At Praxity, it’s about the people.
In our regular feature, we ask some searching questions of Praxity leaders, getting to know who they are and what makes them tick outside of working hours.
In this edition we are pleased to welcome James Kallman, CEO of Moores Rowland, Indonesia, and Pedro Pestana da Silva, Managing Partner of Marosa, Spain. They give us some behind-the-scenes snapshots of their lives and show us the human side to their excellent work.
James Kallman
Moores Rowland, Indonesia
1. What was the last song you listened to?
I regularly listen to my favourite song “Abraham, Martin and John”. These were amazing people who were taken from us too early but who were brave and made the very most of their lives. I need that reminder - to try to live a meaningful life, regularly.
2. What was the last book you read?
Nixon’s Ten Commandments of Statecraft by James C. Humes. A masterpiece.
3. What was the last TV programme that you watched?
I am a consumer of news and I try watch everything that I can to understand all sides of what are increasingly complex issues.
4. What was the last meal you cooked?
Eggs, about all that I can cook!
5. What was the last item you added to your wardrobe?
You got me. I do like buying clothes. OK, I was recently on Route 66 and I did buy a Route 66 bandana!
6. What was the last photo you took?
The son of a very prominent former Minister came to my office yesterday for a lunch. His Dad is now 80 and retired about 2 ½ hours away. We took a selfie to send to this man who has really been an older brother to me.
7. What was the last restaurant you went to?
I’m rushing off now to meet the CFO of one of our valued clients. We’re meeting at Daun Muda Menteng. It bills itself as having Indonesian soul food. I’ve been away from Jakarta for 2 months and I miss some spice!
8. When was the last time you laughed?
As much as possible. My Dad used to say that it was the only thing separating us from the rest of the animal kingdom.
9. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
"Relax". I didn’t follow it!
10. When was the last occasion you felt starstruck?
The day that I met my wife, and every day since.
11. What was the last gift you gave someone?
My deep respect. I have been blessed to surround myself with wonderful family, friends, clients and colleagues so it’s an appreciation that I give often.
12. When was the last time you hugged someone?
I was born into a hugging family. Been a hugger my whole life and having lived in Asia these past (nearly) 40 years, it’s been fun to watch a cultural shift to more acts of public (and private) emotion.
Pedro Pestana da Silva
Marosa, Spain
1. What was the last book you read?
“Justice: What is the right thing to do?”. Re-reading it after some years. Good old Michael Sandel.
2. What was the last TV programme that you watched?
“The Good Mothers”, not another mafia series. This one is more realistic, based on a true story and from the victim’s angle. Loved it.
3. What was the last meal you cooked?
Pasta aglio e olio. Which is the same as saying I do not cook much. I do love that pasta though.
4. When did you last work out?
Been on the bench for a few months after spine surgery (went very well!). But I do work out 3 times per week normally.
5. What was the last app you downloaded?
A barcode reader for finding out ingredients in supermarket products. Very handy.
6. What was the last photo you took?
I take photos of my wife and the baby regularly. All on demand. I am the cameraman for these two.
7. When was the last time you laughed?
I am laughing all the time! It’s never too much.
8. What was the last great piece of advice you were given?
Say “No”.
9. What was the last account you followed on social media?
A classic car account on Instagram. One more…
10. When was the last occasion you felt starstruck?
I am impressed with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and how everything she does turns into a success. She should blink at my business one of these days.
11. What was the last gift you gave someone?
I bought a beautiful lamp for my wife on her birthday. It’s from a famous Spanish designer called Miguel Milá.
12. When was the last time you hugged someone?
A few minutes ago, when I took my daughter off the bed. These hugs are the best.