I was trouble - and always in trouble. Aged eight I still couldn't read. In fact, I was dyslexic and short-sighted. Despite sitting at the front of the class, I couldn't read the blackboard. Only after a couple of terms did anyone think to have my eyes tested. Even when I could see, the letters and numbers made no sense at all.

There are some nasty, nasty incidents taking place in the world, but [it's] much better than it used to be.

I have learnt more from my failures than my successes.

I felt uneasy about making the rapid decisions I have always made, and wondered whether every decision should be formally ratified and minuted at a board meeting.

The companies that look after their people are the companies that do really well. I'm sure we'd like a few other attributes, but that would be the most important one.

I am no stranger to healthy competition-wor king hard and playing hard

When people are placed in positions slightly above what they expect, they are apt to excel.