01. Eye of the Tiger — Survivor

This is my go-to track when I need to energise and keep pushing through hard times. It’s also a favourite running song, like a shot of coffee in musical form.

02. Ebben? Ne andrò lontana — from La Wally by Alfredo Catalani

I used to be scared of flying and would listen to this aria during take-off and landing. It is so beautiful and enveloping that my fear of crashing would fade whenever I heard it. I first encountered it through the cult film Diva, where opera singer Wilhelmenia Wiggins Fernandez performs the piece. While my fear of flying has subsided over the years, I still listen to this when I want to be reminded of how incredible it is to be alive.

03. Unstoppable — Sia

Unstoppable reminds me of my inner strength and resilience. Sia is an extraordinary lyricist, and I particularly love her metaphor of a “Porsche with no brakes.” I used to play this on repeat while legally challenging fossil fuel subsidies in the European Courts. I’m convinced it helped me win the case.

04. Without You — Avicii

This is my ultimate break-up anthem. I once suggested it to a friend who had just ended a relationship and she was horrified by the title — feeling it reinforced that she was without her partner. Our reactions to songs are so personal. For me, the lyric “fuck, I’m going out without you” is exactly why I love it.

05. Happy — Pharrell Williams

This is a song I love to play in the office to lift everyone’s mood. The rhythm is infectious; you can’t help but join in. I turn to it whenever I need a pick-me-up.