How I Got Here: Gavin Adair
Describe yourself in one word
Competitive.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career?
It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it.
What's your biggest strength?
Perspective.
What has been your biggest mistake?
It’s hard to choose.
What makes a good leader?
A great team.
Who has had the biggest influence on your approach to business?
I’d choose an organisation rather than an individual. Joining and actively participating in YPO (www.ypo.org) has been a game changer.
How do you stay motivated?
Avoiding routine and spending time with people with good energy.
How often do you check your email?
Far too often. Despite knowing I check it far too often!
How do you relax?
On a hockey pitch, a golf course or a tennis court.
What was your dream job growing up?
I can’t clearly recall having one. But I suspect I dreamt of being a tennis pro at one point.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Take the bins out more often.
What would you call your autobiography?
Seriously?
What's something you think about the restaurant sector that almost nobody agrees with you on?
That we should seriously consider banning phones in restaurants and pubs. It pains me to see families and friends spending so much of their precious time together glued to their screens.
Do you have any business regrets?
I don’t do regrets.
Gavin Adair: Biography
Born: Belfast, 1973
Education and/training: School in Ireland, University in Scotland, Accountancy training in England (ACA) and MBA from London Business School
Employment history: Grant Thornton - graduate trainee and corporate recovery exec (Leeds), manager corporate finance (New York), senior manager corporate restructuring (London); Channel 4 Television - various financial management roles; Ask Italian - finance director; Wahaca - commercial and strategy director; Rosa’s Thai - CEO
