Five minutes with...Gordon McHarg, CEO, AutoRek

​​​​​​We all know the companies, but what about the people behind them? Here, we find out more about McHarg’s background, learn what ‘success’ looks like to him, and why learning how to be resilient is among his top life lessons.

1. Please state your top three life lessons.

At an early age, I spent time working in the family bakery business which involved early mornings and long days, often six days a week. I naively thought the tech sector would be much easier. I soon found out that setting up and running any business, whether selling cakes or software, requires hard work, long days and 100% commitment.

AutoRek has been in business for 25 years. We have come through the dot.com crash, 9/11 market disruption, the global financial crisis of 2007/2008 and now we are all living through a global pandemic. You can have ambitious growth plans but must always build resilience, as there will always be unexpected events which are outside of your control.

You can’t do it all on your own; business is a team game.

2. What does 'success' look like to you?

When I was 14 years old I got my first computer, a Sinclair ZX81. Since then, technology has been my passion. I am fortunate to be doing something that I am passionate about and to be working with a great team of people.

3. Which activity are you most looking forward to when the pandemic ends?

Simply meeting up with friends, having a good meal and a glass or two of wine!

4. Is there one item you couldn't live without?

Not really, but I guess those who know me would say my phone.

5. What inspires you in fintech today?

Innovation and the pace of change. Technologies such as AI/ML/RPA/blockchain, etc, are disrupting the global financial services sector creating huge opportunities for companies of all sizes. 

Long-established and outdated systems or ways of working must be replaced, otherwise organisations will be left behind. Data management will be a critical factor in their success and in some cases, survival.

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