This much I’ve learned

The best advice I ever got … Was from a boss who encouraged me to trust my instinct. I’d spent many years in strategic roles where every idea was analysed to death. He didn’t suggest that I forgo the analysis, he just encouraged me to trust myself.

The worst advice I ever got ... Was to keep athletes at arm’s length for the London 2012 Olympic Bid team. By ignoring this advice and putting existing and former athletes at the heart of the bid, we won the privilege to host the Olympics by proving our commitment to sport.

Don’t underestimate ... How many ideas employees have on how to run the business better.

Don’t overestimate ... How much customers notice.

The experience that taught me most ... Was managing field sales executives at British Airways in the 1980s. I found out that sales and marketing work best when they are tightly linked.

The most fun I had ... Was starting up the airline Go. We started by asking the question: ‘How would I want to be treated by an airline?’ We threw out the rule book.

The worst moment ... Was standing in the operations centre at Go as we made contact with each plane to ensure all was well just after the terrorist attack on 9/11.

My peak career experience ... Was running the airline Go. I was proud of our service and the people.

Barbara Cassani was the founder of Go Fly, and chairman then vice-chairman of the London Olympic Bid

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