Hugh Lang
Managing director of Durham Tees Valley Airport.
What did you want to be when you were young?
A policeman, like my father.
How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?
£18 per week as a student working in a graveyard. Part payment towards a railcard to travel round Europe.
What's your dream job, other than your current one?
To run a successful vineyard in Italy.
What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
You rarely succeed on your own. Collect good people around you and don't be afraid to delegate.
And the worst?
Being told that chasing money (salary level) is more important than doing something that you enjoy - I have ignored advice throughout my career. If you do something that you enjoy then it is more likely that you will be successful and the financial rewards will follow - and it is much more fun.
What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
There is no substitute for hard work to be successful in business, too many people today seem to be looking for the quick and easy win.
What are your hobbies?
Hill walking, wine, property renovation.
What's your top business or financial tip?
Listen more than you talk. Most of the good ideas will come from other people, the skill is being able to pull everything together and make it happen.
Does anything scare you and if so what?
My wife's shoe collection mostly.
What would you choose as your epitaph?
Enjoy life and have fun, you are only here a relatively short time.
- For an archive of Q&A columns log onto www.gazettelive.co.uk/businessqanda
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