This month we chat with Duncan Lambert, Managing Director at Rix Petroleum Ltd.
“Never stand still otherwise you will be overtaken.”Duncan Lambert
Give your career history in 25 words or fewer.
Trained as a general engineer, fell into sales with Rix, became a Sales Manager, Director, Managing Director and Main Board Director.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Loyal. Committed. Conscientious.
What were your childhood/early ambitions?
Engineering: fixing anything with an engine.
Describe your dream job (if you weren’t doing this).
Formula one pace car driver.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Look beyond the bull sh…
Share your top tips for business success.
Never stand still otherwise you will be overtaken. Surround yourself with good hard-working people. Don’t take NO for an answer.
What’s your most recent business achievement?
Continuing to expand the business for the next generation.
Tell us your greatest fear?
Failure. That’s why you should work hard and smart.
Which is most important – ambition or talent?
Ambition every time, I’ve seen too many talented lazy people.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Looking after people and developing their future.
Which is the quality that you most admire?
Honesty.
What are you most likely to say?
“Are you ok?”
What are you least likely to say?
“I’m not interested.”
Do you have a favourite sports team?
England Rugby Union.
Describe your perfect day.
Early start, fire up the classic car and drive off with the boys for breakfast.
What’s the biggest challenge of our time?
Getting a sensible settled government.
Cheese or chocolate?
Cheese.
Share your greatest personal achievement.
Pilot’s licence.
What’s your pet hate or biggest irritant?
Negative people.
If you were on Mastermind, what would your specialist subject be?
TVR sports cars.
If you were elected to government, what would be the first law you’d press for?
Return of winter fuel payments.
If your 20-year-old self saw you now, what would they think?
That proves anyone can do it.
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
More European car tours.
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
My wife. Guinness. iPhone.
Tell us something that people would be surprised by.
I only like limited foreign food.
Who would you most like to ask these questions of?
Robert Stephenson (The Father of Engineering).
Image supplied by Duncan Lambert/Rix Petroleum Ltd
