Ross Stanway
Position: Business development manager, Rotorua District Council
What makes your day at work?
Creating some collective good. Making a difference to the equation when people don't necessarily have the time or resources. It's great when people just walk in the door because of what we can provide.
How did you get where you are today?
I worked for Pfizer for 10 years becoming national sales manager. My time there was one of the most valuable learning experiences anyone could have, but I always had that great Kiwi ambition to own a farm. So after some breathing space running a little cafe in Ponsonby, I purchased a farm near Rotorua. Ten years of livestock trading with some marketing consulting on the side followed before I set up a forestry block. I joined the district council three years ago because I thought I could put some passion into the position and make a difference. It's to both our credits that we're still coexisting happily.
What's the most important lesson you learnt on your way up?
Becoming practised at taking calculated risks - operating on the basis of "it is better to ask forgiveness than permission". Management does not deserve to be called management if it's forever wanting to test things. You make an informed judgment from your background and experience - go for it.
What advice would you give to a young person starting out in business?
Practise thinking in terms of solutions rather than problems. I think people who become skilled at this are complete stand-outs because no one is interested in problems, but everyone is interested in solutions.
We live in a technological age, but if there's not some move down the interpersonal skill path, we run the risk of losing the skills that are fundamental to much business taking place - the ability to look people in the eye and move to some common goal or agreement.
I just wonder to what extent this will become a diminishing resource because of the emphasis being place on technology and e-commerce.
What is the biggest challenge for your company? For the economy today?
It's the same - making things happen. To create, look for and capitalise on opportunities that are out there, inputting all the resources available. In my case it often means communicating with all parts of the council so the jigsaw comes together.
I think the Government has begun to embark on that process - it's getting closer to business so it will have a much greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities out there to create a framework making it easier for businesses.
What one thing would have done differently?
Become far more computer literate, far earlier. I am currently pursuing it. Other than that, nothing - life has been a blast.
What ambitions do you have?
To be part of a team responsible for creating New Zealand's first geothermally based world-class health centre - in Rotorua.
To enjoy with my wife the achievements and happiness of our four daughters, all of whom have flown the nest, and to ensure the family stays in touch.
And a little secret ambition is to backpack across the globe, but with the gold card in the back pocket.
How do you relax?
In a word, easily. I enjoy golf, the gym, and listening to music. But I especially enjoy a few quiet drinks and some good laughs with my wife of nearly 30 years and any contact with our daughters.
• Ross Stanway spoke to Lesley Springall.
