Nobody’s perfect. What quality or ability do you wish you had?
I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve a little too much. I am very passionate about what we do and always look for constant improvement; and sometimes I wish I could temper that a little more. That said, this is a great time to be innovating and adding value in retail, so we hope some of this passion rubs off on our clients.
What is the best business book you have ever read, and why?
Jack by Jack Welch: lots of good ideas about what to do in business and lots of bad ideas about what not to do in business. It showed me that the greats don’t always get it right—in fact they often get it badly wrong—but they are prepared to dream and act big and that’s important in retail, where every day brings new challenges.
Someone you would most like to have met, living or dead, and why?
Winston Churchill—a great leader who had a remarkable sense of purpose but was prepared to delegate. He presided over a war cabinet of people drawn from all parties and gave them real authority. All they had to do was deliver!
What do you consider to be your major achievement (in life or business)?
Other than my family, the ability to adapt to ever-changing environments, whether internal or external. I joined K3 when it had 12 people; we now have 170 and that has meant a world of change, but it also means we have been able to attract a wide range of talent, so we really can work across all areas of a retailer’s business.
Who or what do you think is overrated?
Facebook. I am sure I will come to regret that comment but I can just see it getting overtaken by the next big thing, especially the more commercial it gets. It has its place but is expanding into too many other fields.
What mistakes have you made (professional or otherwise), and what did you learn from them?
Basing a sales decision on what the customer says they are going to do, even when you know it won’t happen, and even though we are totally realistic about how fast retail changes. The sales process is two-way in business solutions: we are selling the software and implementation and the customer is selling their requirements and commitment. Both have to be honest and realistic to make it work properly for all stakeholders.
Which one piece of wisdom would you pass on to your successor?
Remember that the person at the bottom of the ladder can contribute ideas just as much as the people at the top. Every perspective matters. Despite our rapid growth, I like to think we are still in tune as a team and able to share good ideas.
Who has been your inspiration professionally?
No one person in particular. My inspiration professionally has come from a vast array of books/presentations on business and thought leadership, learning the good and bad from people such as Jack Welch, Richard Branson and Stephen Covey.
How would you like to be remembered after your retirement?
A great leader who always gave 100 per cent whatever the challenge, constantly driving forward and attempting to get the best out of people. I hope I’d also be remembered for being part of the team, accessible to everyone.
Do you have a quote or motto you live (or work) by?
Fair: hard but fair. I expect a lot of myself and of my team, so no-one is in for an easy ride. But fairness in business is important if you expect people to deliver for you.
Colin Bain is managing director at K3 Retail. Colin joined K3 in 1999 as a consultant/developer, before progressing through the company in a variety of roles. K3 Retail delivers multi-channel solutions that enable retailers to create joined up shopping experiences for their customers whether they choose to buy online, direct or in-store. Customers have included Agent Provocateur, American Golf, Jigsaw, SpaceNK, The White Company and White Stuff. http://k3retail.com/
