Motoring along the road to success

Keith Satchell - such a car fan, that even Henry Ford is an inspiration

Keith Satchell moved from UK Provident to Friends Provident in 1986, where he became a divisional general manager a year later.

He steadily worked his way up in the company to become group chief executive in 2001.

What was the first car you owned?

I bought my first car before my 17th birthday (a long time ago) for £25.

It was a Morris Minor, with a split windscreen - details for aficionados - and I learned to drive "off road" in the car before my 17th birthday.

I was however determined to upgrade as soon as I reached 17 and I traded up to a £35 Morris Minor - a neighbour's car I'd had my eye on.

What was your first job?

I worked Saturdays in a paint factory cleaning the filters. Absolutely horrible, filthy job but all part of my rounded development, I guess.

I can't remember the pay but it was less than £2 for the day.

When I got home my parents insisted I undress outside the back door before coming in as the smell of stale paint was so bad.

What kind of house did you first get a mortgage for?

A three bedroom semi just outside Liverpool for £9,250 in 1974.

Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?

In general, anyone who overcomes a handicap - be it mental or physical - to do something they really want to achieve.

Leaving that to one side, I do admire top sports people - in particular Steve Waugh, the Australian cricket captain.

He's done a tremendous job as a leader - built a great team with spirit and determination - and also improved his own individual performance, changing from a good to a great batsman. A rare combination of talents.

What's the best piece of business advice you've had?

Most that I recall relate to how to approach your job.

My favourite, which is originally attributed to Henry Ford, is: "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're right."

Name the proudest moment in your career and why.

Early on in my career, passing my final actuarial exam - but maybe I'm equating pride with overwhelming relief.

In terms of my business career, the flotation of Friends Provident on the London Stock Exchange in mid 2001.

It was the culmination of 14 months of fantastic effort from a tremendously dedicated team and also more widely throughout the group.

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Friends Provident was founded by Quakers, in Bradford, in 1832 to provide life assurance for their members.

After numerous acquisitions and link-ups the firm listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2001.

The leading UK financial services group now employs around 4,200 and by is worth approximately £2.3bn.