This month we chat with Graeme Lea, Managing Director at C.D.S. Computer Design Systems Ltd.
“Let’s work out how to make it happen then.”Graeme Lea
Sum up your working life in 25 words or fewer.
Part-time jobs aged 14 to 21. Full-time work at CDS in 1997 as Office Junior. Moved around within the business before becoming MD in 2015.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Resourceful. Reflective. Driven.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
To be a professional sportsman.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Telepathy.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t try to do everything all at the same time.
Your top tips for business success?
Hire quality people, nurture talent, foster an environment where knowledge and experience can be easily shared, always do what you say you’re going to do, make room for downtime.
What’s the last photo you took on your phone?
My daughter just before her school prom.
If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who and why?
Never meet your heroes!
If you could be any fictional character, who and why?
I guess it would have to be a superhero, but an edgy one rather than anyone boring or too clean cut.
The best thing about your job?
The people.
The quality that you most admire?
Integrity.
What are you most likely to say?
Let’s work out how to make it happen then.
What are you least likely to say?
Let’s all talk about me!
Describe your perfect day.
Doing something fun outdoors with the family, then having a meal at a favourite restaurant.
Your favourite sports team?
Liverpool FC.
You can only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what is it?
Sourdough pizza (with meat toppings).
Share your greatest personal achievement.
Fatherhood.
Share your pet hate or biggest irritant.
Arrogance.
What would your Mastermind specialist subject be?
I’m too easily distracted to be a specialist! If I had to pick though, I’d say motorbikes manufactured in the 21st century.
If you had a time machine, would you go to the future or the past?
The past – (it would make a change from always planning for the future!)
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
World travel.
If you were Editor of Fuel Oil News magazine, what’s your first article?
The huge benefits of CODAS!
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
Bucket, spade, sunscreen.
Something about you people would be surprised by?
I used to play drums in an indie band.
Image credit: Graeme Lea, CDS
