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60 seconds with … Steve Ogden-Barnes

30 July 2008

Name: Steve Ogden-Barnes
Org. Unit: Australian Centre for Retail Studies
Title: Program Director
Dept: Marketing

How long have you been with Monash University?

Six years. I moved from the UK to Australia after finding the advertisement for my job online. Proof of the power of the internet to change lives.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

In the UK, I taught at Buckinghamshire and Chilterns University College and prior to that I spent 11 years working for a retailer in the UK.

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

Keeping up to speed with the changing world of retail and changing consumer trends is always a challenge. However, the biggest challenge is getting audiences to understand that by applying the lessons learnt by overseas retailers to their own businesses, they can make a real difference to competitive positioning and business success.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

I enjoy the travel opportunities that the role brings. In August for example, our retail study tour will visit Shanghai, Dubai, Madrid, New York and Las Vegas. Priceless!

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

Vancouver, Canada. A great and diverse city and a fantastic base from which to explore the natural beauty of British Columbia.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Don't let someone else's bad planning become your crisis.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

I'm interested in the history of pirates and piracy -- my son Samuel was named after the English pirate "Black Sam" Bellamy.