Name: Martyn Best
Company: Document Direct
Position: Managing Director / CEO
What do you actually do day-to-day?
Haha – that’s an oft asked question!
My main responsibility is CEO of Document Direct, and so the daily focus is making sure there are no issues which need a deeper attention.
We support around 600 professional services business, many of them law firms, with turning their dictations and notes into perfectly crafted documents, contracts, letters, reports or whatever they need.
We provide a true UK-based 24/7 service, so the working day never stops, and it’s down to manging time effectively.
We’re now the leading provider of digital dictation and transcription services to the legal sector, and it’s so enjoyable to work with great businesses and supporting their own aims. Mt most recent focussed day-to-day activity was enabling our accreditation to B Corp status.
I’m also an owner of PROGRESS Wrestling, the UK’s top professional wrestling business – there’s a long story for the next PL issue -and also DEFY of Seattle. These provide a real contrast to the legal world, and offer some challenging variety in growing our global presence.
The other gaps in the day are filled by my roles with the Royal Court Theatre, National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) and Tranmere Rovers.
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, who?
A fine fellow who was a source of guidance, and illustrated a calm approach to both business and relationship building was Frank Taylor, head of Arthur Young when I was a corporate finance manager with them in the ‘80’s. He was shrewd, thoughtful, but could also spot value in a transaction – and delivered everything with a very firm, but gentle charm.
Does money motivate you?
It certainly does, but not just in isolation, and it’s really important to meet those financial ambitions with the right values, and in working with partners and all stakeholders so that we all benefit. Money is the natural outcome of a good journey.
I recently drove Document Direct through the certification process of becoming a B Corp, and everything that represents truly reflects the values that motivate us all.
What has been the most important event in your working life?
One of the very earliest was qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, curiously with what is now the S in DSG.
The learning and experience that this gave me has underpinned all of the subsequent businesses I have played a part in starting or investing in.
Who do you most admire?
I’m always inspired by people who have achieved business or sporting success through an innovative approach, or just sheer persistence. So, we have Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, Tim Ferris, exceptional versatile observer and provider of superb insights, and writers such as Malcom Gladwell and Matthew Syed. The recent Olympics with Keely Hodgkinson, Julien Alfred, the sprinter from St Lucia, and our shooters have been brilliant.
What does leadership mean to you?
Enabling people to flourish, by providing support, clear direction, and an appreciation that you can learn more from failure or mistakes than success, so be patient and encourage.
What’s your favourite TV programme?
There are so many great ones – but not many beat Succession for superb mix of business, people, calculating motivation and drama.
For something more offbeat and humorous, Colin from Accounts was so funny – but of course, who could ever tire of Frasier – and having just been to Seattle to see DEFY, it was fun doing the Frasier Tour.
How do you relax?
I would call it doing something different than pure relaxation, but I love travelling and visiting new places, and this year has seen me and my post-Brexit Irish passport visit Cape Town, Toronto, Paris, Italy and Slovenia.
I’d love to be adding Marrakesh, and parts of Asia later in the year with Vietnam, Cambodia and of course Laos on the list.
Fry up or healthy smoothie?
Both are great, but it’s the smoothie that wins most days now.
Pub or club?
Nothing beats a pint with some good friends in a quiet pub
Gym or countryside walk?
Can I mix it up with a long bike ride in the countryside
Favourite piece of music?
Do you not listen to Desert Island Discs – that’s an impossible question to answer. If you want an answer, I loved the poignant echoes of Edith Piaf throughout the recent Olympics.
Flannels or Florence & Fred?
Of those two very limited choices, Flannels offers some finer options, and as Sam Myers said “buy cheap, buy twice”.
Birkdale or Birkenhead?
There must be more options than this? I’ve lived in both, and still living in Oxton, so if that’s my option, that’s my choice – for now.