Q+A: Barry Thomas

What is your favorite place in China?

Beijing's Summer Palace. There is a spiritual feeling to the place. There is that lovely lake and the gardens are beautiful. There's also the enjoyment you see on the faces of the Chinese people visiting the Summer Palace.

Do you like Chinese food and, if so, what is your favorite Chinese dish?

Yes. Sweet and sour Mandarin fish or hot and sour soup. I love Sichuan and Yunnan food. The diversity of Chinese food is fantastic.

How do you relax in your spare time?

I go fly fishing. I like the peace, tranquility and the beauty of developing the skill that is needed to fish. It is so unlike what you do as part of your day job. There is also the fresh air and thrill and accomplishment, and letting the fish go.

What are you reading at present and is it good?

My Cross to Bear - an autobiography of Gregg Allman. It is excellent. I'm a rock fan and this book is about a band that I like. It is honest, open and frank about the trials and tribulations of this man's life, for example losing his brother at a young age and still continuing with the band. It is a unique story.

What is your attitude to leadership?

People are at the heart of every business. Leading people is the fundamental thing for succeeding in business and it is the greatest missing attribute in today's world of both politics and business. One of the most important things that you can do as a leader is to be able to inspire and empower people so that it adds to their motivation to do well in their jobs and achieve great things.