Getting to know you: Salvar Björnsson

What do you currently do?

I’m the CEO of Vinci Hair Clinic. Hair loss is a treatable condition these days and we’re pioneering treatments for clients worldwide. We currently have 33 hair loss centres across six continents; with plans to open four more centres before the end of the year, so it’s an exciting time.

Being a global business, I need to travel extensively to visit our clinics, make sure that the staff are fully trained and that our benchmark for quality is met in all aspects. I also champion new services and products to make sure we always have the most advanced techniques to battle hair loss.

In my role as the CEO I liaise with practice managers, deal new business enquiries, oversee our marketing campaigns and I’m involved in everything to do with our quality control and training.

What is your inspiration in the business?
I truly love what we do, I can relate to our customers on a personal level as I have had a hair transplant myself and I see the difference we’re making to our clients’ lives. I am inspired and motivated by knowing that in a small way we’re changing peoples lives for the better and that, in turn, inspires me to make our services available to people all around the world.

Who do you admire?
So many people come to mind, so it’s hard to give only a few. I am sure everyone says this but I really admire Richards Branson for both his achievements and attitude. I love the way he just says, “screw it, lets do it” – it’s that sort of courage and attitude that I really admire. I’m also a big Tim Ferriss fan. If you haven’t read his book ‘The Four Hour Work Week’ or listened to his podcasts, I highly recommend giving them a go.

Looking back are there things you would have done differently?
On a day-to-day basis I never think about what I would change if I had the chance to do it all again, but of course in hindsight I would have done things differently. I would have structured some things differently and made small changes but looking back I think I made the right decisions based on the knowledge I had at that time.

What defines your way of doing business?
I try to be a leader rather then a boss. To me that means trying to motivate and build teams and people that are highly motivated, want to do the best possible job – without me having to monitor their work!

I think I’m a good listener and I’m not afraid of asking questions and getting people’s opinions. I think that a lot of business leaders would be much better off listening more to their staff and customers. The more you distance yourself from day-to-day client communication the more you need the constant feedback from your team and clients to shape their perception of your business and generate new ones.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Define where you want to take your business and the steps you need to take to get where you want to be. Don’t get too hooked on the details, just work out the big steps needed to achieve your business goals. Be ready to change these plans however, as even the best laid plans will have to be altered as new information comes along. A mixture of forward thinking and adaption is needed to be successful in any business today.