MINUTES WITH…
Dita Sen-Gupta, Co-owner and Chief Commercial Officer, Athertons
What does a typical working day look like, and has this changed since the onset of Covid?
I plan my working day the night before, and diarise what I need to do. But inevitably it involves juggling a multitude of additional tasks, as businesses are not static. For many years, we have ensured our businesses are flexible enough to be mobile and to work remotely, so Covid did not affect that. We were able to adapt the business, the building and the workforce as required.
What is on the top of your todo list?
Checking in on the teams is high on my list, and helping to clear blockages and stay in tune with every day activity. We are incredibly lucky to have inherited
(and grown) a truly superb, proactive and positive team of people that truly care for one another; the component parts of a great company full of endless possibilities.
What is the best advice you have been given in your career?
To be respectful to everyone who crosses your path at all times; every person we interact with is different. Be understanding (“the do unto others…” ethos).
This has proven to be the most valuable piece of advice for me for a number of reasons. It is an increasingly small world, especially with the speed of technological advancement. Paths often cross on innumerable occasions and roles may switch in different companies. A previously negative dynamic may prove to become your most profitable relationship in different circumstances. So long as you can look back with a clear conscience knowing that you have always behaved with dignity and respect, then the relationship is likely to be mutually fruitful. No-one knows what goes on in peoples’ lives to influence their attitude at any given time.
If you weren’t doing your current job what would be your ideal role?
I would redesign the whole social care and related legal ecosystem to make lives better for kids in care / coming out of care; something that is close to my heart.
Who is your role model? (Business or personal)
I don’t have role models. I do however admire a great many people, one such is an unsung hero of the information age: Tim Berners-Lee co-founder of the Internet, whose ethos has been ‘inclusivity over profit’. For me this is the single most profound, game changing invention of the 20th century, catalysing the tech we take for granted today. We should not forget just how phenomenal it is, that we have instant global communication at our fingertips 24/7. We are a “truly connected world” as a result of the building blocks he created. Most importantly he chose to make it free, to better lives. I love the inclusivity principle at work too, so we strive to create good communication, accessibility and inclusivity.
Why choose Liverpool City Region?
After we bought Athertons, a love affair with the City and wider region bloomed very quickly! It is the most welcoming and friendly place, full of stunning architecture. We find ourselves wanting to base our next acquisitions here too. It is also an incredibly forward thinking and dynamic place and these are exciting times to be part of the plans for its future, especially with the growth and innovation plans. I think Liverpool is an undervalued gem. I would like to see it grow and get the appreciation it deserves.