Q+A | Tim Delaney

Q: How do you spend your weekends?

A: Working long hours and traveling makes you appreciate simple things. Lying in, listening to the radio on Saturday mornings, doing chores, then having lunch, usually alone reading the paper, is a luxury. I watch soccer. And I go to the movies practically every weekend. I always cook.

What are your hobbies?

Reading. Eating out. Going to the movies. Cooking.

What is the saying you like most? What is your motto?

A saying attributed to me is: "If you don't come in on Christmas Day, don't bother coming in on Boxing Day". It sums up my work ethic.

Who is your icon? Which living person do you most admire?

Obama, because he is America's best hope and he is really up against their insularity.

What is the book you are reading now? What is your favorite book?

I am reading a first novel by Tom Rachman called The Imperfectionists. My favorite book is Heart of The Matter by Graham Greene. I have read it many times and it still reveals more about the human condition every time. I have a book of poems by Carol Ann Duffy by my bed at all times.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I go to a tiny island in the West Indies called Carriacou. Any time there is pretty perfect.

What is your greatest fear?

Apart from hurt to my loved ones, it is losing my company.

What is the quality you most admire in a man?

The ability to tell the truth without caveat.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?

To never use her femininity.

What do you value most in your friends?

Consistency.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

Its relevance.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Creating a campaign for Telecom Italia that ended up in a contribution of $1.5 million going to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I should probably be less outspoken.

What is your most treasured possession?

My generosity.

On what occasion do you lie?

I don't.

What kind of green lifestyle do you have?

I don't - I fly a lot.

Name places in China that impressed you most and also where you have not visited and where you want to explore. What was your favorite journey?

I still have a picture in my mind of the first night I was in Pudong. It was raining, and the way the buildings were lit up made it feel like the center of the earth.

I would like to go to Inner Mongolia - which would be my favorite journey.

What's the best way to break the ice with a Chinese businessman?

Be yourself.

Give three words to describe Chinese businessmen.

Respectful. Direct. Insular.

What kind of experience has shaped your thoughts the most?

I am not sure what experience shaped it, but I have always believed that I should control my own destiny.

China Daily

(China Daily 11/03/2011 page14)