• home
• about
• services
• the process
• case studies
• testimonials
• newsletter
• in the press
• our people
• situations vacant
• contact 99 head office

99 in the press

An interview with Rob Fyfe:    

 

Have you had mentors/influencers over the years, leading to this role?
Yes at certain times during my career but none that really stand out.  I am more about inspiring people, creating an organization with personality that you want to be a part of.  We have 65,000 people apply to work at Air NZ each year.  It's about mind set, creating a workplace with a competitive advantage, letting people get involved and make a contribution.

Key turning points in your career/opportunities?
When working at the NBA in the mid 90's, National Australian Bank.   I was Marketing Manager and being groomed to take on our CEO role. I realized that I wasn't making a big difference to the company, that it would still make money each year if I was there or not and the marketing would truck on. I have always wanted to work for a fun, inspiring organization where I feel I was making a difference, so I resigned. I moved back to NZ and took a job in telecommunication with a 50% pay cut.

A negative/challenging event that has shaped you?
I think I am like I am, mainly down to DNA; this is certainly a big chunk of it anyway.  I have always taken high risk choices since leaving school and they have generally paid off so this in turn has built confidence. I like to go outside my comfort zone to achieve.  These things have lead to a sense of ability but I have tried to be very careful that this doesn't lead to arrogance.

Did you decide you wanted this role? Was it a goal, when?
No.

What is your strongest personality trait?
Going to sound very cheesy now, but that I genuinely care. I have found that people give more of themselves to a company and job if you care.  Being yourself and showing compassion.

Key advisors now, in and out of business?
Senior team in the business.  Don't have a hard wall up to staff, laugh, cry, be open and honest. I don't come up with all the ideas; I have the questions to the ideas.

Do you get up each day and think, I love what I do?
Sure do, yes, very rare for me not too.  If I had more than 2 weeks of not feeling this was, I would know it's time to move on.

Most un-enjoyable part of the role?
Politics, not internally, with government and the unions, we have 43 contacts.

Where to from here?
Been in the role for 6 years, still love it and as long as I do I will keep doing it. 18 hours a day.

Rocket or a sparkler?
That would be the second most unusual question I have been asked.  I like it, do you mind if I use it again?  I would be a sparkler. I have to pinch myself in this role.  I am not a star and never had a burning inspiration to be a CEO. I just wanted to my best, and that is my best by my standards, not other peoples.  The questions, rockets are aiming for something; I would be the sparkler, as you can light lots of rockets, be the energy for them.  Sparkler as it is source of light, energy, and inspiring.

  

Various as follows:

• September/October 2011 - Bay Buzz - "Get Smart girl calling clients from the Bay"
• December 08/January 09 NZ Business Magazine, December 2008/January 2009 issue, Briefcase "From Christmas Puddings to Databases"
• November 2008 Baybuzz Digest www.baybuzz.co.nz - "Backing the Bay"
• 14 October 2008, The CHB Mail "Database your way to success"
• "99 Ways to Grow Your Business" 22 April 2008 Hawke's Bay Today
• May 2010, The New Zealand Hearld - The jobs we love to hate 

As Oscar Wilde said "There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about".