In the Executive Chair this month, Keith Lowe, chief executive, DNG Group

Where did it all begin?

I grew up in south Dublin, went to school in St Andrew’s College and then completed a property degree in Rathmines College of Commerce.

In my youth I enjoyed athletics and was a keen longdistance runner.

I had a number of part-time jobs during school, from washing cars to working for a charity, a clothes manufacturer and summer jobs in DNG.

What was your earliest ambition?

While still in school and doing summer work in DNG, it became very apparent to me that I was interested in and motivated by property.

My main goal in life was to become a top-tier estate agent selling houses.

Were you a good student?

No, not in the slightest. I found the academic side of school difficult.

I have dyslexia, which was little understood at that time.

Classes and exams were always a big challenge.

I was no stranger to detention either.

What’s your motto for life?

True loyalty never goes unnoticed.

What was the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Always keep your foot on the accelerator as a business should never stand still.

What’s the most difficult thing about running a business?

Getting a good work/life balance as you must be available 24/7.

I make sure to hit the gym each week and fit in a round or two of golf, but I always build in family time, which is most important to me.

Which business people have inspired you?

Steve Jobs, the Apple founder, was an inspiration to me as he was a passionate innovator who loved his work and had the ability to create something from nothing.

In an Irish context, Michael O’Leary is also a leader I admire.

What is your favourite piece of clothing?

My black North Face jacket as it is so warm and comfortable.

What’s the last holiday you took?

Spain is my go-to place to switch off and to spend quality time with my family.

Which five famous guests would you love to have at your dinner party?

Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, Hillary Clinton and Piers Morgan.

What are your best and worst business habits?

I have a strong ability to find solutions to complex challenges.

My worst habit is not turning off outside office hours.

Do you have any regrets?

I was half-decent cross-country runner when I was young, and I regret taking a sabbatical for three decades

What’s your favourite show on television?

Succession and Industry.

What car do you drive?

A hybrid Porsche Cayenne.

What Irish business do you wish you had invested in ten years ago?

Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of Paddy Power.

Your home is burning down — what item would you rescue before fleeing?

My iPad.

What’s your favourite day of the week and why?

When we have a new homes launch.

There is nothing better than experiencing our new homes team at a new release and the excitement of buyers securing their new home.

If you could be taoiseach for a month, what legislative change would you make happen?

I would introduce tax relief for landlords, to halt the exodus from the residential sector. Landlords are part of the solution to the housing crisis, not the problem.

What’s your favourite way to unwind after work?

A glass of vino in front of the TV.

If your business had a theme song, what would it be?

Our House by Madness