Adrian Shaw, general manager, IDdesign

Describe your work in a sentence.
I work with a number of retail brands in the UAE, such as IDdesign Furniture, United Colors of Benetton, Chattels & More and KARE, and am ultimately responsible for the performance of each one.
 
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Witnessing both the entity and the people working within it grow and flourish. It's like having a child and being in the privileged position of watching every step of their development.
 
What is your #1 personal principle at work? Do you have a catchphrase that you like to use to inspire colleagues/ subordinates?
To be ultimately successful, I believe that we should all regard the business as though it were our own: don't walk past anything when you know it's not right, don't procrastinate, do it now. Am I as sure as I can be that this will work? I don't use a catchphrase but I urge my team to always consider the following question before making any decision: what impact will this have on the business? And, above all, I do everything with a smile as it motivates others.

What is one important skill you think every professional should have?
Being able to listen. The ability to keep one's mind open is crucial. It enables us to listen to others' opinions and make decisions because they are right - not because that's the way it's always been done in the past.
 
What has been your most challenging experience to date and how did you approach it?
I'd say raising my two beautiful boys, which has been a different experience altogether. Ollie is 14 and Charlie is seven; they are seven years apart and seeing the world through very different eyes. Charlie is starting to experience life for the very first time and is in awe of almost everything; Ollie, meanwhile, is beginning to see things more as an adult. The parenting requirements are so diverse. A family day out has to include compromises for all of us!
 
Who's your role model as the perfect professional?
I would say the footballer, Ronaldo. He came from a very underprivileged background and worked hard at what he did best. He used the power of marketing to make himself the most famous footballer in the world. He is a perfectionist at everything that he does and believes in, and hence, he is someone I look up to as a role model.
 
If you had one free hour in the day to relieve stress, how would you use it?
I would call a friend to come over and play squash. When playing, there is no time to think about anything else - and afterwards, I'm too tired!
 
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Do your homework, speak to as many people as you can about the business, and network tirelessly.
 
What is your greatest dream, professionally?
I am living it and intend to grow with it.
 
If you had a million dollars, what would you do with it?
I would invest it in property. My father has long taught me the value of bricks and mortar.
- Staff reporter