Talking Business with ARA City Radio MD Lisa McLean

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Lisa McLean and I am Managing Director at ARA City Radio (now broadcasting on 103.4 FM).

How did you get where you are now?

I’m Scottish and arrived via Germany and the USA, I have been here for 17 years. In terms of career, I studied Communications and later Politics and Economics; I have a Marketing background and was involved in the airline industry for many years. When my husband was transferred here we had small children.

When I started working I soon discovered that employment and the local school system did not function well at all, so I left corporate and decided to make “Work” work for me. I started LJM Communications and through my business I got involved at ARA City Radio. I took over as Managing Director in 2006. Initially I was very unsure about this change of direction, but I can honestly say it has been a blast.

What are the most important skills and qualities for a successful business leader?

I think to be successful at anything you have to be prepared to work hard and stay focused. Business leaders need vision. I believe a successful media executive has to be socially and culturally aware as well as understand the market they operate in. For me this means understanding our audience and because we are a commercial station it also means understanding the Luxembourg business environment.

We are a small company, so having a strong team makes my job easier. I always try to be fair. When unpopular decisions have to be made, it makes sense to take time to explain the reasons why. In that way even if people don’t like it, you stand a better chance of keeping everyone engaged and motivated for the long run.

How do you assess the current economic situation in Luxembourg?

With an over-reliance on the financial sector, Luxembourg has for a long time omitted to address obvious structural weaknesses. Now, the government is trying to diversify. However, I find it disappointing that there is little encouragement to grow small to mid-sized businesses.

There is much talk around this but really little incentive for individuals to take a risk. We even have examples where government-supported activities compete with the private sector, leading to a very uneven playing field. Luxembourg needs to value small, private businesses much more. It would also be a much more exciting business environment, especially for young people.

What are your expectations and hopes for the Luxembourg economy in the next 12 months?

I hope to see a few more business initiatives such as “Lët'z Go Local”, The “Impactory” or discussion forums such as “5 vir 12” spring up. These are private initiatives which give Luxembourg an exciting new dynamic and try to shake things up. These types of initiatives are important for unleashing creativity, which will lead to a thriving and sustainable business environment.

In terms of expectations, Luxembourg can move quite slowly, especially if there is an election coming up. It will be interesting to see if there is any shake-up after the national election, I doubt it, though.

If you could change one law in Luxembourg, what would it be?

I would give ARA City Radio a licence to broadcast 24/7 in English.

What's your pet peeve?

It irritates me when people pollute the air by leaving their cars running while they are parked.

What do you like most and least about Luxembourg?

I love most things otherwise we would not have chosen to stay. I enjoy the multicultural environment and in terms of business I tend to live by the motto “it is not a problem, it is an opportunity”, and that has worked for me here. Because of the opportunities that arise in a small country, you can make contact with people very quickly and easily.

We also have great cultural offerings at reasonable prices. What I like least is when people complain about the country without getting involved in efforts to improve things. Oh and I really hate the fact that Cattenom (nuclear power plant) is on our border and our government has no control over it.

How do you unwind?

I have three children so they are either winding me up or helping me unwind. We got a puppy this summer, it amazes me how much being with him relaxes us all. I also enjoy going to concerts and really love it if I hear one of the DJs recommend music I don’t know, then I go and discover something new…that makes me feel really happy. I read a lot and I also draw and paint to relax.

What's your ringtone?

Basic ring-ring, unless some joker has been at my phone and changed it.

What does your desk say about you?

I actually share a desk with Mark Weedon, our newsreader. He finishes work when I arrive. I always work on a laptop because I do a lot from home. My car is possibly more like my office. I often have it full of marketing materials and banners that we use at events.