What is a childhood memory that makes you smile?
Growing up in Scotland you never get tired of driving up to the lochs and the scenery that always puts a smile on your face
As a teenager, what were you obsessed with?
I always enjoy cycling and today I compete in Ironman
Do you remember the first story you ever read and the impact it had on you?
James and the giant Peach but it did not have any impact on me
Were your family ever skeptical of your dreams of writing? Who has been your greatest supporter?
That's an easy one to answer yes. I never did get my school certification in English as I was dyslexic but it was not unknown problem when I was growing up. And my greatest supporter was most definitely my mom.
What made you decide to write your debut novel?
My debut novel was Turning It On - Sure Fire Business Stories to Ignite, Excite and Entertain. when facilitating workshops many people ask me where I got my stories from which was the inspiration to provide a selection of business facilitation stories.
How much time did you spend researching when writing your book, World's Best Bank?
That is a good question because this book required more research than any of my four previous books. I spent six months interviewing the C-Suite at the bank and an additional two years researching and developing the manuscript in partnership with DBS Bank.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
The most important tip for anyone writing a book that I can provide is switch off email and your phone when you are writing. It is well research that when you are disrupted it takes over 20 minutes to get back into the flow. Therefore I blocked specific times when I was writing with no interruptions. My favorite time was to write from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Why are business experiencing digital transformation?
The simple answer is because the pandemic disrupted our traditional business models. But we are now learning that even without the pandemic digital transformation is redesigning the way we work by creating new revenue streams. It is:
Rewriting the rules of competition - think how ecosystems are changing the way we work with other companies
Rewiring the way employees work - think I we are empowering employees in hackathons and design thinking to improve customer experiences
Reshaping how values created and captured - think how digital customers typically conduct 16 times more self-driven transactions then traditional customers
What if you got a chance to speak at a TEDx event? How will you present yourself and your life there?
If I spoke again at TEDx my next talk would be on the secrets of digital transformation.
What are the most important things to consider while choosing co-founders for a startup?
I've started two new companies in the last two years both with co-founders. The number one most important element is that we share a passion and vision of what the company will become. It is not about agreeing all the time how we will get there but understanding that we share a purpose that is greater than both of us.
How does it feel to be the CEO of a company?
Walking away from corporate and starting what is now three companies it's true what they say. It is all about the… freedom. You have to be able to recognize that some months you will have zero income another month you will not have a moment to yourself but it is that every day is different that I love and it also helps that I do not work but live every day my passion.
Would you leave your family and home for the opportunity to be a pioneer on Mars?
Not in a million years
Who do you think has the best social media strategy and implementation?
No one - communicating strategy and implementation through social media is not the easiest thing to achieve.
How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?
My next book is the body of knowledge for the Strategy Implementation Institute coming out in January 2022. I reckon my next book after that will be strategy implementation for CEOs.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
All authors is a great platform for promoting your book.
