For this week’s Speaker Programme, the Lower Sixth had the privilege to hear from Paul Coutts who has been a senior executive in the Logistics industry (CEO of Toll Holdings Limited, Group CEO of Singapore Post and Global COO of EV Cargo). Paul shared his journey of leaving school at the age of 17 from Glasgow, finding his first job and how he made his way in the business world. Since he did not go to university, he emphasised that the most critical mindset for his success was having a strong work ethic and having the ability to find solutions. During his talk, Paul mentioned how values can shape one’s identity and can help successfully navigate through challenges.

Paul’s life values are “Empathy”, ”Curiosity”, “Collaboration”, “Solution-Design”, “Destination-Driven” and “Commitment-Courage ”. This was very encouraging to hear from a successful CEO as these values are similar to that of Francis Holland School core values which we have been taught about since we have attended the school.

Paul was destined to be a star footballer but due to an unexpected injury he was no longer able to play at professional level, therefore, he tried to find an administrative job and received a job in the logistics sector, in which he later thrived in. This example shared with us highlights the fact that a driven person can be successful in any path they take. This is an important point to take away for us as students who are at the beginning of their professional journey. The fact that if we have the right work ethics, work hard and are motivated we can be successful in any path we take.

Paul emphasised that collaboration will always deliver a better result . It will also bring a more satisfying level of achievement – to think that you have played a part in something that’s much bigger than yourself. This is very interesting to hear from a successful professional as we are continuedly encouraged at Francis Holland to work collaboratively with our peers and engage in groups.

Paul explained that throughout his professional life, no matter how complex or simple the task ahead has been, he has made sure that he has a “Vision” in mind. Based on that vision he creates “strategy” and “structure” before “execution”. Hence, being able to review his vision and have the bigger picture in mind, if things go wrong along the way.

Paul encouraged us not to allow  the distractions or “the white noise”, as he called it, to change our focus on the destination. And don’t sweat the small things.  This, he mentioned, does not mean that everything will go smoothly, quite the opposite, it won’t. However having a focus will ensure that one will reach the finish line.

Paul’s talk was very inspiring and we were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity of hearing how hard and beautiful the journey of such a successful individual has been.

Prisha Malhotra, Lower Sixth