Six questions ...

What countries have you most enjoyed travelling to, for business or leisure, and why?

Nowhere on the planet, is better than the Isle of Barra. However, for pleasure France is among my favourites. I love the vibe of the place: passionate yet laid back; an appreciation of the good things in life like music, food and art and a focus on family.

When you were a child, what was your ideal job? Why did it appeal?

As a child I had no idea what I wanted to be, I was too busy doing all the things a child should be doing like exploring, playing, falling over and getting into trouble.

What was your biggest break in business?

I was fortunate to be working for HBOS at the time of the crisis in 2007 to 2009. To be there at the time of the collapse and see what was happening in the banking industry more broadly was a great privilege as I learnt some key leadership skills at that time which have stayed with me.

What was your worst moment in business? Running a business is all about customers. I haven’t had the misfortune to lose too many clients to competitors, but every client I have lost I take as a personal failure and I take it as an opportunity to learn from those moments and make improvements.

Who do you most admire and why?

My brother-in-law Mike Mckirdy is a leading breast surgeon and every day of his professional life faces decisions which have life changing implications for patients. His understanding of the human condition and his communication skills are a leadership lesson to all of us.

What book are you reading and what music are you listening to? What was the last film you saw? I’m reading Poacher’s Pilgrimage by Alastair Mcintosh and Capital by Thomas Piketty. Music in the car is The Tommy Smith jazz Quartet and saxophonist Maceo Parker. The last film I saw was Outlaw King.