18 Questions with Oliver Gardner | Meet the Senior Management Team

18 Years of SOLID means 18 questions with each of the SOLID Senior Management team who, along with your support, keep the wheels of our successful business moving ahead.

Designed to be insightful and fun (what our brand is really all about) – this series is really a ‘the-people-behind-the-business’ type of thing. Please join me in getting to know our Senior Management Team a little more.

Next up we have: Oliver Gardner

With an impressive 12 years under his belt, Oliver’s not just a seasoned pro, he’s a cornerstone of our company. When he’s not leading teams with his signature blend of wisdom and warmth, you’ll find him sharing his knowledge with the next generation of SOLIDitech leaders or exploring the great outdoors on a camping adventure.

Oliver’s the kind of guy who can make you laugh until your sides hurt one minute, and then offer sage career advice the next. He’s supportive, passionate about helping others grow, and a true asset to our team.

His 18 questions went a little like this:

Question 1: What’s your favourite time of day?

Evening – after the kids have gone to bed and I can relax

Question 2: What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

You cannot make everyone happy – so don’t try, and rather focus on doing what you think is best

Question 3: What’s one vice you wish you could give up?

Mobile phone screen time

Question 4: What’s a cause that is important to you?

I am involved with Cubs as a Scouter. The Scout movement is all about helping kids to become good citizens of the world

Question 5: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

Our kids’ teachers telling us that we’re doing a good job as parents – parenting is not for sissy’s

Question 6: When are you the most inspired?

I often come up with good ideas when I’m in the shower or getting ready in the morning – I always find sleeping on a difficult problem helps

Question 7: Sweet or savoury?

Both. I love a good steak from Hussar’s Grill, followed up by a desert

Question 8: What song can you listen to on repeat?

This changes frequently, and is often something I find on YouTube – I love Tiny Desk for this

Question 9: What are the three things you can’t live without?

My gaming and Lego building alone time. My phone (unfortunately). A good headset for work for calls and listening to music

Question 10: What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done in your life?

A train journey from Cambridge UK to Istanbul, which Annette and I put together ourselves. We had some very interesting experiences in Eastern Europe

Question 11: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

When you are trying to juggle too many balls (figuratively), its best to decide which balls you are going to drop

Question 12: What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them?

Probably their height – being tall myself, it really stands out if I meet someone really short

Question 13: What’s your favourite board game?

Azul or Ticket to Ride

Question 14: What’s one city you’ve always dreamed of traveling to?

I have been fortunate enough to have traveled extensively already. If I had to choose, I’d probably pick New York, as I have not visited there yet, and it pretty iconic

Question 15: What’s the one talent you wish you had?

Play guitar (properly)

Question 16: What’s your favourite fast food order?

Butlers Pizza

Question 17: Do you like surprises?

Good surprises – yes

Question 18: What did you want to do with your life at age 12?

Too long ago to remember

And that’s a wrap!

We hope you enjoyed this ’18 Questions’, know a little more about Oliver and are looking forward to getting to know our Senior Management Team with this series.