Q&A with James Day

James Day is Managing Director at BOSS Member Durable UK. His role involves overseeing the Durable UK and Ireland business, looking after their sales, marketing, e-commerce, warehouse, finance and customer service teams. James is the current Co-chair of the LOTF Committee.

James took some time to answer a few questions so we could get to know him beyond the job title.


What’s one thing you hope to contribute to the Leaders of the Future community?

I hope to contribute a fairly well rounded perspective on most things with my role progressing over the past few years from a predominantly sales based remit to overseeing several other business functions. I feel my prior experience outside the industry is also helpful at times to benchmark practices we see within our market.


What inspired you to join the Leaders of the Future community?

The thought of being able to give something back to the industry and compare thoughts and ideas with other like minded peers was something that attracted me. Since joining the community I have definitely developed my industry network and have benefitted from the advice and experience of others. This kind of community doesn’t exist in all other industries as well so I think its something unique that is a privilege to be part of.
 

What’s one leadership skill you’re focusing on developing right now?

Patience. I’m very much guilty of wanting to solve everything all at once which my team will be the first to tell you isn’t always realistic!


What’s your proudest accomplishment so far in your leadership journey?

I’m proud of the 3 years of YOY growth we have seen in Durable since 2021 but most of all I’m proud of the way the team works and how the culture has shifted from what it was. We have an amazing team that support each other and are a genuine pleasure to work with – I feel proud to form a very small part of that.  

In your opinion, what’s the most important quality of a great leader?

Transparency and authenticity in my opinion. No leader is perfect, everyone is flawed – people believe in you and help you more when you are authentic and honest. Nobody can stay in a position of leadership without a great team around them to lean on and gaining the trust of this key team is the most important quality of a great leader.