my week

What is work?

Work is split between being a professional race driver and a dealer principal of my own Volvo dealership in Galashiels.

What was your first job?

I worked as a car salesman for Appleyard in Glasgow. My first professional job as a racing driver was in the 1989 British Touring Car Championship, although driving was a hobby of mine for 15 years before that.

What is your greatest difficulty at work?

Winning! Finding the ingredient which will allow you to win the race requires determination.

What do you excel at in work?

Being able to see more than one side in any situation. Racing is like a high-speed chess game, you've got to be analytical in your thinking and be able to make the correct decision in the heat of the moment.

How do you stay motivated?

I love work and being busy no matter how hard it becomes. Travelling from airport to airport can be very tiring but I love motorsport. If I stopped enjoying it, I would lose all motivation. The money is good too!

Is goal-setting important?

Yes. When I get up in the morning I set myself targets, whether winning a race, improving my lap times or increasing my profit. I plan how I'm going to achieve my goal and keep going till I get there.

Are you a workaholic?

Yes. I never sit down for long and always look for opportunities to compete. My wife hates the fact that I'm forever wandering off to race, but I just love my work.

Do you perform well under pressure?

I have lots of pressure in both my motor sport and my car dealership and usually thrive on it. In racing, especially, you've got to make split second, often dangerous decisions.

Do you have a secretary/PA?

In the office for telephone messages and letters. When I'm racing there is a team of around 60 people all working to make sure the car is in good shape and that the sponsorship and management side of things is in order. It's very much a team game.

Are you a good boss?

I like to think so. Most of my dealership staff have been with me for between 5-10 years. On race days I can lose my head and be intolerant, but I'm careful that I don't lose the rag at the team, the guys who are working to make sure we win.

Do you e-mail and surf the internet?

Yes to e-mail but I don't have the time or patience for the net.

What are your favourite working clothes/working place?

Smart casual clothes in my dealership but my favourite clothes are my racing overalls - three layers of fireproof clothing. I feel almost gladitorial when I've got them on! My favourite track is Bathurst in Australia, it's got real character.

What's in your briefcase?

A very organised inventory of papers and a Psion organiser.

What single change would you make to your working life?

Not to work so hard and to have more time with my wife and children.

Have you ever been sacked?

Yes, from my first job at Appleyard - for shunting my company car.

What would make you leave your job?

If I lost motivation, enjoyment and job satisfaction. I've worked hard to combine racing and the dealership over the last 15 years.

Do you think talent gets to the top in Scotland?

If you work hard enough you can get to the top in any country.

Copyright 1999
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