20 QUESTIONS 20 QUESTIONS JOHN BEST WHO ARE YOU?
John Best, Head of Sustainable Energy, Fendercare Marine
WHO WOULD YOU NOT LIKE TO BE? I would not like to be anybody who is a pessimist
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SMELL?
Norfolk Lavender – there is something very calming and relaxing about its fragrance.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
At home, I try to switch off from a busy work life - which may
WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE INDUSTRY/YOUR POSITION? I led the East of England Energy Group as CEO for 11 years. Fendercare Marine was a member of EEEGR, looking at ways in which they might raise their profile. As a result, I became particularly interested in the possibility of working closer with the company which for many years had been a “hidden secret” to the Energy sector. And so it is, after a 40 year apprenticeship that I find myself working for an international business in the global marine industry located just 4 miles from Loddon, Norfolk where I started my career at sea as a Navigating Cadet with Bibby Line, leaving school at the age of sixteen.
FAMILY STATUS?
I plan to marry my fiancée Jo this year. Between us, we are enjoying supporting and encouraging our children Amber, Sasha, Lily and Joel in their development.
WHO IS YOUR HERO AND WHY? I have no specific hero; however I have been impressed and moved by the impact of small and effective groups and individuals who make a difference but are often quietly unsung. There are many.
WHAT ANNOYS YOU THE MOST? Unnecessary and trivial issues that do not make a difference to peoples’ lives but occupy a large amount of our time.
surprise some people. I enjoy relaxing with my family, going to the cinema, swimming when I can, visiting the theatre and dining with friends socially.
WHAT IS THE MOST BIZARRE SITUATION YOU HAVE FOUND YOURSELF IN AND HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH IT?
In the early 1970’s when visiting a port in West Africa, to pick up a cargo of timber, our pilot approached the berth too fast and we collided with the quay. I was on the forecastle head and was instructed to “drop the starboard anchor”. I did this but it landed on a raft of logs and floated rather than sank!!! Not very helpful. It was clear that something needed to be done quickly so I decided to drop the port anchor which fortunately held well and allowed us to stop the vessel.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RECORD/ CD/ARTIST/MUSIC?
I have a fondness for “Moonlight Shadow” by Mike Oldfield and Maggie Reilly as it holds delightful personal memories.
IF MONEY WAS NOT A FACTOR WHAT WOULD YOU BUY TOMORROW? I would enjoy the prospect of being a business angel to help young people (on a not for profit business basis) learn and develop team, entrepreneurial and vocational skills. Mainly because it’s harder for young people to get a start in life, yet so important for us all.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
WHAT 3 WORDS WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOU?
Energetic, tenacious and enthusiastic networker (that’s four - whoops!).
WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE?
I would enjoy being a talented musician or linguist – both enable one to communicate and engage internationally
WHAT MAKES YOU ANGRY? I would prefer to use the word frustrated than angry. I get frustrated by unnecessary bureaucracy and the waste which it creates.
WHAT LAW/LEGISLATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE INTRODUCED? Given a magic wand I would prefer to see less legislation than invent any more.
WHAT PROMINENT PERSON WOULD YOU LIKE TO MEET?
Through my work, I have had the good fortune of meeting many inspirational people from all walks of life. If I had a time machine I would enjoy going back as a fly on the wall to watch some of the scientific breakthroughs that shape our lives today such as inventions by Thomas Edison.
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING AT PRESENT?
I am working through The Prize by Daniel Yergin. It is an astonishingly readable history of oil, reads like a novel. Lessons to learn for sustainability.
WHAT CAR DO YOU DRIVE? I drive a Renault Scenic – I like the “sit up” feel of the car which is a bit like driving your sofa.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE 10 YEARS FROM NOW?
I will see 58 candles this year and so would like to be retired from work as I will have notched up my 50 years of gainful employment by then. I am keeping an open mind, but, I would like to remain actively engaged with people and contribute to society using my combined skills and experience gained from half a century travelling through the University of Life.
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