'You learn more by doing something completely different'

Jens Nordahl Ravnbol, Founder of Mercurius, on why you need to pursue you interests

How do you typically start your workday?
I drop the children off at school and arrive at the office at 7.30am. I then have a flat white from The JCafe and chat with everyone who's around whilst taking a walk around the shop floor at the JYSK store.
Describe your work in a sentence:
I can do that in one word: "Fun".
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Seeing people achieve our goals while they develop professionally and personally.
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
Take some time off. You will learn even more from doing something completely different.
What has been your most challenging experience to date and how did you resolve it?
Setting up my own business from bare nothing. It required all the support and help I could enlist from a lot of people who dared to trust in me and my vision.
How do you maintain a work:life balance?
I have always found that it comes down to being very strict about your routine and very clear about your priorities. I try to be off when I am off and on work mode when I am at work. At the end of the day, you can only do a good job if you have a good life, so focus on that.
Any advice for youngsters just getting into the professional arena?
Pursue your interests. You will always be great at doing what you love. Without passion, your results will most likely be mediocre. So, find something you are passionate about and then collaborate with people who share your passion. Then, nothing will be able to stop you.
A fictional character you think would make for a good role model - and why?
I have always been inspired by The Little Prince, the book by the French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry which was published in 1943. My wife and I have enjoyed reading it to each other. One of my favourite morals from the book is: "One sees clearly only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eye".
What is your greatest dream, professionally?
I am living it!
- Staff Reporter