Danny Varhalamas
Chief Operating Officer at Slater Heelis, part of the Lawfront Group
Danny Varhalamas, COO of Slater Heelis, shares his passions and interests.
How do you like to start the day?
Blueberry muffin, large cappuccino and listening to Ludovico Einaudi.
What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?
That’s easy – fruit basket in the office, and definitely the dogs at home.
Who is your closest colleague?
That’s like asking who is my favourite child or asking my wife which is her favourite pair of shoes!
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
It has to be my Grandparents’ wedding ring. My grandmother melded them together after my grandfather passed away.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
It has to be Queen and "Who wants to live forever" for a number of reasons. It features in one of my favourite movies (Highlander) and it was also sung by my son in an exceptional school production of We Will Rock You and, yes, it brought a tear to my eye.
What’s your favourite play?
The Woman in Black. Just incredible the dread that comes from two actors and a few boxes!
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Harrison Ford.
What’s your favourite book?
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. One of the cleverest and involuntarily laugh-out-loud books I’ve ever read.
What book are you reading right now?
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. The Yale I never knew.
What book do you wish you had written?
The Stars’ Tennis Balls by Stephen Fry. Reimaging of a classic that’s difficult to put down. I’d miss my tube stop on a regular basis because I’d want to finish a chapter.
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
Robot vacuum cleaner.
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
Golf – I just don’t get it, but how can tens-of-millions-of-people be wrong?
Who inspires you in business?
Peter Simpson (First Direct Bank founder). Redefined banking and service by uniting the art and science of marketing.
In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
Somewhere in between. I’ve retired my smart suits but still enjoy wearing a jacket and tie every now and then.
Where do you go to relax?
The beach.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Alaska – technically a state and not a country but its uniqueness and natural diversity are second to none.
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
A proper watch – hand wind.
What’s the best part of your job?
Honestly, the people. Having worked as an interim and management consultant for a number of years, there’s nothing better than the camaraderie that comes with being part of the fabric of a business.
How do you unwind after work?
Indoor climbing or volleyball. After sitting for the greater part of the day, I crave activities.
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food Ice Cream. Although to be honest, I don’t have any guilt!
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