‘Lead people where they want to go’
Geoff Brown recently joined Ashbury Labelling in the role of technical director. We caught up with him to hear his story thus far…
Describe yourself in three words
Enthusiastic, honest, dependable (My teenage sons would offer: “So…not…cool”).
How did you get to where you are today?
It’s been a long and winding road from St. Ivel via Sainsbury’s, Whitbread, CMi (now NSF) and now to Ashbury Labelling. To quote Grateful Dead guitarist, Jerry Garcia, “What a long strange trip it’s been.”
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
I’m proud of pretty much everything I’ve been able to achieve, working with many great teams and individuals, across more than 30 years in the food industry – helping food businesses achieve the highest possible standards of food safety, legality and quality.
What is your pet hate?
I started to write out a list here and then realised I was in danger of coming across as the archetypal ‘grumpy old man’ – although my wife would say I’ve already achieved that!
So let’s just go with: People who talk loudly in public on their mobiles (which is, of course, something I never do).
Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months
It’s reassuring to see the food industry placing a high priority on matters relating to building consumer trust with regard to food supply chain integrity, traceability and quality of ingredients used. This focus is also helping an increasing number of smaller producers to gain a foothold in our highly competitive industry through a return to more traditional, locally-sourced produce with high quality values.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Whilst there are many, one of the best summaries I have seen is from The Leadership Brain for Dummies and includes: Stay in touch; be visible; hone your comms skills; keep emotions in check; inspire teams; be decisive; place others’ needs above your own and lead people where they want to go.
Who do you most admire?
I have read many autobiographies from the world of sport and can think of a number of individuals who I would single out for their dedication, persistence, longevity and ability to triumph over adversity including Geoff Boycott (my number one hero!), Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Redgrave and James Cracknell.
Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
Ashbury Labelling, of course! The business is currently enjoying a period of rapid growth providing a range of regulatory, product specification, pack copy, and artwork verification services for UK, EU and global food manufacturers and retailers. We have a great team of food industry professionals and technical experts who are able to deliver an efficient, cost-effective, ‘right first time’ service for our client companies. Don’t watch us though, come and talk with us.
Which words do you most overuse?
I have been told that I say, “Cheers!” a lot rather than “Thanks!”
If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?
Right now, with the latest Ashes series about to start [we spoke with Geoff in mid-November – Ed], I’d love to be in Brisbane with my wife and family – we all love cricket. Then on to Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know
My first job in the food industry was working in a cod liver oil factory laboratory. Taste panels were not an enjoyable experience but I’ve never been so healthy.
Any vices?
I have a season ticket for Hull City which involves a 450-mile round-trip for every home game. It’s worth every mile when we win.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
A shorter commute or a chauffeur-driven limo to and from work.
How do you relax?
See ‘vices’ (above) – although there are few people who would regard that as relaxation.
How would you like to be remembered?
In the words of Frank Sinatra: “I would like to be remembered as a man who had a wonderful time living life, a man who had good friends, fine family – and I don’t think I could ask for anything more than that, actually.”