Q10 with Patrick Nandu – high-flying owner of Booster Business Development

This time around, Q10 attempts to get inside the agile mind of Patrick Nandu – the owner of specialist new business development consultancy Booster. Patrick has successfully navigated the slings and throws of the new business economy by applying a detail-driven attention-to-detail approach to his clients’ new business pipeline development. In this interview, Patrick shares his thoughts on high altitude strategies.

What inspires you to go to work every day?

When you have your own business I believe that this should be enough inspiration – but you’ve got to enjoy it. Everything is down to you and determines whether you succeed or fail. I would never have set up BOOSTER if I didn’t feel inspired by what I do.

What has been the most pleasant surprise you found once you started Booster?

The main thing I noticed is being less stressed as I only take on the amount of clients I can handle compared to before when I had no say in that matter and just had to get on with it.

How does your ideal day at work go?

I get up early every morning, first thing is a coffee and quick look through emails, news and insights. I scan for anything pertinent that could help with the business development process. If all is okay, I’ll jump into the shower to be ready for 8.45am. Ideally I like to be finished by 6pm but sometimes I have to go on for much longer depending on what needs to be done.

What channels do you really love working in and why?

I enjoy working in a variety of channels, I couldn’t give you a specific one, as I believe you’ve got to be versatile and agile in all.

If you had one piece of advice to give someone thinking of getting into the world of new business, what would it be?

Be prepared to go that bit further than your competitors and most importantly, don’t do it if you’re not passionate about it.

What do you to do switch off from work?

I have a Private Pilots licence, so to completely switch off I try to go up at least twice a month. There’s so much to see and visit, Northern France is only a 40 minute flight away – very enjoyable particularly in the summer.

Who inspires you?

Nelson Mandela would certainly be an inspiration of mine, the sacrifices, hardship and sheer determination to achieve his goals could be applied to anything in life.

You’ve got to take a brand new prospect to lunch anywhere in the UK. Where would you go and why?

I would probably say The River Cafe in Hammersmith, serves great regional Italian food and fantastic terrace. I believe an environment can affect a situation, so somewhere relaxed, bright and of course good food helps.

What has been your proudest moment so far working at Booster?

I think the proudest moment for me was realising that I could set up my own business and acquire my own clients. It’s a tough and competitive sector to be in and I’ve managed to keep it going several years now.

Where do you want to be in ten years time?

Hopefully relocated somewhere in Italy, I love the food, fashion, culture and my partner is Italian, so a move there would be great whilst still managing a business.

If you would like to be the subject of an intense grilling of these proportions and you think you can stand up to the scrutiny, then please let us know by emailing us and submitting your details. We’ll be in touch soon.