My retail life: John Mackie, Director of delivered sales, Iceland

What was your first job in retailing?

Part-time stock lad with Bejam in Leamington Spa in 1985.

Which retail company do you admire most and why?

Iceland, of course. No other food retailer has such high staff engagement, loyalty, quality of product and pricing.

What is the trait you least like in yourself and why?

Perfectionism - my wife says I have OCD, and I have to agree.

Who have you learnt most from in your retail career?

Malcolm Walker - he is an inspirational leader.

What advice would you give someone starting out in retail?

Work hard, be yourself and opportunities will come. Always keep your feet on the ground, remember your roots, and have fun along the way.

What keeps you awake at night?

I never have a good night’s sleep. My mind is always working overtime thinking of what challenges my team and I face in the morning and what improvements we can make.

What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Seeing my team grow and progress. One of my proudest moments was when the team that I last led won Retail Week’s Supply Chain Team of the Year.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Being promoted to Iceland’s trading board aged 36.

What job would you have done if you hadn’t become a retailer?

I would have loved to have been in a boy band - just look at Harry in One Direction and the ladies he attracts.

Unfortunately, I can’t sing.

What’s your favourite shop and why?

Boss in Chester. I don’t need to try anything on as everything fits first time and I am a typical bloke when it comes to shopping. Also, being a Scot, I get a generous discount due to my loyalty.

What was your last purchase?

A full tank of fuel. We were en route to Portsmouth to take the ferry to Spain.