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Rob Swann – From trainee to MD, leadership in an SME
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Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast
Rob Swann – From trainee to MD, leadership in an SME
Episode 41
Introduction
Rob Swann joined SME Termate as an engineering apprentice in 1989, when he was 16.
Termate manufactures electrical insulating products at its factory in Nottingham, for customers all over the world.
Rob graduated from Nottingham Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University) after studying engineering, business and finance. He is now an Alumni Fellow of Nottingham Business School.
Rob lead a management buy-out of Termate in 2007. Company growth since then has largely been based on international sales.
Key takeaways: What Rob Swann said…
On the benefits of starting his career as an apprentice engineer…
“Engineering is very precise. It puts a discipline into your work process. Engineers tend to like a bit of order.”
On leading a management buy-out – when his dad owned the company…
“I saw an opportunity for the business to diverge from where it was. My dad was happy with where the business was. There was an element of disagreement. So, I bought him out.”
On taking over the company while still in his early 30s…
“I was young. I had young kids. There was a lot of risk involved. It was a scary amount of debt… and I felt the burden.”
On his biggest leadership challenges…
“Covid was the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. It was so unknown. There was no-one you could talk to… not a mentor, not anyone. No-one had any experience.”
One being a leader who wears his heart on his sleeve…
“I like opening cans of worms. I like turning over stones. I’m curious. And curiosity is a hugely valuable thing [for leaders and everyone in business].”
On the importance of staff in small businesses having a variety of skills…
“As an SME we often can’t afford to employ specialists. We need capable generalists. We can’t afford to have an SEO specialist, a content developer and someone who can do a podcast. One person has to try to do all of that!”
On working himself to the verge of a nervous breakdown…
“Just before I turned 40, I realised I was going to break if I didn’t give myself something outside of work. I tried rock-climbing and found it cleared my mind. It took every ounce of my mental capacity.”
On persuading his wife to start rock-climbing…
“My wife joined in – and now she is as passionate about climbing as I am. It’s a great shared experience.”
His one piece of advice for leaders…
“Look after yourself. You are a key asset of the business. So, don’t forget about looking after you!”
Related links:
There are more details about Rob Swann here.
Termate’s company website is here.
If you enjoyed this episode of the NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast, listen to previous episodes with…
The former Chairman and Chief Exec of Experian Sir John Peace
The CEO of Capital One UK Lucy Hagues
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