in Profiles by Kate Bassett. Permalink.
The former CEO of Iris on Porsches, Pick 'n' Mix and making mistakes.
Age: 48. At least that’s what my birth certificate keeps trying to tell me.
Company: Until recently, CEO of IRIS. Now going more serial (entrepreneur that is).
Company turnover: IRIS grew from £9m to £120m revenues under my leadership and from £30m to £500m-plus market cap.
First job: Sweet shop
Dream job: Current one – Pick ‘n' Mix
Car: Porsche 911 Cabriolet
Economy, business or first class: The full range depending on time, distance and budget.
Most extravagant purchase: My wife and daughters are in charge of this area. No idea.
Most-played song on your iPod: "Freedom" by Akon plus anything by the Black Eyed Peas.
Best business book: A whole new mind by Daniel Pink
Worst business moment: Making mistakes are the times you learn the most and hurt the most. My worst moments were when I was running a VC-backed dotcom in 1999.
Proudest business moment: Great customer, employee and industry feedback via surveys and awards (like Real Business) are the most satisfying. Winning an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award felt really good.
Your business mentor: I have a lot to thank Barrie Haigh and Dr Philip Brown for – two amazing pharma sector entrepreneurs.
Next big thing: It will hopefully be something that involves disrupting traditional markets. Watch this space.