Within a couple of days of arriving in Sydney, I’d decided that for so many reasons it was probably time to move back permanently.
What I hadn’t done after 20 years in London I was probably never going to do – and I was torn between my dislike of corporate life generally and my desire to do something more challenging, which for me meant having to try and continue the corporate ladder climb. Hardly the most interesting or exciting future, no wonder I was getting rather depressed about it all.
And then my father gave me a wonderful opportunity. He asked me to take over the running of his company when I return to Sydney.
No bosses to report to, no corporate processes or politics, being in sole charge of decision-making (after initially working alongside him while I learn the ropes), deciding my own hours and just making things happen in order to continue to grow the business.
For the first week or so after we discussed it, I think I was wandering around stunned, overwhelmed by all the possibilities and opportunities it offered. I’m now slowly getting my head around it all and just can’t wait!
Now its hardly BHP but its a good, solid and profitable business with low debt and an established operating model and customer base. It also has a reliable supply chain and a growing distribution network across eastern Australia. And its got loads of opportunities for further growth across the rest of Australia and into NZ.
I’m no expert in the stuff it makes and sells – which currently includes fire pumps, pressure cleaners, generators, compressers, plate compactors and so on – but there are plenty of technical guys there who know loads about it.
My job will be to steer the business, steadily expand into new markets, continue the development of new products and ensure we continue to build on the brand values of low price and high quality and after-sales service.
There’s also loads of warehouse and office space which I can use to run an internet business – which opens up even more opportunities. haven’t even started to get my head around this bit yet.
So the first thing I’ve got to do is unpick my life in London and then hopefully we will move back in the next 12 – 18 months, depending on visas and so on.
Meanwhile, since returning to London I now have a whole new attitude to work. It’s simply a job, not a career, just something fun to get me through until we are organised to leave.
And I feel so much better. Thanks Hector.
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