Yet another interview!

I was fortunate to be able to interview the marvelous Gerry Lynch Ex-leader at Mars NZ and now a leadership coach at The real leadership Company

1. Can I have a bit of an introduction.

Born in the UK to Irish parents, married with a 17-year-old son and 13-year-old stepson, did an engineering degree and spent 13 years at Cadbury 7 years in manufacturing 6 in marketing, then 2 years at Frucor, and 11 years at Mars as marketing director then GM for NZ before 2 years as CEO Delmaine and now leadership coach.

2. Please, tell us how you ended in your current profession/position?

I figured out late in my career that I love helping people to learn and grow and the first covid lockdown last year got me thinking hard about what I wanted to do going forward, so I took the plunge.

3. What have been some of the significant highlights of your career?

Helping to turn around Mars NZ from a highly disengaged workplace to winning the IBM/Kenexa best place to work 3 times and being a finalist for 10 years. Seeing some of the people I have coached go onto bigger and better things in their lives and careers. Making an impact to people who have suffered through mental health and helping them at work.

4. What one thing you did that really helped your career?

Always networked a lot and always ensure that I try to avoid value and give to others and not just take, so whenever I network with someone new I am always thinking about how I can help them not just what I can learn from them. Mutuality principle from Mars is one I live by.

5. The number one guiding principle in your life?

Always ask what I can do for the other person to help them.

Balance – Always make sure you have time for yourself, time to think, spend with family/friends, time to learn. I try not to let any part of my life get out of balance and if it starts to get out of balance for an extended period of time I take action to address.

6. When are you most in your element?

Running in the bush, with my family and coaching people who are eager to learn.

7. Some tools and apps you use that help you be productive and organized in your work life?

I generally find a lot of tools and apps don’t make me more productive, I go for simplicity. But one tool I have got which has simplified things and helped me find my notes is my Remarkable2 tablet, I love it. Other than that I have found booking time with myself in my outlook calendar for my priorities and thinking works well.

8. If you could interview someone who would that be and why?

The Dalai lama – just such a kind and wise person to learn from.

9. What are you most grateful for in your life?

My family, my health, my capabilities, and the life I have.

10. What are your favorite things to look forward to every day?

Connecting with likeminded people, exercise, a walk with my wife and the dogs.

11. How would you describe yourself as a teen?

I was sporty, a bit of a joker but not a big extravert, I used comedy to avoid being bullied, I didn’t like to stand out.

12. What one opportunity or experience stands out to you as a game changer for you?

Not getting the job I went for at Frucor and then taking the job at Mars, that changed my life

13. Any interaction with a young talent that stands out in your head?

I have worked with some great young talent at all my companies and seen how eagerness to learn and curiosity trumps experience, I would take a keen, young, curious person over an expert any day!

14. One book you would recommend that helped you in a positive way?

Eckhart Tolle – A new earth – fantastic book, even better on audible, really gives you great insights about yourself

15. What were some interesting convictions or beliefs you possessed during your growing up years?

I thought leaders were born, I assumed leaders didn’t make mistakes, all wrong and I believed if you work hard and are a good person things will work out (not always the case unfortunately).

6. If there was something someone could help you with what that would be?

There are lots of things people can help me with! The biggest one for me is continuing to give me feedback on my impact, you are always learning.

17. If you were to die today, what would you regret not doing?

I don’t have any regrets, there are lots of places I would like to go and visit and I want to get back to see my mum and sisters in the UK and Ireland and will do when I can but do not feel regrets are useful