Work and lots of play pays off for this sporting life

What is work ?

I am a global category manager, commodities and neutral spirit for UDV. This means I am responsible for the development of procurement strategies, sugar, sweeteners and neutral spirit across the world for the company's operations. The total spend in these areas is around #140 million per annum.

What was your first job?

My first job was a holiday job in Aberdeen, for a company called Bennico, which supplied underwater remotely operated vehicles to the diving industry. I was doing deliveries, filling in holiday gaps and doing any other odd jobs around the office. My first permanent job was as a marketing and management trainee for a dairy company in Bath. This meant that I spent time on the owners' farm, milking and calving cows. Sometimes I went on the milk round (one of the few things I have in common with Sean Connery) and even spent time selling ice creams.

What did your mum and dad do?

My father was a chartered surveyor in London and my mother looked after my two elder sisters and me.

What is your greatest difficulty at work?

Attempting to save money buying materials whose price can be influenced enormously by one factor completely outwith man's control - the weather.

What do you excel at in work?

WInding up my colleagues - supporters of Manchester United, Liverpool and Southampton.

How do you stay motivated and are there any books which inspire you?

I am motivated at work by the same things that motivated me in my sporting career and in my personal life - a burning desire to succeed and be the best at what I do. I do read the odd business book, but I always refer back to the most important asset a businessman can have. According to Mark McCormick, author of 'What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School', this is a sense of humour.

Is goal setting important?

Yes, it's essential in all walks of life. Whether you write them down, talk about them or only think about them, you have to have goals, otherwise your life will pass you by and you will miss out on some great times.

Are you a workaholic?

No. I can work hard and long hours when I have to, but I try to leave time in the day, every day, for my family.

How do you keep work and life apart?

Work is a key part of life and to differentiate between the two is almost impossible. I believe it is fundamentally important to strike a balance between work life and family life, although that is easier said than done.

Are you a good boss, employee?

I do not have any direct reports any more in my new role - you would have to ask my boss whether I am a good employee or not!

Can you send email/surf the net?

Yes. Despite being a bit of a technophobe, emails are a key part of business now, especially since I am dealing with operations around the world, which function in different time zones. I believe that the most useful application of email is to share humour! I do surf the net - but that is mostly so I can check share prices and cricket scores.

What are your favourite working clothes and your favourite working place?

I like working from home where I can dress how I like and where there is peace and quiet, except when the children are on holiday. We are just trying out dressing down on Fridays which is great.

What is in your briefcase?

I don't often carry a briefcase, but when I do, it contains my laptop, mobile phone and a blank writing pad and plenty of pens and pencils.

What single change would you make to improve your working life?

Working in a place where I do not have to commute for 3.5 hours every day, with the beauty of the countryside, but has the convenience of the city...keep dreaming!

Have you ever been sacked?

Only by various rugby magazines that I have written for.

Do you think talent gets to the top in Scotland?

Scottish talent gets to the top all around the world, in all walks of life. I am sure it is because of the resilient, dogmatic and proud nature of the Scots who never want to hide their nationality.

What's your favourite tool of the trade?

Without a doubt it is never taking life too seriously - the world will not stop revolving without you, so it is important to enjoy life while you can.

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