Matt McDowell, marketing director for Northern Europe, Toshiba
Matt McDowell, marketing director for Northern Europe, Toshiba
A view from Matt McDowell, Marketing director for Northern Europe, Toshiba

My Secret Work Weapon: Find a non-work passion to give a sense of perspective

My Secret Work Weapon is something achieved only after decades of long hours and experience, but the benefits I've reaped as a result have been immeasurable.

My role involves constant pressure, challenges, highs and lows – but I'm able to take these in my stride, due to a lifetime's worth of disappointment and rare euphoria at the hands of Watford FC. It's remarkable what you're able to cope with after 30 years of stress and frustration.

A temporary dip in market share? No problem compared with the travesty of the 1984 cup final defeat to Everton. Critically acclaimed and award-winning marketing campaign? Fantastic, but how does it stack up against two Championship play-off final wins over Bolton and Leeds?

Even if I'm frustrated by travel delays, an hour can seem to fly by in mere seconds when measured against the agony of five minutes of injury time while we are clinging on to a 1-0 lead at Vicarage Road.

Perspective is a wonderful thing.