Martyn Crook first came to the UAE in 1981 after an offer to go parachuting for free.
That visit turned into a year after he took a job working in sales and marketing, later leading him to manage a graphics company in Hong Kong. Mr Crook, 57, returned a year ago to join Al Barari, a Dubai-based real estate developer, as the chief executive of asset management.
How do you spend your weekend?
I have always been a social person, and after a busy week I like nothing more than to have some time with friends over lunch or dinner. There are some fantastic places to socialise at in Dubai. My current favourites are The Farm, Madinat Jumeirah, Ushna, Al Hallab at Mall of the Emirates and Hoi An. I love trying new restaurants, especially those that serve spicy food. My colleagues recently gave me a list of must-visit South Asian restaurants and I cannot wait to try them out over the next few weekends.
How did you become a chief executive?
While my background has always been sales and marketing, I have owned businesses in the past around the world. Therefore I have a fair bit of business experience and that has been recognised at Al Barari. I would say my skill sets are on a broad base really. Recognising opportunity, an ability to visualise what needs to be achieved and ensuring that key people working with me really get that. I am a great believer in, where possible, giving people the freedom to express their ideas. I try to promote the notion that you should never be afraid to challenge conventional wisdom.
What is your go-to gadget?
My iPad, mainly for catching up on great British TV dramas and Skyping with family abroad. I have just finished watching the six-part BBC dramatisation of War and Peace. It was superb. I now have an understanding of the story. I have never quite got around to tackling the book. The cast was well chosen and the locations were stunning. The cinematography is beautiful. Above all else it is a very moving, powerful story.
What was the lowest point of your career?
I was involved in a business a couple of years ago where I found it almost impossible to get fellow board members to recognise the need for change and adaptability. I found it very depressing at the time. Eventually they saw the light and we were able to set up a national distribution, but convincing them was an exhausting process. In the end my determination paid off.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
Vision. You first of all need to have the vision of what you want to achieve. You have to really and truly believe in your vision. That is so important. Once you have that, you need to put together a plan to reach your vision. That then needs to disseminate across and down the business to ensure that goals and aspirations are achieved.
What is your most indulgent habit?
Definitely good food and all that goes with it.
What do you have on your desk at work?
My MacBook Air, a ship in a bottle, a picture of my family, a calculator, the Al Barari master plan, a wooden rowing boat and, of course, plenty of potted plants as I work at Al Barari. I find the greenery to be very soothing.
What can’t you live without?
Chillies. I love spice and enjoy cooking curries. I am always on the hunt for the spiciest chillies in the city and have finally found habanero chillies here, much to my excitement.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
My typical morning begins at the gym. To maximise my day, I get my workout done in the morning before work. I encourage employees to exercise and so I see a lot of my colleagues at the health club in the mornings. The endorphins from the exercise start my day on a positive note and really help me focus at the office. I then enjoy a bowl of fresh cut fruit for an energy boost and get on with work. If I’m not too busy, I meet my wife for a healthy meal. Once all important tasks are done in the office, I head home to walk my dog and spend time with my family. I enjoy discussing my day with my wife and sometimes, when I’m up for it, cooking a nice meal together for dinner. It’s about your mindset. Stay positive, stay focused and everything is achievable.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be and why?
In an ideal world I would like to make a living from painting – pictures, not walls – so it would be fun to swap jobs with an accomplished artist and tap into my creative side.
lgraves@thenational.ae