Out of Office: Mark Brassell

AWAY FROM YOUR ROLE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE AT THE ALNWICK GARDEN, YOU ARE VERY ACTIVE, WITH HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING PURSUITS COMPLEMENTED BY FURTHER SPORTING ENDEAVOURS. WHAT SPARKED YOUR HUNGER FOR BEING OUTDOORS?

I have always been passionate about hiking and mountaineering, and used to lead hikes for a club when I lived in South Africa.

After moving back to the North East in 2015, I became part of the Tillside cricket team and I also play tennis for Berwick Tennis Club, which plays in the Scottish League, so that keeps me busy and active in my spare time.

As a family, we are very sporty.

My wife and children have always been keen hikers and together we have climbed Ben Nevis (even when two of the children were under six-years-old); Scafell Pike; a mountain range while on holiday in Turkey; and the stunning Drakensberg Amphitheatre mountain in South Africa. We have recently bought a motorhome, with a plan to travel around Europe and discover more mountains and hikes.

THE PARALLELS BETWEEN SPORT AND BUSINESS ARE VERY CLOSE, WITH ONE OFTEN HELPING INFLUENCE THE OTHER. HOW DOES SPORT INFORM YOUR LEADERSHIP?

My competitive spirit and team-first mindset are deeply woven into my leadership style.

I love to keep learning and improving, which mirrors the ethos of team sports.

It is all about striving together, working as a team, learning constantly and celebrating shared successes for the end goal.

WHAT IMPACT DOES SPORT HAVE ON YOUR LIFE BEYOND THE OFFICE?

Being part of rural, family-oriented cricket and tennis clubs gives me a wider circle of friends and perspectives.

Playing in a team helps me switch off from work and return refreshed and more present for my team at the office. Any hike must mark a special – and stamina-sapping – experience. But do you have a favourite trek among your scrapbook of climbs?

My favourite hike has to be the Drakensberg mountain range, in South Africa.

At 3000 metres, it’s steep, spectacular and physically demanding.

The final ascent involves a ladder – but at that height, the weather can turn quickly. It’s a real test of endurance.

Everest Base Camp, which I completed a few years ago, was also a highlight.

We avoided the tourist trails and explored remote areas with a hiking group.

The scenery was breathtaking; it was an unforgettable experience.

IF YOU COULD PULL ON YOUR HIKING BOOTS WITH A FAMOUS PERSON – PAST OR PRESENT – WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I’d love to climb a mountain with Barack Obama, as I’ve always looked up to him.

He seems like a decent man with similar morals to me, and I admired his leadership skills when he was in office.

And Nelson Mandela. He was such an inspirational man and someone I’ve always really admired as a humanist.

WITH YOUR SPORTING PASSIONS IN MIND, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS IN A SENIOR BUSINESS ROLE?

Stress comes with the territory, but staying active is essential.

It clears your head, calms your body and helps you lead better. At The Alnwick Garden, we encourage that ethos, and with such beautiful surroundings, even a walk around at work can be restorative.

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