Meet Mike Shipton. A South African expatriate with a high-pressure, hard work, Mike is an exceptionally gay guy with a positive outlook on life. Mike loves his job at G4S as Country CEO and loves life in Indonesia.
Hello, Mike! So, have you chosen Indonesia or Indonesia have to choose?
I moved to Jakarta in July 2013. G4S promoted me a few years ago and we discussed a few countries where I will be placed. Around March last year, they told me to pop in Indonesia for a week's holiday. I thought he was a cool vacation plan. However, after a few hours of landing here I realized this is the place I want to spend a few years in.
What were the decisive factors for your move?
of all the market potential and as soon as I settled into the position, potential first company in Indonesia. I have traveled and worked in many countries in the world and I think this place is a beautiful country, but I do not think most people are aware of the opportunities they sat on. Indonesia has always been a good springboard for G4S managers, most are promoted to senior positions very quickly.
In your hometown of Durban, South Africa, which was life?
I was working for another company there. My background is in business. It is quite different with Jakarta, I love the bustle here, making people grow and feel alive. South Africa is more casual.
Management G4S Indonesia
G4S is a security company. What aspects of security are we talking about?
G4S is the largest security company in the world. We operate five companies in G4S, the first is the company's cash where we cash processing and distribution in cash to bank branches, and we provide services from end to end for this bank. The second company is the guard where we provide satpam typical services in residential areas, shopping centers, etc.
Then we have the electronic security company, we offer consultation for the design or layout for alarms, CCTV camera systems or fire alarms. We also provide the response to the alarm, that's where our trained guards come in. There is no need to have an alarm go off and have no response team. The fourth company is a branch that sells, maintains and replenishes ATMs for bank branches. The last company is the software company; We design and develop software for a bank.
As you can see, G4S offers a full range of security services. We are more than just a whistle satpam bearing industry.
I saw the money transfer trucks around with logo G4S 'on it. I always thought that this work is done by another company, Securicor?
This is the side of the G4S cash. It's funny because G4S is actually the result of the merger between Securicor and Group 4 - where G4S -., But people still refer to these trucks that Securicor trucks
Is it a successful security business depend on the employment of people trusted?
Absolutely, which is critical and of paramount importance. At present, we reassess our employees, checking criminal history, backgrounds and train them properly. Your integrity matters most in this case and it only takes one mistake to lose it forever.
What do you like your job? What is the hardest thing to work
Every day is different ?; it could start with a meeting so I have to rush to a site because of an incident - no day is the same and that's what makes it exciting. I focus on customers. I personally take calls from my clients and like to be on the ground to solve their problems. If a customer has a problem, we will solve it then and there. I also have a passion for developing my staff. The rainy season is very exciting as well because we save people in the water.
The hardest thing for me is sitting in the office.
Are you a tech savvy person?
Oh yes, very much. I am a geek technology; I'll buy anything they put out there on the market. When Glass comes out, I will definitely buy. And I'll wear it!
Mike with the sales team
What in your opinion is the best trait to have in order to be a good manager?
you must have the discipline to ensure that tasks are performed correctly and efficiently, but we also have empathy to understand the other challenges familiar. Those and a good sense of team spirit.
How is your Indonesia after living in Jakarta for a couple of months now?
I have a funny story about that. So I take formal lessons in Bahasa Indonesia. I did three months ago, and I thought I was good enough. It a month ago, I went to KFC Kemang. I was walking with my best Indonesian and ordered two chicken pieces. I was distracted and watched some children playing, and when I turned around to see my order, I found myself with four cups of Pepsi, four portions of rice and eight chickens! I have a theory about it; it was not my Bahasa Indonesia, I think KFC employees expect a bule to appear, confused and laughing.
You moved to Jakarta with your wife. How does she like the city?
Yes, my wife has moved with me. We actually went to Singapore for a few days and when we returned, my wife let out a big sigh and said "aahh, we're home."
G4S is a massive international Company. Are you planning to have another job in another country in the future?
My personal goal is to another country, then come back to South Africa. I would spend a little more time in Asia or somewhere in South America - would not mind China. I'm at a stage in my life where it is more about the experience and to meet new people and new cultures. What you learn as an expatriate so much more than you would as a tourist.
Mike Freeport
Do you like the expatriate life?
The expat life is really, really good experience. But sometimes you get people who come to a new country and complain about everything - traffic, pollution - these people, I say get with life! If you are not satisfied with it, move on and find positive things there - lots of it. A traffic jam gives me a chance to meditate. I can complain about it for two hours or I can close my eyes and relax, catch up on my emails and to have some time alone.
This brings me to the next question. As is the mind, body and soul of the matter, what would you do to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul in this town?
I belong to Jakarta adventurist Outdoor Club. It's just a great group of people and we travel across the country, hiking, and learning to see things that many expatriates do not get to see. We learn to speak Bahasa Indonesia along the way, eat Indonesian food, sink into the culture. We went to Krakatoa last month, the Papandayan mountain and a few weeks ago we went to the Dieng plateau. The club is also hike the three Ss; Sindoro, Sumbing and Slamet. At least that takes me out of town for a bit of fresh air for the weekend, so I try to do as much as I can. I also practice meditation, I try to tame what Buddhists call the "monkey mind" and relax.
If you can take a memorable experience of your stay in Indonesia, what would it be?
should accept that my staff in Indonesia has shown me. I have been to many countries, which is the only country I've ever really felt welcomed. It is very uplifting, they make me part of the family. I've never felt anywhere else in the world.