My first real job was with Lion Nathan in their graduate programme, in 1992 at the grand old age of 25. I was paid $27,000 - a huge sum after years of living on the student allowance.
How did you get the job? As I remember, we were allowed to drink as much as we liked and they took those who were still standing.
Or maybe I had to endure several interviews and assessments by people who were much more qualified than me.
Did you enjoy it?
Straight out of university, sent to Hawkes Bay to work in brewing where the beer was free? Yes, it is fair to say I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the challenge of learning in an area I wasn't qualified for; I did a BCom/LLB and was working in brewing. I stayed in that role for 11 months but was with Lion Nathan for 13 years in nine different roles.
I left because I was offered this challenging role with Hubbards.
What did you learn?
When a suggestion is made that doesn't fit with your planned career path it is better to think about what it offers, rather than disregarding it because it isn't what you had planned. That was a great lesson to learn so early in my career.
What was your boss like?
My boss was passionate about brewing but not a corporate sort. I have had many inspirational leaders but two stick in my mind: Peter Kean, who has an unbelievable ability to motivate and Steve Mason, who was functionally/technically incredible in marketing and taught me a lot.
Advice for someone starting out?
Don't be frightened to consider something that isn't in your field of expertise.
