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DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 Winner International IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CORPORATE TRAVELLER Co-founder and managing director, Bambino Mio GUY S CHANS CHIEFF MBE


‘Have genuine passion and drive for your business idea’


Since Schanschieff set up Bambino Mio in 1997 with his wife Jo, the couple have built it into the world’s largest brand of reusable nappies, distributed in more than 50 countries. Schanschieff also founded the Nappy Alliance in 2003 as the UK trade association for reusable-nappy suppliers. Who has inspired you the most in your career? “The American whom Jo and I met when we were travelling through India in 1991. He talked to us about a cloth-diaper laundry service that was being offered in New York. That sowed the seed of an idea.” What has been the most pivotal moment for your business? “It came when we forced ourselves to move on from the mentality of a small start-up. We had to prove that we could scale up the business on an international level.” What’s the toughest challenge you’ve had to surmount? “The economic downturn in 2010-11 was a tough time


Winner Large Business Chief executive, Wood R OBIN WAT S ON


‘The onus is on us to bring in change at the right pace’


A chartered mechanical engineer, Watson has three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry. He has worked at Mobil, Petrofac and Wood Group, which in 2017 became a blue-chip multinational valued at £5 billion when he led its acquisition of engineering consultancy Amec Foster Wheeler. What has been the toughest challenge you’ve had to surmount? “Striking the right balance between the need to be decisive and the recognition that a successful transformation is possible only when you bring people with you on the journey. I am always aware that the onus is on me and my executive team to bring in change at the right pace. A lot of our focus is on engagement and communication, both internally and externally, to ensure that all voices are heard as the company changes.” What’s the biggest business lesson you have learnt so far? “The future


doesn’t just come to you; you need to have a good view of how to deliver today and create the right platform for tomorrow too. With this in mind, I have used scenario analysis extensively for more than 20 years.” What’s the key to great leadership? “Vision – you have to really read your market. You must have a good idea of where it’s going in the immediate future and also where it’s likely to be in the longer term.” What’s the best piece of leadership advice you’ve ever had? “It came from my father, who was a big believer in hard work, authenticity and passion. If you keep hold of these three basic components, he said, things will always work out right, both in business and in life.” Which other leader do you particularly admire? “Sir Alex Ferguson. He was a great leader who knew how to get the best performance out of a team.”


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for us. In one month our two biggest international distributors stopped ordering from us and our turnover dropped by a third. But ultimately we emerged stronger, because we were able to reassess the business and respond confidently with a new and improved sales and digital marketing strategy, which remains at the heart of our enterprise to this day.” What’s the key to great leadership? “Purpose before profit. If you have genuine passion and drive for your business idea, which you can instil in those around you, that will make you a great leader.”


WHAT THE AWARD PARTNER SAID


Andy Hegley, general manager, Corporate Traveller: “We were delighted to sponsor the International category of this year’s awards. Our purpose is to help businesses grow their international operations by making their travel faster, easier and safer. It’s fantastic to see such talent in an area that resonates with us.”


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