Peter Smith is the chairman of Eden Island Village Management Association and the sales and marketing director at Eden Island Development Company (EIDC) – a property project on a Seychelles island. The 61-year-old has worked for EIDC since 2005 and is also part of the project’s executive committee. Born in South Africa, the father of two adult children now lives on the island where he works and regularly travels to the UAE to sell real estate.
How do you spend your weekend?
When I’m not in the office, I spend most of my weekends walking on the beach and snorkelling. I travel regularly between the Seychelles, Dubai and South Africa so I’m lucky to have access to amazing beaches all year round. In the Seychelles especially, the water is crystal clear and full of tropical fish, so the snorkelling is spectacular.
How did you become a director?
I was a banker by profession and then moved to Eden Island to be the executive in charge of finances. I then moved to my current role of sales and marketing director, as well as the chairman of the Eden Island Village Management Association. Having courage in my convictions, experience, hard work and determination are how I got to my current position – and not letting tough times get me down.
What is your go-to gadget?
My bluetooth speakers. I love music. Particular favourites are Elvis Costello, Van Morrison and Neil Young.
What was the lowest point of your career?
When the bank I was working for was absorbed into a larger group. There was an internal restructuring and I ended up taking a retrenchment package and looking for new challenges. My low point turned into the best career decision I have ever made. It was at that exact moment when I was introduced to the team at Eden Island and eventually offered the role of head of finance. Since then I have never looked back and certainly don’t have any regrets.
What advice would you offer others starting out in your business?
Have the courage of your conviction and don’t be afraid to take risks, especially while you’re still young. Changing career direction can be one of the daunting challenges one can face in your youth and looking to progress in your career, but the best decision I made in my job was taking a calculated risk and taking a complete change in direction.
What is your most indulgent habit?
I’m not sure if travelling is as much of a habit as it is a hobby, but I’d probably identify that as my most indulgent activity; from Eden Island I can reach many nearby islands on a boat within minutes, so we often spend our whole weekend’s island hopping.
What do you have on your desk at work?
A lot of books, photographic magazines and, most importantly, my coffee machine. My view from my window is pretty amazing so the danger is that I will spend my day looking out on to the marina with beautiful boats and super yachts mooring up throughout the day.
What can’t you live without?
I’d have to say any type of social interaction. I love being in a role in which I meet interesting people every day. Working overseas and away from my home country of South Africa, I have made it my business to establish new friendships and relationships and have really met some wonderful people from all walks of life. No matter where I go, this is something that is really important to me, as I find solitude very challenging.
What car do you drive?
An Audi Q5 in South Africa, which I love. It’s a great car. In Seychelles I drive a company car, which is a BMW X3.
How do you achieve a work-life balance?
Not easily but my wife helps me. The time zones make it tricky, as sometimes I’ll be on a totally different schedule than my wife and children. I always try to take Sunday off. This is my weekly rest day to spend with family and friends relaxing. Although living in the Seychelles and working there my friends may question that I have it so hard.
If you could swap jobs with anyone, who would it be and why?
Not to sound too complacent, I don’t think I would swap jobs even if I had the chance. I love my role and where my career has taken me. I enjoy the places I get to see and the people I spend time with. I would like to see my wife, son and daughter a bit more but I really can’t complain.
arayer@thenational.ae
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