The last word: Steve Robertson

Steve Robertson, head of fleet and business sales, Seat

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

The completion of the restructured and much-expanded Seat UK fleet sales team.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My father. He emphasised to me the value of hard work, humility and being honest with people. I’ve carried these principles with me throughout my business life.

What is your dream holiday?

A visit to the Inca trail in South America. It would be something completely different, exciting and, possibly, unexpected.

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

My daughter, reminding me that her allowance needs to go into her bank account – as if I’d forget.

What is your favourite sitcom?

Friends. It’s really well written and always on TV somewhere!

And your favourite film?

JFK. I’m fascinated by that whole conspiracy thing.

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

My golf clubs (in case there’s a course), my iPhone (in case there’s a signal) and something practical like a Swiss Army Knife, just in case I really needed it.

When was the last time you took public transport?

If flying counts, then it was last week for a regular fleet team meeting at the Seat S.A. headquarters in Barcelona – fantastic city in which to have your HQ!

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

I’d reduce BIK to zero for vehicles emitting less than 100g/km of CO2.

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

An outrageous supercar – perhaps a Lamborghini Reventon, just for the sheer hell of it. I’d also buy Celtic tickets for life.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Family holidays on the ‘Costa Clyde’ at Girvan. We went there at least seven years in succession when I was a lad and they were great family times.

What has been your biggest mistake in business?

There are so many to choose from! But, seriously, I think mistakes are a necessary part of growing up, personally and professionally. The key thing is to learn from those experiences and not repeat them.

Your favourite dish at a restaurant?

A really nice fillet steak, served medium rare. Why? Because you just can’t beat it.

What is your favourite book?

I’m currently reading Steve Jobs’s biography and that has really captured my attention. It’s a fascinating story of perhaps the most successful entrepreneur in history.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Collaborative, approachable and undeniably results-focused.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

When I put the milk carton in the wrong bin this morning. I do think recycling is important and really try to do my bit. I fished it out of the bin straight away, by the way.

Who was your childhood hero?

Kenny Dalglish. Because he was a genius on the pitch and arguably the best Scottish player of all time. And he played for us .

Which historical character do you most identify with?

Jock Stein. Because he built a great team, was a great manager, and a great man.

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

Never underestimate your potential, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.

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

My sand wedge. Without it I’d never get out of the bunkers!

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

Batman – just love that car!

What is your dream car?

It’s probably that Lamborghini again.

What has been the pivotal moment in your life?

The births of our children. In both cases, the whole emphasis of life changes forever.