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'Neville Longbottom grows into what all people hope to become'

Lara Traboulsi, Communication Director, Leo Burnett, talks about books and fictional characters

What are you reading now?
Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple's Success. The author of the book, Ken Segall, has worked with Steve Jobs in the past as ad agency creative director and was an integral part of many of Apple's famous marketing campaigns.
Which books changed your life?
Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of Spacex and Tesla is Shaping Our Future by Ashlee Vance. It puts into perspective what truly big ambitions are, and how when you challenge yourself to imagine a concept that others can't conceive, and stand by it, you can truly change the world in a whole new way.
Most memorable fictional character (and why)?
Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter series. In the beginning he exhibits all the weaknesses and flaws we see in ourselves, yet by the end of the series he grows marvellously to what all people hope to become (courageous, insightful, strong) - all by simply staying humble and believing in himself.
Your favourite book quote?
It is more a paragraph than a quote but it's truly beautiful:
"'You've come to give me a piece of your mind', I repeated, looking at her. 'You know that phrase is really beautiful. The mind is the most powerful thing in the body, you know, whatever the mind believes, the body can achieve. So to give someone a piece of it...well, thank you, Elizabeth. Funny how people are always intent on giving it to the people they dislike when it really should be for the ones they love. There's another funny thing. But a piece of your mind...what a gift that would be.'" It's from Cecelia Ahern's novel If You Could See Me Now.
- Staff Reporter