Former SAS soldier explains business secrets

At a recent Australian Institute of Management WA (AIM WA) Sundowner, I was treated to a talk by career soldier turned business owner Scott Houston.

Scott’s company Executive Risk Solutions (ERS) was awarded the Telstra Australian Business of the Year in 2015 and now employs over 100 staff with a turnover in excess of $20 million.

As an invited guest at the AIM WA Professional Development Sundowner on Thursday night, Scott compared the business world to his job as a paratrooper and commander in the SAS (Special Air Service), as both take a lot of commitment and are not without risk.

He compared the adrenaline rush he got from parachuting and carrying out his SAS military operations to the thrill he received from running a successful business.

He said his company ERS specialised in crisis and emergency management, emergency response, post incident reviews, and security services for a wide range of companies and organisations.

Some of his clients had included the Prime Minister of Australia and one of his biggest contracts was with Roy Hill mining in the Pilbara.

He said being proactive and not reactive, giving full commitment to the job, and demanding a culture of excellence in the workplace had all helped him achieve great outcomes.

His talk was very well received by more than 50 people at the Sundowner.

Scott Houston