FOR the first half of her career Patricia Alexander's answer to the classic dinner party question "What do you do for a living?" was the conversation-stopping "I'm an accountant." 

It's a reply which can prompt the questioner to wish they'd been seated next to someone else, or to reach for the wine bottle and strap themselves in for an evening of anecdotes about depreciation and double counting.

In recent years, however, Patricia's career path has taken a series of profound twists and turns - from monastery manager to fair trade funding boss - that reminds you of life's endless possibilities.

Until her mid 40s, the Tynesider - an accountancy graduate of Newcastle University with an MBA from Durham Business School - had worked in the manufacturing industry for firms such as Marconi and Hawker Siddeley. It was during her time heading the Wallsend plant of French multi-national St-Gobain Quartz Group that her career changed course irrevocably. 

"I am a big supporter of manufacturing, I think it is very important," she insists. "However, at that time St-Gobain were transferring work to Korea. We were going through cutbacks and it was a depressing period to be in charge.

"The MD I succeeded, a French fellow a few years older than me, worked himself into the ground and at the age of 53 had a fatal heart attack. We'd been colleagues for 10 years. His sudden death was one of those moments where you think - I hate what I'm doing, I'm sick and tired of making people redundant and I need a job that is more in line with my personal values and interests.

"I left and went to run a monastery (Minsteracres Retreat Centre, near Consett, County Durham), which was a bit like running a specialist hotel," recalls Patricia, who only stayed in the role for a few months, but she knew that a return to traditional corporate life was out of the question.

"I did some voluntary work for St Cuthberts Care while I decided my next move. Then I heard about the Shared Interest vacancy. It sounded like my dream job."

Newcastle-based Shared Interest, a co-operative which bills itself as the world's only 100 per cent fair trade lender, takes cash from UK investors and lends it to fair trade organisations in more than 50 countries. Your investment may not make you rich but it will enrich the lives of others, is one of its mottos.

Seven years since landing her dream job Patricia, 55, still describes it as: "Just perfect for me.

"Why? Because it's all about helping people; giving them respect and hope for the future. I get to meet the most amazing people in Africa and Latin America who have a huge sense of community and love and respect for other human beings - things that we in the developed world  seem to have lost to a large extent. Over here it seems to be all about owning the next new gadget.

"Shared Interest has an amazing set of committed investors who want to use their money for the betterment of others," says Patricia. "In most cases their money goes to people thousands of miles away whom they are unlikely to meet.

"It's inspiring to work for a company like this. Even when you have had a bad day you know that someone somewhere is benefitting from the work that you do."

For more information visit www.shared-interest.com

Five minutes with Patricia Alexander...

Favourite North-East building and why?
I have to say the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. I enjoy passing it most days on my way to work as our head office is just round the corner.  It is my favourite quite simply because it is so beautiful and I have also enjoyed some fantastic nights out there with friends and family.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? 
In a bar while I was studying for my accountancy exams at Newcastle University. The pay was not much more than £1 per hour but at least pubs weren't open all day and into the early hours as they are now. I remember particularly dreading the Sunday morning shift.

What is the worst job you've had?
The one mentioned above but I had to stick with it for a couple of years while I continued my studies. The only one saving grace was that the bar wasn't far from where I lived.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?
Whatever you like as long as it can go in the microwave, otherwise we would be eating out.

What would your superpower be?
It would come in very handy at times to be able to read people's minds.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. 
Jonny Wilkinson, Colin Firth, Nelson Mandela and Catherine Mututua.  Catherine leads an African group of Maasai women called Namayiana who I have been lucky enough to meet twice during trips to Kenya.  They have transformed a community, who for the most part couldn't read or write, into a thriving group of women now providing an income for themselves and their families.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?
I couldn't pinpoint any one object but do like to buy paintings and sculptures. They form an interesting collection as some have been bought on overseas trips when visiting our customers.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? 
I would have to say Livia Firth, wife of Colin and someone who is known for bringing a touch of glamour to environmental causes by wearing sustainable fashion on the red carpet. Which is why on Twitter she is described as queen of the green carpet.

Favourite book?
Far too many to choose from but they are all mysteries and crime novels.

When did you last cry?
When I visited a schools project in Africa during one of my trips to visit customers where many of the children were orphans and they had no books, or shoes, or most vitally, anywhere to call home.

What is your greatest achievement?

Leading Shared Interest.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?
Trust your own instincts.

Favourite animal and why. 
Cat because what's not to like? They are cute, cuddly and fiercely independent.

Most famous person on your mobile phone. 
Wouldn't you like to know.

What was the last band you saw live?
Bruce Springsteen at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. I first saw him live when I was 18. This was followed up by seeing him play at St James' Park when I was 23. You could say I am a big fan.

Describe your perfect night in. 
Dinner with friends and wine - with someone else doing the cooking of course.

In another life I would be... the England Rugby Coach.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Keira Knightley.

What irritates you? 
People with bad manners; politeness costs nothing.

What's your secret talent?
Not so secret now, but I have a really good memory.