My first CEO: David Spencer

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"Never make decisions without clear facts, no matter how tempting."

Name: David Spencer

Title: CEO, Jumeirah Golf Estates

Length of time in position: 3 years

Previous role: Director, Troon Golf

Who was your first CEO or mentor?

Kerry Packer, Australia's most successful business tycoon.

What three things did they teach you?

Passion, absolute integrity - and if the clock is ticking too fast, then stop the clock!

How have you applied this to how you work today?

Working and living in a place like Dubai I am able to embrace the unique vision, passion and integrity of this country. I was lucky with my first job to be working under one of the great business leaders of Australia; now I have the opportunity to assist in delivering the vision of one of the world's greatest national leaders.

What makes a good CEO?

It's that critical but often hard to define quality of leadership. I liked the definition by Bill Bradley, the former NBA basketball player, who said leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better. A good leader should be judged not just by his own performance but by the performance of his team.

What three qualities should every CEO have?

Be able to read a P&L. Be understanding of what your staff needs really are. And be solutions-driven.

What three things should a CEO never do?

Never listen to gossip. Never make decisions without clear facts, no matter how tempting. And never avoid responsibility - you're in the top job so the buck really does stop with you.

In a few words, what advice would you give an aspiring CEO?

Remember: dreams are the blueprints of reality.

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