Get to know your community: 20 questions to Martin Richards
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From time to time, here at Oil & Gas IQ we introduce you to a new member of our rapidly-growing global community. We set out to reveal what makes them tick, and what it is that makes them stand out through their work and life experiences. This week's respondent is our columnist, Martin Richards.
Q. Who is your hero and why?
A. Trevor Francis – I am a big soccer fan and supporter of Birmingham City. Trevor Francis is the best player ever to represent Birmingham.
Q. Who do you admire in the business world and why?
A. Staying with my British roots I have to say Richard Branson. He has been successful in so many different industries by harnessing and motivating the people around him. He is also a genuinely nice guy, something that many other successful business leaders seem to think is not important.
Q. What has been your greatest achievement?
A. Staying sane in an increasingly crazy world.
Q. What is your greatest regret?
A. Not having taken the time, when I was younger to, chase my dreams
Q. What is your favorite word?
A. Bollocks – a lovely english word that can mean so many things
Q. What is your least favorite word?
A. Lose – I hate losing
Q. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
A. I think it is too late in life now but I would have liked to have pursed by interest in Mountaineering and become a professional guide.
Q. What profession other than yours would you not want to attempt?
A. Accountant or any other desk bound job
Q. Can you describe yourself in 3 words?
A. Passionate, visionary, energetic
Q. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be and why?
A. Nelson Mandela – I know it is very recent history but I am still amazed by his powers of reconciliation, forgiveness and leadership
Q. What is your favourite book?
A: The Snow Leopard by Peter Mathiesson
Q. What is your favourite film?
A. The Commitments
Q. What is your most memorable quotation?
A. Living I easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see – John Lennon
Q. If your job requires a lot of travelling - what is your favourite journey?
A. I love to travel and am constantly on the move. Currently I love visiting South East Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand). The sheer energy of the region is great to experience.
Q. What is your favourite dish?
A. Cheese and onion sandwich and a pint of English beer.
Q. What food can you not stand?
A. Tofu
Q. What is the quality you most like in a leader?
A. Humility
Q. What is the quality you most like in an employee?
A. Motivated
Q. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
A. Hopefully still healthy and energised by whatever I am doing at the time.
Q. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
A. Nothing
