PETER NUTKINS
Winner Innovation IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HASTEE CEO, Kromek Group DR ARNAB B A SU MBE
‘Embrace risk – you can only do so much to control it’
With a PhD in physics from Durham University, Basu began his leadership career at his family’s firm, manufacturing materials for the electronics industry. He founded Kromek, a supplier of radiation-detection equipment, in 2003 and has won a series of awards since then, including EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009. This latest accolade acknowledges his continued commitment to innovation in a highly competitive market. How do you come up with your most innovative ideas? “By listening – to our customers, the team here, people working in the sectors we serve – and thinking about how we can solve their problems. Innovation is simply about matching what is possible to what is needed.” How do you ensure good governance? “Ethical behaviour starts at the top. Put the right structures in place, so that this filters through the organisation and everyone knows what is expected of them.”
Winner SME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TISE CEO, Baltimore ConsultingCHARMAINE VINCENT
‘Emotional intelligence sits at the core of a great leader’
50
director.co.uk
Having started Baltimore Consulting in 2013, Vincent completed a buyout five years later to take full control of the recruitment agency. A working parent, she has enhanced employee engagement by introducing a range of flexible working practices to the firm, which serves clients in the public and third sectors. What has inspired you the most in business? “I’ve always been fascinated in psychology. I’ve spent many years investing in myself through life coaches, counsellors and so on. Helping staff to become the best version of themselves keeps me motivated.” What’s the key to great leadership? “I have always said that emotional intelligence sits at the core of a great leader. To lead others effectively, we must first understand ourselves. The best leaders are, in my view, very self-aware people who can manage their own emotions and deliver effective messages while showing empathy for others.”
What advice would you offer other leaders about navigating turbulent times? “Don’t fear failure. Trust your instincts and always believe. Some of my biggest successes have come from not making the right decisions first time. It’s so important that we learn from our mistakes.” The best business book you’ve read? “Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. It sends a powerful message about how we become stronger by embracing vulnerability.”
WHAT THE AWARD PARTNER SAID
Carolyn Gelling, head of the Isle of Man office for The International Stock Exchange Group: “We are delighted to support the IoD. Its values are synonymous with transparency and governance, which are at the heart of the public markets. As an established stock exchange with an offering tailored to assisting the growth of emerging companies, we are delighted to sponsor the SME category in this year’s Director of the Year Awards.”
What has been the toughest challenge you have surmounted? “It’s a serious task to transform technology developed in the lab into world-class products, yet bringing all our stakeholders with us has been the bigger challenge. Communicating a strong vision in a simple fashion is crucial to keeping everyone motivated.” The biggest lesson you’ve learnt? “Embrace risk – you can only do so much to control it. It will always be your neighbour”
WHAT THE AWARD PARTNER SAID
James Herbert, CEO of Hastee: “Hastee allows workers access to a portion of their earned income on demand, reducing financial stress for the worker, while increasing productivity and engagement in the workplace. Hastee has been a leading innovator by restructuring the traditional pay cycle – no mean feat. Innovation is at the heart of our business, so sponsoring the Innovation category of the Director of the Year Awards was a no-brainer for us.”
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