John Swift is in charge of the Middle East business of Nats Holdings, formerly National Air Traffic Services, which runs the UK’s air traffic system. Based in Dubai’s DMCC free zone, Nats in the Middle East advises regional airlines and airports on issues of air traffic control and other aviation logistics. Mr Swift has been with Nats for the past three years.
What are your favourite things to do on the weekend?
After a busy week, which often involves travelling away from home, I really enjoy spending time with friends. While eating out is a regular occurrence, I also love entertaining at home, as it gives me the opportunity to indulge one of my growing passions – cooking.
What do you consider to be your favourite hobby?
Trekking and hill walking, which I’ve been lucky enough to experience in a number of beautiful locations, including the UK, Ireland, Spain, Tanzania, Morocco and Argentina. There are fewer opportunities for this in the Middle East, but walking remains a key part of my regular morning routine here – it’s a great opportunity to reflect, analyse and ensure focus for the day ahead. I’m also a great fan of Irish rugby union.
What can’t you live without?
I’ve found myself increasingly reliant on my smartphone for all aspects of life beyond the traditional business functions. Top of my app list are a flight radar app so I can see how local aircraft are being managed during busy periods and understand where exactly my flight is; step counters and running apps to track personal progress against my plan; and language apps to improve my Arabic and Spanish.
What do you consider the secret to your success?
I’ve experienced a number of situations where I faced significant and original challenges in my career. This has taught me the true value of being able to admit that I don’t know everything, and then having the confidence to seek out and learn from those who know more. I’ve also always made it a personal goal to develop my team so that they are able to step into my own role as soon as possible, ensuring their growth and allowing me to provide value from my own experiences. I believe your own success is very much dependent on the success of your whole team.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
To anyone starting out in any business: don’t accept the status quo and ask better questions. Don’t assume because you’re new or junior that the processes and procedures that appear wrong to you, aren’t in fact wrong. Ask questions that really make people think and allow ideas to flow, and you’ll find that anything is possible.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
It’s not easy to be honest, as we’re never truly disconnected, and as air traffic control is a 24-hour, 365 day-per-year activity, with teams working across multiple time zones, it’s natural for work not to conform to strict office hours. However, it is important to schedule “down time”. Good communication is important so that families appreciate when there are significant work activities under way, and equally, colleagues are aware of significant family events.
How do you relax after the working day?
I like to keep up to date with current affairs, so will be browsing news websites or watching broadcast news. To properly switch off, I love watching a movie at home, or getting through a few chapters of a book before bedtime. I’ve just finished Keith Richards’ autobiography, Life.
If you weren’t running your business what else would you be doing?
I wish I had more time for philanthropic pursuits, so would love the opportunity to put my years of operations and business experience to good use on a significant humanitarian or conservation project. Around 10 years ago I partnered my business with a local hospice, providing life-limited children with respite care. The value we added by thinking like a business to improve their activities was something I’m immensely proud of.
fkane@thenational.ae
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