in Italian – I originally built my business around 20 core services, hence the name.

8. Spiders. Just the actual thought of a spider.

The thought of being within a 200-metre radius of one, which I know is statistically very probable, is too much. Every September – aka Big Spider Season – I’m a bag of nerves.

9. The same with sharks, which I know is statistically improbable.

It’s not just Jaws; it’s the fact that I’ve scared the daylights out of myself by watching one too many shark attack documentaries on YouTube. I love wild swimming, but after around 5 minutes of blissful floating anywhere off a beach, I suddenly get the fear. I used to scuba dive, so I know what’s actually down there – but I still sometimes wonder if a stray great white is underneath me with its mouth open.

10. I do speak a bit of Greek…

I think it’s one of the hardest languages to learn – it has a different alphabet and as a Brit who isn’t used to having to identify whether a word is masculine, feminine or neutral, I might as well have learned Swahili. But I can get by, and order a coffee at least – which is the most important thing.

11. If you asked me to tell you a joke, I’d wheel out my favourite Tim Vine one-liner.

I actually interviewed him once for the Express & Star – lovely chap. Ready? “I sent my girlfriend a pile of snow – then called her up and said ‘d’you get my drift?’”

So that’s me! Nothing like 11 inane and useless facts to help you get to know a PR provider, eh? And if that list hasn’t put you off, do say hello and let’s have a chat about working together.