We next meet Dr. Andrew Ward, a Business Management lecturer at our Barcelona campus.
What’s a guy from Liverpool doing in Barcelona? How did that happen?
Simple. Love. My wife is from Barcelona.
How did you get into teaching business?
I started teaching many years ago at the University of Wales and always enjoyed it. I then spent around 20 years in industry – sometimes coaching and giving courses, so I guess teaching has always been there in the background. EU gave me the role of a teacher so I can dedicate more time teaching some of the things I had learned along the way, from when I was in business.
What are you most passionate about professionally?
The creation of new ideas and the potential of turning them into something concrete from a business point of view. Our students are very creative and it would be great to think that we have helped in some way to catalyze something in their professional careers.
You’ve experienced the business world both first hand and from a teacher’s perspective. Where do you feel more comfortable?
I think in the classroom it can be a tough environment and at times as tough as the business world. When its going well teaching can be very rewarding and much more than business which is largely measured on financial success. Not sure the word comfortable covers either the teaching or the business world though.
How would you define the term ‘business success?’
Business Success to me is leaving a legacy. Success is something that takes a long time and in that process successful business people are always adapting, innovating and learning. But what they leave behind is enduring and long-lasting.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? I have lots of highlights. I have been very lucky because I have worked in some of the best companies and sectors in the industry, from whiskey in Edinburgh, to Mars Chocolate near London to teaching at the EU in Barcelona. Each of these work experiences has involved lots of successes. I honestly could not give one highlight.
What’s been your worst job you’ve ever had?
I would not like to say who the companies are. Both had terrible internal politics which stifled creativity and honest expression.
If you could go back and do it all again, what would you do differently?
Take more opportunities to learn about what I was doing and learn about the people I was working with.
What has been the most important decision you’ve ever had to make professionally?
Leaving the UK to come to Spain. It was one of those life-changing decisions which was difficult to make however I am glad I did it.
If you had to listen to one song, on repeat, for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Too difficult a selection to have just one song. Right now: Time (Pink Floyd) or The Parting Glass (The Dubliners) but next week it will probably be different.
Who’s your hero?
The cult of personal heroes is overrated so I don’t have one.
If you could give your children one piece of professional advice, what would it be?
Learn about what you are doing to the nth degree and be patient.
What would your autobiography be called?
“The Gypsy Chemist” – I started out doing organic chemistry then I moved from place to place and it’s only now I have managed to stay in one spot for a reasonable amount of time.
