Mike Naysmith, 44, managing director of Cala Homes North shares how he got where he is today, and offers advice on how to plan your way to success
What did you want to be when you were young?
Initially, I wanted to be an airline pilot following many trips in the cockpit while travelling on holiday with my family. I loved the idea of having the power to travel the world. However, I quickly realised that I’m a very impatient person and sitting stationary for hours at a time probably wasn’t the best career choice for me.
I then decided I would like become an architect, taking inspiration from my father, who was a very talented fabric and carpet designer and who had a real artistic flair. He designed our home in Edinburgh, which sparked my own interest in architecture and design.
However, I was discouraged by my uncle, who was an architect, and complained about client constraints when designing properties. He suggested planning, which led me to my chosen career path.
What are the main career stepping stones you have taken?
I completed my planning degree at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Following two years of study, I was offered a one-year placement with the Cala Homes land department.
While I was there, I was offered some sound career advice which I acted on. They advised me to work for a council following the completion of my degree to gain a greater insight into the world of land and planning.
I took a job with Gordon District Council as a development control planner before moving to Aberdeenshire Council to become a principal planner. My next move was to Cala Homes, where I worked as land director until 2004.
In 2004, I moved to George Wimpey to take up the role as land director and in 2007 I was promoted to managing director of Taylor Wimpey. In 2010, I made my return to Cala Homes as regional director and managing director of Cala Homes North.
Are you scared of making mistakes?
In the housebuilding industry, we make speculative business decisions. We take calculated risks as there is no right or wrong answer in the property sector. A mistake is only a mistake if we don’t learn from it next time round, so no, I’m not scared as such.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My greatest influence in a personal sense is my father. He was an award-winning designer with a huge talent and eye for detail. He was extremely driven, which is what influenced me as a young child. I like to think I inherited some of his positive qualities and attributes.
In a business sense, David Gill and Andy Mitchell from the Cala Homes land and planning department would have to be my greatest influences. I worked with both Andy and David while working my placement following two years at university. They inspired me to pursue my career in planning and the housebuilding industry.
What advice have you ignored?
“If it’s for you, it won’t go by you.” I believe our fate is decided through hard work and determination. Things don’t just land on our lap – if we sit back and wait for things to happen, they won’t. You need to be driven in both your personal and work life.
Best achievement so far?
My best achievement has to be helping launch Cala Homes North as a new and separate division. Being able to lead a new team in the depths of a recession was a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.
What’s your idea of the perfect retirement?
Being healthy and active is my idea of the perfect retirement. I always need to be doing something so I hope to travel the world as there is so much I’ve yet to see.
Is the “career for life” a thing of the past?
I think a career with one company for life is certainly becoming a thing of the past. There are so many mergers and takeovers in the housing market that it makes it difficult to stay with one company.
What’s the best way to motivate others?
I believe leading by example is the best way to motivate others. Finding out what each individual’s trigger points are and working on them to make a personal development plan.
Your favourite stress-buster?
I love to run. I have completed four marathons and various other races following a newfound love of the sport. My wife is a real fitness fanatic, which spurred me into trying it out. I feel it’s a great way to clear my head and figure things out.
What’s your best career advice?
Treat people as you would like to be treated and don’t write cheques you can’t cash.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job would be a racing car driver. I’m a real speed junkie who loves an adrenaline rush while being in control.