For the first time, the Getting to Know profile goes Down Under. Even though he’s from the other side of the world, Adam Wood from GCS Credit Community is well-known in the credit and collection space on this side of the globe. Ambitious and passionate about this industry to a fault, Adam has big plans for where he hopes to take global credit and collections. Read on to learn more about Adam and maybe learn a little bit about Australian Rules Football, too.
Name: Adam Troy Wood
Company: GCS Credit Community
Length of time at current company: 18 years
Length of time in industry: 20+ years
How did you get your start in the industry?
As a 2nd generation CEO, I was born into it. My Dad (Neil Wood) is considered by many to be a godfather of the international debt collection industry, and so the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
What is your career highlight so far?
What I’m working on right now actually. With the support of our leading industry associations around the world, we’re exploring the creation of an “International Credit & Collections Board.” Our objective is to unify our industry to provide thought leadership and general guidance on issues that affect us, starting with privacy/data protection and vendor risk management.
When or how are you most productive?
Early mornings in the office, before the staff and distractions arrive. And coffee!
Which industry professional do you admire most?
What an impossible question to answer. I’ll give you my top that come to mind …
1: My Dad, Neil Wood
2: Erwin Falkner, FENCA President
3: Don Maurice from Maurice Wutscher
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Think big.
What do you like most about this industry?
It’s modern digital transformation, including FinTech, RegTech, Machine Learning and Ai.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
Negative perceptions. And bad actors!
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Leading the blockchain revolution, with Richard Branson and mojitos on Neckar Island.
Describe a typical work day.
6:30am – Woken up by my boys (7 & 3 yrs), breakfast, scan TV & emails, school drop off.
9:00am – Arrive @ office, staff chat, strategy & priorities debrief
9:30am – Spot fires, emails, and urgent tasks
11:00am – Meetings (clients, developers, partners, etc)
2:00pm – Project management & emails
4:00pm – School pickup and playtime
6:00pm – Dinner and family time
8:00pm – Boys to bed – tv time with the wife
10:00pm – Wife to bed – back on laptop, calls, and emails.
12:00am – Bedtime
What is your guilty pleasure?
Jack Daniels.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen with your ears, not your mouth.
What are you currently reading?
“The Effective Executive, by Peter Drucker.
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I’m a mad Essendon “Bombers” Football Club fan. Never heard of them… it’s Australian Rules Football, aka: AFL… and it will blow your mind. Check out a 2-minute promo video:
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Roger Weiss
