In the high Flyers spotlight this week is Daniel Egerton, sustainability and energy manager at Choice Housing. He and his team inform a range of stakeholders on the contribution of the social housing sector, enabling a positive shift in environmental impact through the decarbonisation of Choice homes in preparation for carbon net zero by 2050.
What was your first job?
I worked for a drink’s wholesaler called Anzac Wines & Spirits building bar orders. I enjoyed going on deliveries and seeing the inside of pubs and night clubs as I was only 14.
What qualifications do you have?
BSc environmental management and MSc sustainable development from Queen’s University, Belfast.
What do you attribute your success to?
My desire to do my best comes from my family. Like most parents mine worked tirelessly to ensure we had every chance of success and the sacrifices they made inform the expectations I have for myself.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Well-meaning and willing to learn.
Who do you look up to in business?
Sir Tim Smit, author and vice-chair and co-founder of the award-winning Eden Project. I met him after a seminar in Belfast and was blown away by how modest he was. It’s an inspiration how he took a concept like the Eden Project from an idea to the masterpiece that exists today. I finally had the chance to visit this year and I wasn’t disappointed.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I think being willing to compromise and ensure people’s experiences and expertise are valued is important in any walk of life. It’s especially important if you are in a leadership role and need to develop buy-in for new concepts and approaches.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
Hopefully in the time of my career we will see environmental, social and governance linked financing become the norm. As this type of financing matures it could provide economic benefits to businesses in Northern Ireland who adopt more socially and environmentally sustainable practices.
What website or app could you not do without?
I honestly couldn’t function without Spotify. I have had it for so long now it would be devastating to lose my playlists and saved songs. Also, the access to podcasts such as the NY Times Daily and This American Life certainly make road trips and commutes much more enjoyable.
What was the last book you read?
Thunder Below by Eugene Fluckey. It’s the real-life story of Gene Fluckey who was the most the successful American submarine captain of WW2. Beyond the stories of war sits many fantastic examples of leadership, friendship, and courage.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Music. Thankfully there’s a lot of live music local to my house, but I also like travelling far and wide to see my favourite bands. I even dabble in the drums myself. Much to the annoyance of everyone within 30 metres of my garage.
