Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?
I chose to join Mott MacDonald (or Mott Hay and Anderson as it was then) as an opportunity arose to relocate to Hong Kong for a project which was billed as the world’s largest engineered landfill site, and also as there was a lot of excitement about opportunities in the “Far East”.
What is the best thing about your job/role?
The best thing about my job is that no two days are the same, there are some routine activities one has to perform but there are lots of opportunities to explore different types of projects, different locations, meet many new people and engage with colleagues around the globe.
How would you describe the culture of Mott MacDonald?
The culture of Mott MacDonald is collaborative, supportive and allows one the freedom to pursue and develop new businesses while building on strength and reputation.
Where have you travelled with Mott MacDonald?
There are many places, and for a variety of different projects and in different roles. For example travelling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the team considering the technical and market studies for the lenders of the New Red Sea Gateway Port provided the opportunity to have an insight into a very different way of life compared to similar projects in the south of Vietnam which were equally fascinating for different reasons.
What do you enjoy most about living in Hong Kong?
The best thing about living in Hong Kong is the fact that we enjoy a fantastic harbour (the view from my office window is stunning – with a new cruise terminal sitting alongside the old airport which offered one of the most exciting landings and take–offs of any airport). The interface between the hard verticality of the city and the soft landscape is also dramatic. The hills offer fabulous trails for hiking and observing nature, the coastline is stunning and provides good sailing waters. Many activities can be enjoyed (except skiing) within easy reach. From a business perspective it is an easy place to work as there is good governance and access to decision makers.
If you could have lunch with any three people who would they be and why?
Leo Tolstoy as he has long been one of my favourite authors and went into exacting detail in his books, mixing social issues and concerns of the day within the novels, as well as creating complex and intricate structures in terms of his characters and plots.
Ang San Suu Khi as she has been a huge inspiration in terms of her devotion to the cause of her people for many years and has demonstrated degrees of self-sacrifice beyond that conceivable to most people, living or dead.
Leonardo da Vinci to tell me the whole story of La Gioconda (Mona Lisa) and who she actually was, why he painted her and also to discuss the mystery surrounding this painting along with the conspiracy theories.
