Brother's managing director Phil Jones talks about how he escaped from a dangerous pub job to become a man of big ideas
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
My first job was in the pub trade as an assistant manager of a large pub just outside Dagenham in Essex. I got into IT after witnessing a shooting and drug dealing, and being robbed and set on fire by an unhappy punter. I walked out of the pub and met with a recruitment consultant who offered me a trainee salesperson job.
What will be the most important trend to follow in 2015?
Anything that relates to mobile working, which covers a range of opportunities from cloud, devices and services.
Tea or coffee, and how do you have it?
Coffee, just one a day. A flat white every time on the way to work. It brings out the best combination of the coffee and steamed milk. You'll know a good barista as this is a signature drink to display their craft.
If you could only be one, would you rather be right, or happy?
Happy. Always. The need to always be right is driven by the ego; it's about your need and self-esteem. It says more about you than about anyone else.
Which is more important: a good leader, or the team as a whole?
At Brother we use the acronym ‘TEAM' meaning ‘together everyone achieves more'. You'll get far more done, more quickly, together.
What has been your most important lucky break in life so far? Did you make the most of it?
Having my new boss resign during my trial period. It left a vacancy and I went for it, and never looked back after that. It was my first jump into a management post.
What has been your toughest moment at work so far, and how did you resolve the situation?
When you need to reshape the business and let people go. Honesty and clarity is always the best policy; people understand and can be very resilient so long as you treat them like humans.
Will there always be value in printed books and magazines?
Yes, but not all. Survey after survey confirms that humans learn better from paper and for luxury brands, high-quality magazines will likely remain. However, the blend of digital vs paper will continue to favour digital for commoditised media given the time and priority people attach to it in their lives.
Would you rather draw up the plans, or carry them out?
Draw them up. I'm the go-to guy for the big idea, not the executor. Every psychometric profile I've ever had confirms this. My patience wanes on long-term execution so it's better for the business that someone else steps in.
What are the traits of a perfect boss?
My best bosses have delegated well, displayed trust, got out of the way if they weren't the expert and provided encouragement at the right moment.
What are you reading?
The Future of Work by Jacob Morgan. To stay relevant and understand the opportunities that may arise, it's vital that all technology businesses understand all the drivers changing workplaces.
What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?
American Sniper. I really liked it.
What never fails to make you sad or disappointed?
The increasing gap between the super-rich and everyone else. Having a minority controlling the resources for the majority just doesn't sit right with me. It disenfranchises a lot of people.
Your closest near-death experience?
Getting accidentally caught up in an armed robbery of a petrol station. Scary.
What are the characteristics of the perfect channel partner?
A partner who is relevant, open, expanding, capable and realistic. The business landscape is being dismantled and rebuilt every day, and it requires a highly agile community and mindset to keep up.
