It’s 1:00 pm Thursday, and we’re in chill mode at the spa deck of The Spanish Court Hotel. SO meets up with the ever-so-charming Lesa Dodd, aviation profiler at London’s Heathrow Airport. The soft-spoken Brit is discussing her love for aviation and event management.

What are you sipping today?

A virgin strawberry daiquiri.

What kind of day are you having?

I’m having a great day. I woke up this morning, looked at the beautiful sky, which is a lot more stunning than in London. The mere fact that I got to see this gorgeous sunshine has made my day.

Socialite or homebody?

I’m a socialite.

Flats or stilettos?

Love stilettos.

Jeans or LBD?

Definitely LBD.

In a sentence, how would you describe yourself?

I’m a kind, caring and extremely fun person.

What exactly does an aviation profiler do?

I monitor aviation security and aviation anti-terrorism at the Heathrow Airport.

What was it that drew you to that profession?

I enjoy being on the side of the law and enforcing it (laughs). I’ve always been attracted to careers in immigration, customs, or the police force. So when the opportunity presented itself in 1989, I gladly accepted it.

Share with us the strangest situation you’ve encountered as an aviation profiler.

Wow. I really would love to share that with you but can’t because of the sensitivity of my job. But trust me, many of the people who come through the airport on a daily basis are very interesting characters.

How has the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks changed the way you look at your job?

I work twice as hard now.

What sparked your interest in event management and décor?

Honestly, I like seeing things looking good. It makes me feel good when I step into an event and I’m wowed. I started out decorating my home and when I took an extended leave of absence and came to Jamaica three years ago, my husband, Kenneth Dodd, asked me to manage an event for him while he was still working at Nestlé. I accepted the task, and it turned out well. The guests were very pleased and the Nestlé staff loved it as well. Since then, they’ve asked me to manage a few other events for different brands.

What’s the best event you’ve executed?

I am always trying to improve on what I did before. So when my husband, who is now at GlaxoSmithKline, told me about their awards banquet, I went and I did my research in London, came back and got to work. We had a bridge installed at the entrance of the ballroom and water fountains with fish on either side. Perfectly measured trees inside; it was simply beautiful. I know I can do better, but that (event), I think, has been my best to date.

What is it that excites you about managing events?

After the work put in, it is that ‘wow’ look on the faces of your guests and your employers. Gets me all the time (laughs).

What do you find is the fundamental difference between events in the UK and in Jamaica?

The production in the UK is much higher. We are allowed more room to work with on different projects. For example, China is not far away from us, so we have the chance to order equipment from there and send it back if we are not pleased after testing it. Also, we can actually do a rough set-up of the event days before the actual event, test everything, just to make sure it runs smoothly. Even the food that will be eaten at the event is tasted and made sure that it is to our liking days before the event. In Jamaica, it is very different. What I saw when I came here, were people planning an event and hoping that it goes well on the day. In the UK, we don’t have that opportunity to leave anything to chance. The event must be successful on all ends. The thing about Jamaica, though, is that the events look better because, let’s face it, this is the Caribbean; if you put on a really good event it will look better here because of the tropical setting and climate. The people in Jamaica are also warmer and much funnier on sites. Then, you have another job, which is to ensure that the people who are supposed to do their job take it seriously. I put my heart into it and I take it personal, so it’s very difficult when others don’t. If the event doesn’t come out good I’ll cry.

Which of your jobs do you find more fulfilling?

I really enjoy doing events, but I’d have to say aviation.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Whatever you do, put 100 per cent of yourself into it.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Being able to ensure the safety of thousands just by doing my job. I’m also a certified counsellor in domestic violence. And, of course, being able to put on good events.

Who inspires you?

Barack Obama. He has motivated me so much. I always tell my husband he should be like him (laughs).

What’s next for you?

Since living in Jamaica I learned about the TVJ Schools’ Challenge Quiz competition and was amazed. I wanted to bring something similar to the UK because that is the kind of programme that pulls families and children together. My programme will be called Educational Schools’ Quiz UK, and so I’m currently working on bringing that to life. It should be ready for production soon.

What’s in your handbag?

My perfume, BlackBerry, car keys, iPad, glasses and mascara.

What is your must-have accessory?

My BlackBerry.

Who does your hair and nails?

I go to Sajay’s Beauty Salon. Taniesha does the hair and Stacy does the nails.

When you are not working, where is the best place to find you?

At home with my husband and children.

Where is your favourite place to hang out in the UK?

I love shopping in Oxford Square. Once I’m not working, I’m shopping and Oxford Square has everything.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Being the chairman of the Educational School’s Quiz UK.