Bower, 37, is managing director of WSP Middle East

What has been the hardest challenge you have faced to get to where you are now?

The greatest challenge in my business life so far has been that as my background is in Agriculture and not Engineering, I have had to learn the engineering principles for me to talk about the business with the depth of knowledge required for my current position whilst on the job. I also see this as a positive as it has enabled me to embrace the multidisciplinary nature of WSP.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years鈥� time?

I hope to be in a position where I can influence the industry so that we are able to attract the best talent, continue to embrace new technologies and modernise our approach to management.

Where do you see the construction industry going in the next year, three years and decade?

The continuing global economic slowdown has particularly impacted the construction industry. I see the next year being about stabilisation. I then see the next three years being about a response to the downturn, particularly in respect to pressure on pricing which will drive the requirement for more efficiencies and cheaper resourcing solutions. The next decade will be about sustainability and I believe one of the most exciting periods in history for a technical consultancy like WSP.

What has been your career high point so far?

Taking on the challenge of leading our Middle East business out of the downturn is definitely one of the high points. There are great opportunities for the consulting sector here and WSP are planning to make the most of these.

And the low point?

There have not really been any. I am very lucky to be able to say that I have enjoyed my working life to date. Whether times have been easy or hard they have always been a learning experience and that as well as meeting so many different people has always been good fun.

Who is your hero?

My hero is my dad. I realise that this will sound a bit of a clich茅 but he has taught me how to be hard working and respectful.

If you could take one thing with you to a desert island, what would it be?

It would have to be a wind up satellite phone so that I could get myself home or at least so I could keep in contact with my family, friends and work!