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A quick chat with Paul Hyman, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Leisure, Talarius Ltd and RAL Ltd.
In this final edition of ‘A quick chat with..’ Paul Hyman traces a professional career which started in sports retail and at one stage could have seen him as lead guitarist in a rock band! A staunch advocate of investing in home grown talent Paul started in the industry as a 21-year-old engineer and acknowledges the figures and personalities who have helped shape his career.
What was your first career job and wage?
Managing a sports shop on £6,000 per year
What was your greatest accomplishment and what are you most proud of?
Becoming Divisional Controller running Michael Noble’s Arcades business at the age of 29 having risen through the ranks, starting as an engineer at 21 years of age.
Michael Noble who was a pioneer in our Industry. He was a very tough taskmaster; however, his loyalty and support made up for the battle scars I received along the way!
This is the most important trade show in the calendar and has become even better since ICE has moved overseas. The board and team have done a great job in making the event very attractive to both domestic and international visitors, showcasing the very best products and services for our industry. I always look forward to the buzz and opportunity to network with friends and colleagues.
Which industry figure do you admire most?
John Bollom who has been an outstanding ambassador for our industry. Professionally and privately, he is an absolute gentleman who genuinely cares about people and the business he loves. From his operating days, mentoring many including his sons, through to his leadership in Bacta are all testament to his passion and commitment decades on.
What role have you enjoyed most?
My current role as COO (my day job) and Director position on the Novomatic UK Board have been hugely rewarding. Having the backing and support from our UK Board and parent company Novomatic, has allowed us to prosper and realise our ambitions to become the market leader in the AGC sector. We don’t take this for granted and continuously invest in our people and company to raise the bar even further by giving our customers the best value and quality we can.
Over the last 10-years that would Zane Mersich our Group CEO who has been an inspiration to us all, giving us the belief and confidence to succeed. His encouragement and support have been unwavering, and he has created a culture for success. I should also mention Paul Terroni who on both a personal and professional level has been a great mentor to me.
Success can come in many forms from the smaller things like making a customer’s day through to the achievements and commercial performance of the company. For me, going about your business professionally and fairly is key to gaining a reputation for being decent. Caring and taking a pride will also keep you grounded.
How do you manage stress?
I’m lucky because I love what I do so never feel that I’m burdened with too much stress. I do look forward to big family holidays, time with friends and watching live music events as an occasional escape from my professional life.
What are your career regrets?
None to speak of: I know it sounds cliched but everything has been a journey to where I am now.
What inspires or motivates you?
Seeing the team prosper and do well. I’m a big advocate for home grown talent and I am immensely proud of our in-house training academy. This has been a vital part of our success through investing in people.
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Not to worry as much as I did back then and believe there’s always a solution or way forward.
Something about yourself that’s not on your CV?
That I once thought I was going to be a rockstar having played lead guitar in a very mediocre band.
If I had a magic wand, I would educate those negative stakeholders out there that we are an upstanding and professional industry that cares about our customers and colleagues. Unfortunately, the prejudice and ignorance doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
From Michael Noble who told me to never stop innovating.
Finally, what’s your Desert Island Disc?
Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd