In the Spotlight this week is Jonny Hill, operations director at venYou www.venyou.co.uk
What was your first job?
My first job was working at a local orchard in Co Armagh.
What qualifications do you have?
I graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh with a MA (hons) management with marketing.
What do you attribute your success to?
Whilst living and working on the family farm in my younger days, you did whatever was required to get the job done, and this is something that has continued throughout my career. I consider attention to detail incredibly important. At venYou, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail in providing a five-star service, continuously reviewing our business and service levels, resolving issues before they become an issue. Finally, integrity. Being honest and having moral standards creates stronger relationships.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Focused, hardworking, honest and to the point – I find that this way I generally achieve the best outcome.
Who do you look up to in business?
I admire anyone who takes the leap to set up their own business. I respect those who move from a steady job and is willing to risk loss in pursuit of their passion.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
Recognition and visibility. venYou has a fantastic team that is instrumental to our success, and it’s important they receive recognition for their work. I believe it’s important to involve team members in any changes to our systems and procedures, so we regularly seek their feedback, and offer them the opportunity to suggest ideas on how things can be improved. Finally, leading by example. I was always told, never ask a person to do something that you’re not prepared to do yourself.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Encourage businesses to promote a healthy work/personal life balance. Many employees are continuing to work from home, but there is no denying that relationships are built in person. I believe businesses need to have employees in the office on a frequent basis to encourage staff development and stronger relationships.
What website or app could you not do without?
BBC News and X (formerly Twitter).
What was the last book you read?
The Battle by Paul O’Connell. It was a great insight into the modern game of rugby showing what it takes physically and mentally to succeed in the game.
What car do you drive?
Jaguar XKR.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I’m a keen runner and have completed marathons in New York, Paris and Chicago. I can finally say I’m a sub four-hour member!
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Travel and sport. I enjoy combining travel with sport when possible and have been fortunate to attend many sporting events including the Ryder Cup in France, the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, and the Champions League Final in Athens.