20 QUESTIONS
Every organization will have its ‘stars.’ The great organizations are the ones able to elevate the performance of average staff to excellence.
1
If you could pick anyone, who would you pick as a business mentor?
Galen Weston Sr. — balanced very successful business growth through expansion of sales with philanthropic giving
2
What business or leadership book would you most recommend?
“Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg — It is not just a business book for women, it is a must read for all business leaders who recognize the importance of women in leadership roles
3
What advice have you received that has helped you the most?
If you have to choose between being smart or being lucky … pick luck every time.
4
Where have you visited that you would like to return?
China — an amazing country with a tremendous history and culture. I spent two weeks in China several years ago and would love to learn more.
5
What is your favourite spot in Hamilton?
I love being around water, so it is Bayfront Park — a great place to run, bike, or sit and look at the lake.
6
What did you learn from your first job?
Working with great people makes all the difference. Not only does it help the organization, it makes coming to work every day very rewarding and fun.
7
What is your favourite hobby?
Running … swimming and downhill skiing
8
What do you do to wind down from work?
My favourite place to wind down is the cottage.
9
What makes you nervous?
Year-end financial statements. Despite a great finance team, year-end results are never guaranteed until the audit signs off on the statements.
10
How do you motivate people?
Strong personal relationships and a real understanding of your staff team are important … of course, never underestimate the self motivation of your team … so sometimes it is simply ensuring that you don’t get in their way.
11
What are you good at?
I like to analyze things and look at different perspectives and options. Process and understanding is important to me.
12
What do you want to work on?
Sometimes I worry about spending too much time on process, which may adversely affect quick decision-making.
13
What is Hamilton’s most valuable asset?
The people who live and work in Hamilton. We have a very caring city, with people willing to work together in building a stronger community.
14 If you were to describe your company’s mission in one sentence what would it be?
Building healthy communities. Our focus, in partnership with many others in the community, is to improve the health of children, youth and families.
15
Who is the leader you look up to the most?
There are many leaders in the businesses, charities and politics that I admire. So, I will stay within my family. It would be my father, whose wisdom, compassion and patience I have always admired.
16
Which economic trend do you follow?
Precarious employment and youth unemployment. We have the best educated generation in our history, facing some of the most significant challenges in the recent decades. As a country, we need to improve our performance in this area to prevent even greater societal challenges.
17
What do you like to do for entertainment?
Reading newspapers and books, but my favourite are newspapers. On holidays I will frequently buy two or three daily papers and read each one.
18
What makes a good employee?
A good supervisor. Every organization will have its “stars.” The great organizations are the ones able to elevate the performance of average staff to excellence.
19
Any advice for young entrepreneurs?
Pursue your dreams and take chances. My stepson is working on a career in music, something he loves. Whether this will be his “career,” is less important than his decision to try and succeed in this challenging business.
20
What is your favourite expression?
My team tells me that my favourite expression is “I have two comments to make …” This helps me in always focusing on the larger picture or outcomes … even if I have three or four comments.