My Working Day – Jonathan Papworth – co-founder and director of Person Centred Software

As the leader of a company, you are there to set an example, to lead and inspire a team of individuals to achieve a series of business goals. But, how do these business leaders go about their daily routine?

Business Leader spoke to Jonathan Papworth – co-founder and director of Person Centred Software, about this working day.

WHAT TIME DO YOU USUALLY WAKE UP?

I set my alarm for 6am.

WHAT DO YOU TYPICALLY HAVE FOR BREAKFAST?

Usually, either a smoothie or porridge. If I’m in a rush, I will grab a banana. When I have more time, I will have scrambled eggs, even better with smoked salmon and avocado, and on a special day with champagne as well!

WHAT IS THE REST OF YOUR MORNING ROUTINE BEFORE YOU START WORK?

I have no regular routine as every day is different. However, if I am looking after our 3-year-old cockapoo, I will take him for a walk before I do anything and then take him with me to the office. I try to start work no later than 8am, and often begin at 7am with calls.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE START OF YOUR WORKING DAY?

First, I check the financial and operational graphs for the business through-put, which covers, among other things, training delivered, outstanding debtors, system usage counts, new customers coming on board, number of leads and sales so far per month.

HOW DO YOU PRIORITISE YOUR DAY’S WORK?

If there are any obstacles that need my attention, I deal with them first. If there are none, I focus strategically on what is going to be the best opportunity for business growth. We operate in the UK and launched last year in Australia, so I normally concentrate on Australia first due to the time difference.

DO YOU PLAN MEETINGS OR ARE THEY A WASTE OF TIME?

I only have meetings if they have a pre-defined objective. I find emails are a necessary evil so try to avoid them as much as possible. A phone call will often fix things far quicker than an email will.

DO YOU HAVE A WORKING LUNCH OR IS IT GOOD TO TAKE A BREAK?

More often than not I will have a break at some point in the day. If I have the dog in the office, I will take him for a walk. I’m regularly accompanied by one of my team, particularly when the sun is shining. They tell me it’s an excellent opportunity for a relaxed and creative discussion.

WHEN DOES YOUR WORKING DAY FINISH?

Our company working day ends at 4:30pm. But my work is also my passion, so I often ‘work’ in the evenings too!

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE NEXT DAY’S WORK?

I categorise whether there’s any obstacles that need my attention and if there’s not, then I focus on what’s going to help the business grow the fastest.

FAVOURITE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY?

I can live and work without technology, but I do like Chromecast. It streams the apps on my phone to the TV, so I can watch what I want when I have the time.

HOW DO YOU SWITCH OFF?

Sailing with my wife on a canal boat, spending time with family, going skiing, and attending car rallies with my brother and co-founder, Simon.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

“Don’t treat people as children when they cross the factory gates.” I aim to have a very flat hierarchical structure that allows people to make their own decisions – I’m a firm believer that it’s better to seek forgiveness than to ask permission.

I also think often of the saying, “The pursuit of perfection is the enemy of progress”.

Are you a CEO of a business and want to be featured on Business Leader for ‘My Working Day’? Please contact info@businessleader.co.uk.