Coach Class

Interview with Gal Shivtiel, MD Great Ideas Group

January 21, 2022 Dom Burch Season 1 Episode 33
Coach Class
Interview with Gal Shivtiel, MD Great Ideas Group
Show Notes

Gal Shivtiel is MD at Great Ideas Group, he's an entrepreneur, ex-retailer, and a wanabe vet. 

He started his career while on a year out from school working for The Yorkshire Post in ad sales, but with a focus on retail. He got his first company car, and a taste for the working life and decided to stick at it.

Which eventually led him on to Asda, where he started in marketing but moved into trading - heading up the dairy division.

Gal was one of the first senior leaders I knew at Asda to give me praise via my boss's boss. Which had a big impact on me at the time as I hadn't appreciated at that point that he even knew who I was.

His networking and connecting skills are renowned - so much so that many years later I spotted him (having returned from four years in Australia at Coles, and three years in China for Walmart) 'walking the floors' of Asda House. Gliding around the building, checking in with various people, putting credit in the bank with them, and seeing how they were.

Gal was also one of the first people I observed saying yes first, and figuring it out after. He was prepared to take risks. He treated his move to Australia like a holiday - imagining being there for two months, to see if he liked it. What's the worst that can happen?

He has an infectious aura around him, but he is also extremely sharp and astute. Blending his charm with an absolute focus on the customer, be that a shopper in store, or a consulting client. 

Best advice he's ever had? There's a couple of things that spring to mind, education is the best investment you can ever make. And you've always got to be confident you're going to do the best you can but sometimes you'll make mistakes.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter