Q+A: Uwe Hoelzer

Uwe Hoelzer, President, Metro China. [Photo/China Daily]

Q: How do you spend your weekend?

A: The weekend is wholly and exclusively for the family. For me, to keep the weekend in its entirety means no work and spending more time with my family. Family gives you the strongest backing. You should find the right balance between life and work, especially when you have a family as you go around the world. It is my responsibility to take care of the family.

What are your hobbies?

Good food, wines and sports - skiing, scuba diving.

What is the saying that you like the most?

Treat others in the same way you want to be treated. This is what I learnt from my first boss when I started work.

Who is your icon?

I do not have an icon. Clearly, there are people who do an outstanding job. For me, my parents, especially my father, is an important person with regard to my business life.

What is the book you are reading now?

Steve Jobs' biographies in general. Steve Jobs was an impressive person but he is not my icon.

I learned the whole story behind the company but did not learn for my personal behavior, and not the way I manage something.

Biography reading is important and interesting.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A happy, healthy family life.

What is your most treasured possession?

My dog. We thought about having a dog for 30 years. I discussed this with my parents and they always said "no" because we travel a lot. Then I suddenly saw this dog in a pet shop in Shanghai. I loved this dog and then she became part of the family.

What kind of experience has shaped your thoughts the most?

When my son said I missed his first school day because I had a business meeting. As an ambitious young manager, I was always career-orientated and spent most of my time focusing on business. Suddenly my son told me I missed all important school-day events. I did not try to explain. I tried to change myself. There is no excuse and I cannot apologize.

So when there are important events or even less important events, I go with my family.