Sean Buckley answers: As a CEO and leader, describe a challenge you overcame

Ultra Tune has faced various challenges over the years, not the least of which being an adverse legal finding after a court case with the ACCC. I was overseas at the time for an extended period of time and unfortunately (my own fault), didn’t take an active enough role in the pending case.

As a consequence the company was issued with a hefty fine. This was an operational issue, that, once I returned to Australia was immediately rectified and, thankfully our clientele has seen it for what it was – a glitch in an otherwise stellar 40 years of operation. What it did show me was the need to keep my finger on the pulse of the organization at all time. The implications could have been catastrophic, however, being such a well established and credible company allowed us to ride this setback out and thereafter the company has comeback stronger and more effective than ever before.

What are some of the vital attributes, in your opinion, that every leader should possess?

Focus, goal-setting, follow the data, build relationships, employ expertise – listen to them, don’t micro-manage them and remember; the best predictor of the future is the past – learn from your mistakes and don’t make them again in the future.