By Business & Finance 
Barry McCutcheon, Proposition Lead, Royal London
Barry McCutcheon, Proposition Lead, Royal London, says ability to adapt to change is the difference between leading the pack and getting left behind.
My first job was working in a pub over the school summer holidays which paid the princely sum of £5 per night plus tips. It taught me that when you work in the service industry, or any industry, to value and listen to those who are interacting and engaging with the customer the most. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to lead many exciting projects which involve bringing innovative financial products to market; each one has been an achievement. I’m most excited about one that I am currently a part of, which will be the first of its kind. It’s very much under wraps at the moment so I can’t say too much! Having no regrets. The best way to cope with change is to drive it. It’s a mantra that has stood to me throughout my career. While it’s not always possible to be one step ahead of the game, being open to change and being adaptable is very important. It can be the difference between leading the pack or being left behind. Every day I ask myself how can I make a difference? How can I be a role model for others in ways that inspire and challenges them to take greater ownership in what they do? In my experience, a sense of ownership and pride in one’s work almost always results in optimal performance. Daniel Ek, Co-Founder & CEO of Spotify. He is a business person who really puts the customer in focus and listens to what they’re actually saying. He is a fascinating individual who didn’t let lack of experience or finances hold him back, he became a millionaire at just 23! Spending family time with my wife and daughter or going for a run for some head space. Never stop learning. It goes back to what I was saying about being adaptable to change, no matter what area of work you’re in, the pace of change and development just seems to be getting faster. If you want to succeed, then you have to stay relevant by learning and keeping up with new advancements–a thirst for learning is always a good thing. Royal London has grown significantly in recent years increasing our market share in Ireland from 4% to 17% since 2011. Future growth will come from building upon our reputation as the key innovators in the life assurance market by expanding the range of financial products that we offer, which are always focused on truly making a difference to the lives of our customers.Q. What was your first job?
Q. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Q. In three words or less, how do you define success?
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Q. How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
Q. If you could step into the shoes of one business person for a day, who would it be and why?
Q. How do you relax?
Q. What’s your motto?
Q. What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
While it’s not always possible to be one step ahead of the game, being open to change and being adaptable is very important. It can be the difference between leading the pack or being left behind.
