Alida Scholtz became the first female chief executive in the UAE security services industry when she joined G4S UAE in May 2016. During her 20-year career, she has managed more than 67 markets in the services industry and manufacturing sector. Previously vice president and international controller at Hertz, Ms Scholtz, 43, from South Africa, has lived in the UAE since 2000. She lives in Dubai with her husband, her nine-year-old son and the family dog Lilly.
How do you spend your weekend?
I enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle; Friday mornings I mostly go out running and exercise outside. The rest of the day I spend with my family and close friends, and being a South African native, our day has to be concluded with a traditional outdoor barbecue better known in our country as a ‘Braai’. I’m an avid reader, personal growth is very important to me and for that reason I assign some time to catch up on it during the weekend.
On Saturday I also manage my household to maintain the harmony and make sure the rest of the week runs smoothly. Due to the nature of both our busy schedules, me and my husband have breakfast together as a couple and catch up with each other.
How did you become a chief executive?
After graduating I started my career in finance to get some operational experience. I have worked most of my career as a senior finance executive and had the privilege to enjoy the view from the top and learnt a lot through mentoring from the best during my 20-year career. Once I completed my MBA I made the jump and stepped into the role of being a CEO. My family always encouraged me to take my education seriously and therefore I remain motived in pursuing additional education and satisfy my intellectual curiosity. I recently also started my PhD Studies.
What is your go-to gadget?
That would be my iPad, it’s with me at all times. I mostly use it to manage my work as it allows me access to all relevant information at a touch of a button with no paperwork involved.
What was the lowest point of your career?
I have never experienced a low point and always maintained a great attitude no matter what the challenges or set back. A positive mindset is the key to overcome all obstacles in life and I always make sure to emit this positive energy on to my people.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
There are many characteristics that attribute to a successful business … most critical is that your prospects and clients consider you as a trustworthy partner or service provider. Building your reputation and integrity is a long and continues process but key to build a successful business and to ensure long-term relationships with your clients. Trust is earned, it is not an entitlement. You have to ensure that you can deliver on your commitments otherwise do not make them until you are ready to deliver a phenomenal service.
What is your most indulgent habit?
I’m a firm believer of employee-happiness being the secret to most successful businesses. I try to make time free and stay connected with my staff every day, making sure they know they are being valued and getting the work done. In the first months coming on board I made it a point to visit all G4S staff accommodation camps and meet everyone personally and check on their well-being. It’s a big time commitment but in the end it is worth it having that live-discussion where they can directly address certain issues. Also work should be fun … we try to celebrate as many occasions together in the workplace.
What do you have on your desk at work?
I keep my desk very clean without clutter; mostly you will find only my iPad, mobiles and general computer equipment.
What can’t you live without?
That would be my family, I love spending time with them.
What car do you drive?
A Ford F150 pickup over the weekend and I use the BMW X6 as my private car.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
I start my day early and prioritise the level of urgency of all my responsibilities and meetings. At times my work and life balance is not always what it should be due to the pace of business, but it has always been manageable. A balanced work and life situation can only be achieved by you as a person. If you deny yourself the time to spend with family and friends it’s a choice you make and can only be changed by you. Therefore I promote family values for all my people and expect them to attend their family events and special school activities. Family is the foundation of our lives and should always have a dedicated place in our loaded calendars.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be?
Simon Cowell from the X-Factor. Finding a talent in a person and helping them to fulfil their dreams into making them a superstar must be absolutely amazing.
lbarnard@thenational.ae
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