BMJ Features Editor, Jennifer Richardson
We’re delighted to welcome Jennifer Richardson, Investigations and Senior Features Editor of The BMJ to the Executive Committee of the MJA.
Her appointment was proposed by MJA Chair Shaun Lintern, seconded by Vice Chair Emma Wilkinson and unanimously agreed by the EC.
Jennifer joined The BMJ in 2017 and is responsible for commissioning, editing and writing in-depth journalistic stories with a UK focus.
In our occasional series of Q&As with members, Jennifer tells us more about herself, her work and her best career move.
Earliest ambition?
Vet. Then I found out about euthanasia and backed down.
Earliest inspiration?
In primary school, one of my favourite tasks was when you had to make your work into a newspaper front page.
Best thing about being a journalist?
Getting to talk to lots of interesting people and, generally, them wanting to talk to you. Also working with such smart, enthusiastic, hard working colleagues is always an honour.
Career highlight?
Someone once recognised me from my byline picture, and called his family to tell them he was on the train with me. As a specialist trade journalist, it was a niche spot!
More seriously, I’ve enjoyed so much of my career to date, it’s tricky to pick one highlight. Being made editor of my own title was definitely one and joining the big name that is The BMJ has also got to be up there.
Worst mistake?
I once left the office camera on a train – with all my pictures from a big event on it. We never got it back. My then boss was really nice about it.
Best career move?
Leaving my first title, where I’d developed from rookie reporter to editor over eight years, to become a lecturer in journalism felt like a big risk but it paid off. It was a brilliant learning curve, taught me a lot, added skills to my CV, and at the time allowed me to develop a ‘portfolio career’, leading to my current role.
What is your best attribute as an editor?
Colleagues often say “calm under pressure”.
And the worst?
I am told that my ‘editing face’ makes people think I am unimpressed by what I am working on. I’m just concentrating!
Who would you most like to thank?
I’ve been extremely lucky that all the significant managers throughout my career have been brilliant – supportive but not overbearing.
What makes you angry?
Obnoxious driving.
What would you do if you won £100 million?
That much money would require a lot of thought, but while I mused on it I’d finally get our leaky bathrooms sorted.
Your go-to karaoke song?
I just can’t, sorry. I’m happy to go and sing along in the background, but no one needs my voice near a microphone.
Guiltiest pleasure?
I try not to feel guilty about things that bring me pleasure.
What would you do if you were invisible for a day?
Get a fly-on-the-wall view of my kids in school.
Most treasured possession?
I can’t think of any ‘things’ that I consider especially valuable. I love our house, where we’ve settled after moving back to Wales two years ago, but there’s nothing I’d save from it in a fire other than the living.
What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?
I couldn’t quite bring myself to use disposable nappies, but I was reasonably pleased with myself for buying a set of reusable wet wipes – basically small flannels – when my eldest was born, and using them throughout with both kids. The number of disposable wet wipes I’d have got through if I hadn’t is staggering. I still use the reusables for sticky hands, faces and bathtime now.
What part does alcohol play in your life?
See the question about ‘guiltiest pleasure’. Dry white wine, please, if it’s your round.
What do you bore your family with?
Nature nerdery. I specialised in zoology in my final year at university.
Where are you happiest?
Rhossili beach on Gower. I’ve been going there with my now husband since I was 15 and our time there has transitioned from drunken teenage campfires to watching our kids run around in the waves. One of our reasons for moving home to Wales was being able to go more often.
What would be on your menu for the last supper?
A Japanese feast – sashimi, sushi, gyoza and tonkotsu ramen.
Food hell?
Tinned baked beans. I love almost all food but I can’t bear even the smell of these. Why is the sauce so sweet?
Regrets?
No. Every decision gets you to where you are, right? And I’m pretty happy with that.
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