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A focus on professionalism, combined with a readiness to have fun, add up to goal achievement for this manager

Spending time at airport lounges
I actually try to plan my travelling to minimise the time spent in airports. But when I'm there, usually I'm writing down ideas or reading.

Dress code
There is an expectation of professionalism by our customers, therefore we maintain standards of uniform and personal dress code. We do have a 'dress down' Thursday for staff not dealing directly with customers.

Office parties
I believe these must have a purpose. We have a monthly team meeting with all our people with food and soft drinks. We use this time to update everyone on our business results, present awards and recognise our high achievers. Recently, all employees and their families attended a private viewing of the movie Mission Impossible III, sponsored by DHL. This was a way of thanking the families of our DHL team for their support.

Working hours
As a customer-focused organisation, we must be available to our customers. We also have to provide balanced environment for our people. I think that a straight 8 am-5 pm shift with a five-day week would make it easier to achieve this.

Advice to those who want to work with you
Work hard, use your initiative, achieve your goals and be prepared to have some fun.

Had you not been in this industry, what would you have been doing?
Possibly a lawyer or a teacher. Or I might have even been in politics. Being a professional motorcycle racer would have been fun too.

Your vision of an ideal office
While the physical environment is important, I believe that it is the people who make an office. A supportive team environment, where success is achieved through common goals and values, would make for an ideal office.

How do you unwind?
I unwind with my family. There are also gym workouts, reading and riding my motorcycle, a Ducati 999.

Any incident that has left an indelible mark on your attitude to work
I spent a number of years in the military where I had different and unique experiences around the world. That, combined with a couple of excellent business leaders I have worked with, has helped shape my work ethics and ideas.

Working in a global village
You have to understand the variety of people and environments you work with. To do this, you have to be open-minded and take time to get to know people.

Your big dream
To make our company, customers and our staff members successful.