Personal file: Alan Blair

Name: Alan Blair.
Born: August 31, 1956. Married with two children, aged 16 and 10.

Position: Deputy chief executive officer and senior corporate banking manager, HSBC NZ.

What do you do?

Work with a great team to structure finance for large and medium-sized New Zealand corporations that specialise in international trade.

What's the biggest challenge facing your organisation?

Although one of the world's largest financial services organisations, we have been in New Zealand for 17 years and are still establishing market share in what is a mature and highly competitive New Zealand marketplace.

Why do you do what you do?

Because it is stimulating and very satisfying to see companies achieve what they want to, and know you were an integral part of that process.

What excites you about what you do?

Doing deals, funding transactions and managing resources within tight time frames. Seeing words in contracts supported by dollars to create things.

What is your management style?

Hands-on, open-door, and simple, effective communication. I learn more about myself and business by talking with and listening to staff.

Biggest life lesson?

It took me too long to learn that life can be as hard or as simple as you want it, and often the simplest and easiest solution is the best.

What books are you reading?

Fictional reading is a luxury reserved for holidays. Reading nowadays relates to work and the business environment. Occasionally I manage a book that does both: I've just begun The Art of War by Sun Tzu, which has some great lessons for life and business.

Lessons for budding managers?

Don't be afraid, learn from your successes and your mistakes, always ask questions and love what you do.

Who is your favourite politician?

Nelson Mandela, because he is not just about politics. He's about people, he's about having faith and being a team player.

How do you relax?

Besides good food and fine wine, I find water a great relaxant, either on it or in it. A mid-winter break in the sun is also great for the soul.

What annoys you most about living in Auckland?

Auckland is fantastic. I get to work in 10 minutes by ferry every day. But the city has a few shortcomings in terms of infrastructure and requires some long-term planning and serious investment.

If you could change one aspect of NZ business, what would it be?

A number of larger continental markets are forming around the world and similar trade terms and currencies will follow. We need to recognise a one-market approach with Australia, and ultimately Asia, allowing for one currency and tax structures in order to compete on a world stage.