The Last Word: Geoff Dunning

Geoff Dunning, chief executive, Road Haulage Association

What is your biggest achievement in your current role?

Restructuring the Road Haulage Association during a severe recession so that we are well placed for the future.
 
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My father, who instilled a common sense work ethic in me.

What is your dream holiday?

The dream was always to fly by Concorde to Rio at Carnival time. The energy of the event seems amazing, but sadly the flight is no longer available.

Who was the last person you received a text message from?

My wife.

What is your favourite sitcom?

Men Behaving Badly – totally hilarious.

What is your favourite film?

Airplane – totally hilarious.

When was the last time you used any form of public transport?

Early August, travelling from Edinburgh station to my hotel.

What is the first thing you would do if you were made Prime Minister for the day?

Sort out Britain’s transport infrastructure, both road and rail.

If you won the Lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

A beautiful house on St Hilda’s Terrace in Whitby – because I can and I want to.

Who was your childhood hero?

Graham Hill. He was a bit of a playboy and a great racing driver.

What was your biggest mistake in business and what did you learn from it?

I once had an opportunity that I missed because I was too slow in making a decision. Now I don’t hesitate and take a risk if I need to.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Respect yourself, be true to yourself, but, most of all, enjoy yourself.

What is your favourite book?

Catch-22. A fantastic anti-war book that is totally hilarious.

What is your best childhood memory?

The freedom to spend all day riding my bike all over the place.

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

Chateaubriand. The best steak anyone can ever eat – to be shared with a good friend.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Inclusive.
 
When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

When I had a bonfire and covered a neighbour’s barbecue in ash.

You are going to a desert island – what three things do you take with you?

A Kindle fully loaded with books, a quad bike (with fuel) and an ice maker.

What has been the pivotal moment in your life?

Joining Ringways Garages in Leeds. I became a grown-up after a few wasted years and learned how to sell effectively – a skill that everyone in business needs, whatever their job might be.

What is the one object you couldn’t live without?

A car.

If you could work in another profession what would it be?

Running a Formula One racing team as well as Ross Brawn.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever been given?

A tantalus when I left the Freight Transport Association.

What’s your least favourite food?

Nuts and bananas. I’m not a monkey.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be and why?

Superman. I could then stop crime – particularly violent crime.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Jack Daniels over lots of ice.

What is your dream car?

An Overfinch Range Rover.