Name: Kevin Gargini

Title: Owner

Oranisation: Gargini Will Services

I have been in law enforcement for over two decades and recently decided to make a career change. I started my own company and I’m also a NED and a Chair of the Board for two Charities.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Kevin's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Managing people and the expectations from investors and customers. I believe that your team are the most valuable part of the company. If you get that right, with gratitude and respect, then they will do the rest. To wake up every morning, day after day is hard enough, let alone if you don’t feel valued.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I believe we are all leaders. It doesn’t matter what you do in life, try to be your best and lead by example. I have a mindset to work hard and to accomplish things. I have had enough bad managers in the past to show me how not to lead. This has improved my ability and my honesty. I have always led and helped people grow and become confident. Give people responsibility and they will benefit from that. To feel needed and appreciated is so important to our mental health.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My work day starts as many people’s do, by waking, showering, drinking coffee and checking my emails. This usually dictates my day and along with set appointments/meetings, I can prioritise my to do schedule. My day usually ends with reviewing my accomplishments, scanning emails and looking at what the next day will bring.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I believe in freedom of speech and everyone can bring something to the table to discuss. Sometimes, overlooking a junior member of staff can be extremely detrimental to them and you. Everyone has had different experiences in life and to ignore one’s opinions/suggestions is damaging. It belittles people and they won’t speak up again, which means you lose a voice. I have learned this from years at a rank and file organisation which shows no respect to one’s experience. Your staff and you will not grow if sincerity and belief are not shown, therefore neither will your business. People love achieving and at first they may be scared but support and encourage them. Once they’ve succeeded they will be ready for anything. Encourage teamwork and not individual titles.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Good Value by Stephen Green. This incredible book shows us how we can create wealth in societies, and why is it necessary to do so. It asks us how we can improve the lives of the largest number of people? And how do we, living in a globalised world caught in an age of the throw away culture and the quickest way to make money. It explains how money means nothing if you trample over ethics to make it. Can you be happy with a guilty conscience?

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Listen. Keep eye contact, give the person your time, make sure they know that what they are saying is important. Listening is a skill many people don’t have, yet it is the easiest. You don’t always have to have an answer or any advice. Just listen, and see what a difference it makes.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

When you are given a challenge that seems impossible, sleep on it. Make some notes breaking the challenge down the next day. Get on with your day. Come back and look over your notes (with a team), break it down some more. Go away and enjoy your evening. The next day, you will be amazed how simple the impossible challenge has become. Use the team wisely, never panic, and achieve your goal. Always make your bed and never respond to an email whilst you’re reacting in a negative manner. Your job is important, but you are replaceable.