Ben Elliot Quotes

In my heart and soul, I am a West Country man, and ideally, my weekends are spent there.

I eat out three times a day most days of the year. This is no big deal to most New Yorkers, and it is not something I am necessarily proud of - it's simply the nature of my itinerant life.

The way I choose to live my own life rates time and space as real luxuries.

Once you're involved in a business, it's part of what you do. It's the way you are.

I'm not going to complain to New Yorkers about working too hard.

Buenos Aires is easily one of the most stylish cities in the world with its eclectic collection of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm.

I don't set out to be connected. My business has allowed me to meet lots of interesting people, some of whom have become friends; but you can't force it. This terrible word - 'networking' - I really hate.

Now if I don't take exercise I feel a bit frazzled.

I knew Quintessentially was a success when my father, who does a lot of business in Beirut, introduced himself to somebody and they said, 'Oh, do you know Ben Elliot? I'd really like to meet him.' I remember him ringing me up, really annoyed.

With offices in 64 cities around the world, it is sometimes a challenge to ensure that I've got my finger on the pulse with every one, everywhere. Staying in touch means early rising for calls with China and Japan, and late calls with the U.S.

What goes around comes around in business, and it's better to help people out rather than bill them every time you speak to them.

Since I travel to the four corners of this planet for work, I don't need sun holidays or that kind of thing.

I have an issue with others ordering for me, and I spend far too long haranguing people that my choices are the best. I apologize for the amount of conversations I have ruined with this attitude.

When the truth does not get printed, damage is done.

Art is the ultimate luxury good, but one that can make you think, give a you a blast of beauty and enhance your life. Even if the work's made of plasticine.

I studied politics and economics at Bristol, and people always assumed that I'd go into politics or a non-government organisation when I left. I might well do this later on. I'd love to represent a West Country seat in the House of Commons.

In summer, my Sundays are often taken up with cricket. I play with a bunch of other over-competitive and overenthusiastic guys who I have known for a very long time.

I've always been fascinated by India and its color and vibrancy. I worked in Madhya Pradesh in the Kanha National Game reserve before university, and it is probably the most intoxicating country I have ever visited.

Fastidious attention to detail makes the difference between an OK service and first class service.

A lot of my work is about developing relationships with corporate partners such as Jaguar and Diageo.

If people don't feel they've got your attention, you're not going to succeed.

I mainly read histories and biographies, but I'm also a big fan of Graham Swift and Thomas Hardy.

In the same way I am addicted to puddings - the sweeter the better - I have become addicted to the daily routines my Pilates and Gyrotonic guru, Nada, puts me through.