Richard Arthurs, finance director of General Mills UK, on Peking Duck, James Bond and eagles
What was your first-ever job? I stocked shelves at a grocery store in Canada. My work focused on the fastest-moving items in the store.
You've got 25 words to describe your career. Very global, with a continuous need to adapt to change, challenge, and continuous development.
How do you describe your job to mates? I influence optimal decision-making. When I simplify this for my kids I tell them Dad makes Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being a leader in a company with people who love working in a culture that respects trust, continuous improvement, and empowers people with a high level of personal responsibility and care.
What is the least rewarding part? It would be great if more people in the UK knew about General Mills.
If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? I would own my own business.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Have my own private jet.
What is your motto in life? Carpe diem. Make the most of every day, never stop learning or having fun.
What do you like to do outside work? Spend time with my wife and kids. Especially on holidays in the sun or skiing. I like to keep active outdoors.
What's your nickname? Rico...
What was the first music single you bought? Satisfaction, Rolling Stones.
What did you want to be when a kid? Airline pilot.
What's your favourite movie? The Shawshank Redemption, although I must admit I have collected every Bond movie made.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I woke up very early for a high-profile meeting in the Canadian Parliament buildings and realised in the meeting I had two different coloured shoes on.
Do you have any phobias? I was once on a sailboat on the Atlantic Ocean when an unexpected major storm hit. I would prefer never to be in that situation again.
Which celebrity would you pick to join your staff? John Cleese. He could make accounting entertaining.
What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? In Shanghai I ate Peking Duck, although the first three courses were parts of the duck I did not know were digestible.
What animal best reflects your personality and why? An eagle because it can travel long distances and prefers to view the world at a high level. Plus it knows when to dive in.
What was your first-ever job? I stocked shelves at a grocery store in Canada. My work focused on the fastest-moving items in the store.
You've got 25 words to describe your career. Very global, with a continuous need to adapt to change, challenge, and continuous development.
How do you describe your job to mates? I influence optimal decision-making. When I simplify this for my kids I tell them Dad makes Häagen-Dazs ice cream.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being a leader in a company with people who love working in a culture that respects trust, continuous improvement, and empowers people with a high level of personal responsibility and care.
What is the least rewarding part? It would be great if more people in the UK knew about General Mills.
If you didn't work in grocery where would you work? I would own my own business.
If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Have my own private jet.
What is your motto in life? Carpe diem. Make the most of every day, never stop learning or having fun.
What do you like to do outside work? Spend time with my wife and kids. Especially on holidays in the sun or skiing. I like to keep active outdoors.
What's your nickname? Rico...
What was the first music single you bought? Satisfaction, Rolling Stones.
What did you want to be when a kid? Airline pilot.
What's your favourite movie? The Shawshank Redemption, although I must admit I have collected every Bond movie made.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I woke up very early for a high-profile meeting in the Canadian Parliament buildings and realised in the meeting I had two different coloured shoes on.
Do you have any phobias? I was once on a sailboat on the Atlantic Ocean when an unexpected major storm hit. I would prefer never to be in that situation again.
Which celebrity would you pick to join your staff? John Cleese. He could make accounting entertaining.
What's the weirdest thing you've eaten? In Shanghai I ate Peking Duck, although the first three courses were parts of the duck I did not know were digestible.
What animal best reflects your personality and why? An eagle because it can travel long distances and prefers to view the world at a high level. Plus it knows when to dive in.
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