GT – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
The fact we’re creating something completely new and unique with global appeal. We’re aiming to shake up the household towel industry with our product and it’s incredibly exciting. We’ve revolutionized a category that really hasn’t seen any genuine innovation since its inception and that in itself is hugely thrilling.
GT – Who’s inspired you most in your career?
James Dyson, as a fellow Imperial Engineer, I love the fact he has created such a range of exciting products in what is arguably not the most exciting of markets.
GT – If you were an item in a supermarket, what would you be?
I’m not here to be traded! But I’m happy to be part of the crisp fixture… GT – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different? I would have slowed down our distribution growth until we had truly nailed production/ engineering which has been more challenging than I could have ever anticipated and has impacted our ability to build our brand.
GT – What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
In my consulting days, being marched out of the office of a chairman of a major media company after he was offended I had met all his peers before him (I think there was a bit of an ego issue going on!)
GT – Who or what makes you laugh?
So many things and people make me laugh – too many things to mention – but my eldest son who is only five cracks me up at the moment. The innocence of a fiveyear- old is just brilliant and often very funny.
GT – Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to be pretty damn good at Karate many years ago!
GT – Who would be your favourite party guest?
Elon Musk – we both like rockets and we could have a fabulous firework display.
GT – What is the greatest luxury in your life?
My luxury yacht in Provence (in my dreams!).
GT – What is your favourite guilty pleasure?
90-minute-deep tissue massage – which has to be seriously hard core – not a simple case of smothering oil into your back but rather sharp elbows!
GT – Do you have any secret ambitions?
I am determined to do something significant in the not for profit sector in the coming years as I feel particularly lucky in what I have been able to do in my life to date.
GT – What’s your dream holiday destination?
Brazil – combination of topography, people, food and weather.
GT –What are your three favourite movies of all time?
1. Despicable Me (not just because I watch it with my children – it’s a great movie and I love Vector)
2. Cry Freedom (it’s massively inspiring)
3. Ghandi (immensely moving and humbling)
GT – What is your favourite book of all time?
Too hard to choose just one but Long Walk to Freedom remains a firm favourite. Any Alexander McCall Smith, No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series for a gentle light hearted read or if I’m with my children Room on the Broom!
GT – What’s your favourite pastime?
BritMilFitness! (enjoying the outdoors training)
GT – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?
Put all the money into Ora and stop fundraising!
GT – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into this industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?
Don’t ever underestimate the complexity of the engineering challenge.
BETTER ALL ROUND (BAR)
Better All Round (BAR) is an innovative, award winning, eco-friendly company founded in 2012 by CEO Oday Abbosh. Its first product to market, the Ora household towels followed 12 months later. Ora is a household towel that is round instead of square. Its unique stacking design offers an easy one-hand grab. Ora comes in four sizes: single, twin, triple and smaller handy packs. Also available are base holders in six-colourways. Ora is on sale at Tesco in the UK and Target in the US as well as online in both countries.
To take part in Quote Unquote please call: 01923 272960 or email: mail@grocerytrader.co.uk
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