“Any decision is better than
no decision.”
Phil Murray
Please give your career history in 25 words or fewer.
Began life as a Chartered Accountant with PwC, before working in senior finance roles in sectors including retail, manufacturing, housing, education and now fuel distribution.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Tenacious. Supportive. Curious.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
When I realised I didn’t possess the skills needed to play for Newcastle United, I harboured an ambition to be a rally driver like the famous Hannu Mikkola of the 1980s. Unfortunately, this wasn’t to be, and I decided to pursue something even more thrilling…an accountancy qualification!
Describe your dream job (if you weren’t doing this?)
Scuba diving instructor in the Caribbean, spending most of my days swimming with reef sharks, green turtles and spotted eagle rays. In the evenings…cold beers on the beach watching the sunset.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Surround yourself with people who are better than you.
Share your top tips for business success.
1. Any decision is better than no decision.
2. Don’t ask of others what you wouldn’t be prepared to do yourself.
3. Perfection is not attainable.
What’s your most recent business achievement of note?
Restructuring of WCF Chandlers and WCF Fuels North East to strengthen the business and further increase focus on delivering continuous operational efficiencies.
Tell us your greatest fear.
I don’t have a greatest fear. I have always loved facing and (largely) overcoming those I’ve had. For me there’s no such thing as a bad experience, only learning and growing opportunities.
Which is most important – ambition or talent?
Without talent, you are unlikely to achieve your ambitions. Without ambition, you won’t discover your true talents.
What’s the best thing about your job?
That it doesn’t feel like work. I know this sounds corny, but I absolutely love working for WCF, with wonderful people, working across a diverse group of brilliant businesses and a culture most would kill for.
Which is the quality that you most admire?
Brutal honestly. Sometimes the most valuable feedback is the most difficult to hear but only through brutal honestly can we truly improve ourselves, both at work and at home.
What are you most likely to say?
Tell me more.
What are you least likely to say?
You can’t do that.
Describe your perfect day.
As perfection is not attainable (see above), I would describe a wonderful day as one spent outdoors, walking along an unspoilt beach in sunny weather, having food and drinks with friends and family, looking out to sea as the sun sets, with live music playing in the background.
Do you have a favourite sports team?
I am a long-suffering Newcastle United fan and hope to see them win something/anything before I leave this world!
What’s the biggest challenge of our time?
Artificial intelligence. Need I say more?
Cheese or chocolate?
If there’s a glass of red wine available, cheese every time.
Share your greatest personal achievement.
Raising two wonderful children, Rebecca and Adam, who make me proud every day.
What’s your pet hate or biggest irritant?
When people reply saying, “You wouldn’t understand…”
If you were on ‘Mastermind’ what would your specialist subject be?
The Cayman Islands, where my sister lives and I’m a frequent visitor.
If you were elected to government what would be the first law you’d press for?
This may be controversial but I would push for a law that makes euthanasia legal here in the UK. I believe we should have the right to determine the final chapter of our lives and reduce unnecessary pain and suffering for ourselves and our close family.
If your 20-year-old self saw you now what would they think?
You’re such a dad-dancer.
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
Road trip around northern Italy in an open-top sports car.
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
Snorkel mask. Digital music player. A bottle of Jack Daniels Fire.
Tell us something about you that people would be very surprised by
I once had lunch with a Moroccan princess at her London embassy to discuss the merits of solar power in hotter climates.
Who would you most like to ask these questions of?
Someone I wanted to get to know better.
SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW
Image credit: Phil Murray
