Business

In Conversation With....

Issue 105

Martin Potts - Managing Director, Shrewd HR

What were your career ambitions?

When it was clear I wasn’t going to make it as a professional footballer (it was never happening!) I always wanted to have my own company; I didn’t know exactly what doing but it was always an ambition to run and grow my own successful buisness.

Tell us about your current role?

I’m Managing Director of shrewd HR – a full 360 HR outsourcing service for SMEs across the North of England.

What is your proudest business achievement?

Recruiting our first employee.

How has your industry changed in the last decade?

This is what makes what we do so interesting, the world of work has changed so much and continues to. When I first started my career, my first role was within the Personnel Department for the Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, that role wouldn’t exist these days because of AI and technology. Personnel quickly shifted towards Human Resources and now it’s much more about People and Culture, emphasising a more people-centric approach to managing employees.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on updating our website to reflect the additional services we have recently launched.

What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?

I’ve been lucky enough to get so much advice through the network I have around me but the thing that sticks with me is to ‘enjoy the journey’ as business owners we’re all so focused on the end goal and rarely sit back and enjoy the little successes and challenges along the way.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Striking the perfect work-life balance is definitely my biggest challenge. At times it is impossible to switch off, even when you’re lying on a sunlounger around the pool on holiday, you’re still thinking about work. I love what I do though, so I don’t see it as an issue, but it is important to find those things to help you switch off (see below).

How do you unwind outside of work?

Exercise is my go-to, I enjoy going to the gym. I’ve also started to play padel tennis which I’ve become addicted to, I’m playing 3-4 times a week at the moment and would play every day if I could! I am a Sunderland football season ticket holder (for my sins!) which I’ve had for many years, so on a Saturday you’ll find me cheering on the lads at the Stadium of Light.

Favourite Book?

My favourite book is Show Dog, the story behind Nike by Phil Knight.

shrewd-hr.co.uk

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