Johanna Konta
British tennis player
When I was five, I wanted to be a cleaning lady; when I was nine, I wanted to be the world’s number one tennis player.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Question
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Failure & regret
Question
What keeps you awake at night?
Daily life
Question
What would you like to be remembered for?
Death & what remains
Question
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Craft & work
Originally asked
The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A
This is a standing question in The Guardian's decades-long The Q&A and also recurs independently in career and life interviews.
You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.
I just wanted to fulfil my potential.
The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 August 2021 source ↗
Others on this question
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Julian Lloyd Webber
British cellist and conductor
A detective, a train driver on the underground and Leyton Orient’s centre forward.
First, I wanted to be a historian, then a drummer, and after that I just wanted to be employed. And I still do.
An air steward, because I loved airports. I wrote a letter to British Airways when I was seven and I’ve got the reply in the loft, which says, “You’re a bit young at seven but do stay in touch.” I was that kind of kid who was eager to start the ball rolling.
More from Gareth Bale
View profile →Nothing. Without my past I wouldn’t be who I am today.
I sleep very well. Nothing keeps you awake when you know within yourself how much you care, how much you give, and that you always try your best. And that’s true for me, whether it’s on the pitch, on the international stage leading the line for my country, or at home.
I only really care about my own opinion of myself, and my family and friends’ opinion of me. The rest is just noise.
Nothing is the same as the sense of pride and achievement I feel when I see my kids growing up and enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
More on identity & self
Also answered this
Pete Rozelle, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Hoy, Mo Farah, Wayne Rooney, Peyton Manning
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