WHO: Anne Bermingham

President

2WA Consulting

WHAT: A management consulting company that helps people and companies change. They’ve worked with organizations such as the City of Hamilton and Bell Canada. Bermingham is an applied social psychologist who takes the research and theories of social psychology and applies them to the business world.

WHERE: www.2waconsulting.com

195 James St. N.

1.What is your favourite spot in Hamilton?

The Mountain brow — I love a run that includes the Mountain brow and enjoying the city.

2. What business book would you most recommend?

Do What You Are (4th edition), which helps people identify the key characteristics they most need to find in their work and workplace environment. Self-awareness is a critical leadership characteristic and this book helps people discover much about themselves.

3. Other than your own, what is your favourite company?

Disney, for its ability to consistently create a culture that delivers outstanding customer service as well as innovative new lines of business — such as recent work producing musicals for theatre audiences.

4. What advice would you give young entrepreneurs?

Spend as much time working on the business as in the business. The leading and managing of the company is as important as the art or skill you are selling as an entrepreneur. Find a way to spend at least 20 per cent of your time being the business leader your company likely needs.

5. What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Sneaking off to a golf course to play nine holes, and leaving my BlackBerry behind in the car!

6. What is the main thing you do to stay healthy?

Make appointments to exercise with others. If motivation is low, I will still exercise as I am motivated by guilt.

7. What was your best investment?

I should say my house but really the answer is the time I have spent investing in my family, friends and volunteer endeavours.

8. What was your first job?

It was being an entrepreneur — by offering equestrian lessons in the summer to kids and adults alike. Once I turned 16, I realized I could increase business by offering to drive and pick up my students.

9. What was your worst job?

One summer, I spent a week picking peas and other vegetables — getting paid by the amount picked. It was brutal.

10. What was your best job?

My current job — the last 16 years have been fantastic. I get to help leaders make lasting changes in how they manage and lead their organizations and, in the process, help to improve the culture and morale of the organization.

11. What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people complain but take no action or responsibility to try to improve the situation.

12. What is your favourite expression?

TTFN — ta-ta for now!

Hamilton Business