GARY Coyle is used to giving people what they want.

As a chef working across Europe, he dished up meals catering for every customer's desire.

As a postmaster of 17 years, he was there to provide services for villagers' everyday needs.

He's now treading a different path, but the route is still winding its way to a similar destination.

The 53-year-old is spearheading Digital Leaders North-East in the region, which aims to drive up skills, bolster the local supply chain and improve the North-East's image to attract investment.

But it could have all been so different for Mr Coyle, who left school at 15 with just an O-Level in cookery.

He said: “I had known I wanted to be a chef from the age of 11.

“I knew I was capable in what I was going into and got a job in a hotel.

“I had to start at the bottom and began with the usual jobs but I moved around, got more experience and eventually went to France, Switzerland and Corsica.

“I had a really good time doing that, I was young and when I wasn't working I could enjoy myself skiing or windsurfing.”

After meeting wife Jackie and moving back home, Mr Coyle bought a post office in Kent, which brought new challenges.

He said: “Jackie's parents knew the post-mistress, who wanted to retire.

“We went and had a look and took it on, but it was difficult at first because she had been there for 30 years and was part of the institution.

“It took us two years before we felt fully accepted, but we gradually built the business up.”

Mr Coyle, who is now head of UK operations for software firm Escher Group, is now using all of his experience on Digital Leaders, which works across businesses, the public sector and academia to help people achieve their goals.

He said: “It is great to see people from all sectors who are passionate about the region they live and work in coming together to discuss a way forward.

“We are talking about the skills gap and uniting people to join the missing dots and talk about the things that matter to them and the region.

“For example, with the skills gap, students go to university and then go off to London, leaving companies to find really skilled people and that can be difficult.

“Business is all about relationships and if you get people to like you then you can do business with them.

“It is an important factor and makes business tick, but there is also has to be focus on collaboration and large companies are thinking about that to deliver something that is fit for purpose for others.”

Favourite North-East building and why? I am always impressed with the architectural design of Teesside University, in Darlington, every time I pass it on the train.

It is a very engaging design.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Stacking shelves in a supermarket when I was 14. I was paid £1 an hour.

What is the worst job you've had? Selling newspapers at Silverstone that nobody wanted and it was commissioned based on the number of papers sold.

Hence I made diddly squat for a weekend's work and didn’t even get to see the Formula One cars.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? As I used to be a chef, I would impress you with a Boeuf en Croute.

Very easy to prepare and cook but looks amazing when presented.

What would your superpower be? To create a can-do society in the UK.

Glass half-full not empty.

There is too much apathy and negativity in the UK.

Schools should educate young people to have a positive outlook on life and work and believe in themselves.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Bono, my rock hero; Boris Johnson, for the entertainment value; my dad, because I miss him; and Victoria Wood because she makes me laugh.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? Education for my children - supporting them financially through university.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? BBC News. Best website, best twitter feed.

Favourite book? Blue Ocean strategy by Cham Kim.

A boring business book would be my wife's opinion, but it's an inspirational book that I have read several times when launching new businesses.

When did you last cry? As I get older I cry more, the last time was at the Winter Olympics with the women winning the bronze medal.

What is your greatest achievement? In sport, winning my local squash club's annual open competition.

In business, launching and growing a number of businesses.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Believe in yourself and don't fear failure, if you fail, fail fast and start again.

Favourite animal and why? My brown Labrador called Mousse, a loveable scrounger of food.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? The ex-politician Ann Widdecombe.

She lived in my village and I handled all her ministerial boxes at my post office when she was in the Cabinet.

What was the last band you saw live? Frank Turner and his band.

A good night out.

Describe your perfect night in: Takeaway, good film, all the family at home.

In another life I would be... A presenter on Top Gear.

What a great job, driving desirable vehicles around the globe.

Who would play you in a film of your life? The late Oliver Reed.

He lived life to the full.

What irritates you? Negativity.

What's your secret talent? Being very good at annoying my wife and kids.