Adrian Gore is CEO and founder of Discovery Health. Katy Chance discovered a few of his favourites (though sadly not over coffee!)
Adrian Gore describes his management style as hands-on and “hopefully inspirational”.
“I don’t like to be too dictatorial. I feel people work better, myself included, in a positive environment.
“But you’re asking the wrong person. I think I’m a great manager you should really ask the people who work with me! I like to think I’ve created a non-hierarchical environment where people feel they can take creative risks!”
Asked what he does to forget about work, he says he doesn’t actively try to do so as he enjoys it too much.
“I do try to keep as fit as possible, though. It’s good for the business image! And I enjoy off-road motor-cycling on my 250cc. I had a bad prang a couple of months ago but I’ll be back in the saddle soon.”
And his favourites?
Favourite food: I tend to eat the same thing every night, a lot of chicken. I’m not into red meat. My favourite (and healthiest) lunch would be sushi, which I love.
Favourite drink: Coffee. Coffee! Not that decaffeinated stuff! Real coffee! Espresso!
Favourite movie: I don’t have a single favourite that I can think of. My wife and I are big movie fans and go every chance we get. I even enjoy love stories which I find very moving. One I did enjoy recently was Gladiator. It was interesting to see what the Roman Empire looked like!
Favourite book: I’m an obsessive Economist reader and I’m currently reading one of their recommendations The Penguin History of the 20th Century by JM Roberts. I love history. (He would agree with Time’s selection of Einstein as the person who most influenced the century: “Let’s face it, he changed the weapons we use! Even if he did so unwittingly.”).
I enjoy books that I feel keep my mind working. If I’m reading something light I feel I’m being unproductive. I only read novels on holiday.
Favourite holiday destination: I love beach resorts where I can create a routine for myself. I’m basically obsessive-compulsive and find not having controls in place incredibly stressful! So when I’m on holiday, I have to establish a regimented routine very quickly so I can relax.
Once, in Mauritius, I didn’t leave the resort for two weeks. I did the same thing every day for 14 days. That’s what I call a holiday!
Gore feels that South African business is going through a crisis of confidence.
“We produce amazing things in this country, but there’s this natural tendency towards doom and gloom. We have to stay positive and accept that if there is a great future for us here, we’re going to have to build it ourselves.
“I get mad when I see fabulous sun-protection products and who should do them better than us? only to turn the tube over to find it ‘Made in Australia’! That’s got to stop.”