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GREG HEYLEN

Greg Heylen. Picture: Rob Duncan/ The West Australian.

It’s all about building strong, rewarding relationships, the chief executive of BGC Contracting tells Ben Harvey.

Biggest or best career break?

The decision to work in Hong Kong early in my career to immerse myself in the experience of doing business in another culture was a game-changer for me. It helped me appreciate in a way I hadn’t before, that maintaining strong and rewarding relationships extends beyond business. Relationships transcend cultures and break down language barriers. Developing a real appreciation of the value of relationships has helped shape my career path.

Describe your leadership style.

Over the years I have observed business leaders and cherry-picked those features I like and adapted them. I would say I’m an authoritative leader with elements of both participative and pacesetter leadership styles (collaboration and goal-setting). I’ve been told I’m more of a “come with me” type person as opposed to a “you will come with me” personality, if that makes sense. But regardless of your style there are certainly three important steps which a successful leader must follow. Initially it is about identifying where the business needs to be and developing a strategy for getting it there. And perhaps most importantly, bringing that to life by empowering a highly motivated and capable team.

Most memorable executive experience?

Without a doubt it was working with the late Len Buckeridge. He became an icon of the business world through years of hard work and by being a true visionary. This was a privilege for me to experience and appreciate first hand. Everyone in the business has their own “Len story”. My Len story is relatively recent from reporting to him as chairman of the BGC Group. We were discussing a subcontractor who had struggled to meet a number of project deliverables. I knew he had worked hard and done the best job he could, but fell short of what was expected, prompting some discussion as to whether he should be paid for the work. Len said to me: “Greg, everyone deserves a fair day’s pay, for a fair day’s work.” This stuck with me and I often reflect on it now in my dealings with people.

First or most unusual job?

I wouldn’t say I have had any job that I consider unusual. But I’m often questioned about an unusual recreational pursuit. I am on the organising committee for Hash House Harriers, an international group of non-competitive running social clubs which meet once a year at a random location somewhere in the world.

Best way to improve productivity?

A dynamic culture of productivity improvement is important. Sometimes you might have to make hard fundamental structural and operational changes that can impact on people, but in the main it is about embedding a dynamic culture of productivity improvement within the overall business culture. You need a high-performing, motivated workforce that is well-equipped to drive company strategy and achieve goals. To do this you need clear and concise goals; a capable motivated team empowered to seek practical solutions to business problems; appropriate recognition and reward for goal attainment.

Do you use social media?

I use LinkedIn and Facebook frequently and YouTube from time to time. Social media has come of age in the past 10 years. It has transformed the way we communicate and receive information, from the relatively insignificant to major news events. It is a long way from maturing to its full potential. The challenge for businesses is unlocking the benefits of social media in an organisational context, rather than fearing some of the negatives.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’m an avid collector of Australian muscle cars. I have a collection of Falcon GTs from the 1970s, widely regarded as the quintessential era for muscle cars in Australia and the US. I also like to take motorcycle trips with my wife, family and friends each year, most recently completing a trip around large parts of Australia, including crossing Victoria’s Great Dividing Range.

Last book you read?

The New Art of the Leader by William Cohen. I liked it because it helped me develop a real appreciation for authentic leadership styles and identified eight “must haves”.

Favourite holiday destination?

My wife and I love Rome for the architecture, the people, the relaxed atmosphere and the rich cultural history that gives the eternal city its unique character. Closer to home is the Great Dividing Range. We rode motorcycles, but if they are not your thing, then travelling there in more conservative transport is something everyone should experience at least once.

What are the big challenges facing the contracting sector?

It’s safe to say that the boom period of the resources industry is well and truly over. The biggest challenge is attaining and maintaining competitive advantage in a market where there is a greater appetite for fewer projects than are out there. The secret to maintaining competitive advantage comes down to having a sound strategy to drive the company forward along with developing and maintaining a strong and reputable brand. At BGC Contracting, that brand is based on our commitment to project delivery, strong relationships and great people, and we invest a lot of time and energy ensuring we don’t compromise on these.