How to stay motivated in your career

The Works Recruitment, interview Sir Gary Verity from Welcome to Yorkshire on his career journey and how he got where he is today.

Gary Verity is the Chief Executive from Welcome to Yorkshire who has dramatically increased the regions tourism activities and brought the Grand Départ and Tour de Yorkshire to the region. 

Gary has remained focused throughout his career and last month was recognised for his achievements and contribution to Yorkshire with the Grand Départ and Tour de Yorkshire with a knighthood.

What career did you start out in?

I’ve worked in a variety of roles and capacities throughout my professional career, but it all started at Barclays Bank where I was a management trainee for a couple of years. My experience there took me into sales at Royal & Sun Alliance, then up the chain eventually to directorial roles.

How did you make the transition into the tourism industry and what attracted you?

I joined Welcome to Yorkshire in late 2008, and oversaw the transition away from the Yorkshire Tourist Board and into a new era for Yorkshire tourism. I’ve lived in Yorkshire for most of my life, and am hugely proud of the county, so for me it was a completely rational move.

How have you managed to stay focused on your career?

Throughout my career getting the best out of people has always motivated me. I think ensuring that employees who are motivated to give there best is a real asset to any company, big or small. That keeps me focused, trying to encourage people to realise their potential

What motivates you in your current role?

What motivates me every day is the welfare of Yorkshire and the people who call it home. We have been extremely successful in improving the tourism economy in Yorkshire over recent years, and I know the team, share my ambitions to take the county further and further.

I am extremely proud of the team here at Welcome to Yorkshire, and only a special group of people can achieve what we have over the last 36 months. They motivate me, just as I hope I motivate them, and I think that’s a really important facet to the success of our business.

The knighthood in June this year completes a year to remember for Leeds-born Sir Gary who also celebrated his 50th birthday during last year’s Tour before marrying school teacher Anne Dargan last December.

From the answers above I think you can all see that Gary is very driven and focused on what he wants to achieve and is extremely passionate about Yorkshire.

Gary Verity, advises,

“Two words are important – big picture,”

Always strive for what you want to achieve not what you already have and apply this when thinking about your next career move. Take some inspiration from how far Gary has come and what he has achieved for Yorkshire.