CFJ puts the Harry Tafota-Nash – head of leisure at CMS Danskin Acoustics in the dock
Did you ever get into trouble at school, and if so, why?
No, I couldn’t get in trouble at school because my dad worked there. So I was a bit cheeky, but overall pretty good.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Just work really hard and don’t ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. And lead by example.
What are your hobbies?
Rugby — always rugby. I’ve played for years, and my son has inherited it too. He’s 15 now, training hard, developing, and already quite a good player. Rugby is really a family passion for us.
What was your first full-time job?
I had a scholarship to go to the navy as a warfare officer and I almost went on that pathway. I would’ve ended up just playing rugby in the navy. But I failed the colour-blindness test, so they offered me logistics, which I didn’t want to do. So, because sport was a passion, I started working in a sports centre from 16.
What’s been your greatest achievement?
Representing Hungary at rugby. I’m half-Hungarian and I earned seven caps for the national team. Hungary isn’t a top-tier rugby nation, but representing any country is a huge honour. Standing there and singing the national anthem before a match is a special moment. Of course, you could say my biggest achievement is my son, but in terms of personal achievements in sport, playing for Hungary is something I’m very proud of.
What car do you drive today, and what does it say about you?
My company car doesn’t count, so I’d say my Ford Mustang. It’s loud, brash and a proper muscle car. I suppose it reflects my personality a little bit — big, bold and maybe a bit full of grunt.
If you could have invented any product in the world, what would it have been?
I think about stuff like this all the time. Honestly, I’d have loved to invent the air-fryer. I use mine every day – it’s brilliant. You can cook almost anything in it, and the roast potatoes come out perfectly. Chips too. It’s practical, simple, and honestly, life-changing.
How often do you take holidays, and what’s your favourite destination?
I take holidays quite a lot. The world is huge, and I want to see as much as possible. I love America — I did a 19-day road trip with my best mate along the east coast and central states. Bali was incredible too, about 18 months ago. Swimming with manta rays there was unforgettable; I’d go back in a heartbeat.
How do you relax?
I struggle to relax, but I really enjoy mowing the lawn. Sitting on my ride-on mower, headphones on, a drink in hand, just cutting the grass and trimming the bushes — that’s my version of peace.
If your house was on fire, which single possession would you rescue?
Obviously, my family and pets come first — no question about that. But if I had to choose a possession, it would be my car. There’s no way I’d let it anywhere near a burning house. My personal car, the Mustang, has to come with me.
What did you spend your first pay-check on?
A Citroen Saxo.
Do you have any pets?
Yes – two dogs, two cats, and two horses. My dogs are Newfoundlands: one’s a retired therapy dog who used to help children with reading at school, and the other does water rescue. My cats were hand-reared; one was abandoned at three weeks old, and I raised him. Our horses live in the field at home.
Can you tell us a little about their names?
Sure – all named after Disney. Elliot is the male dog (named for Pete’s Dragon), Rey is the female dog (Star Wars), and Gus is the cat (the rat from Ratatouille). Each has its own personality, and they’re basically my family’s little mascots.
If you could be anyone, living or dead, real or fictional, who would you be?
Probably Captain America. He’s classy, strong, fit, good-looking, and everyone loves him. Definitely not a villain — I’d stick to the hero side!
What’s your favourite drink?
I don’t really drink much. I’m a classic binge drinker — rugby tour, maybe — but I could go months without alcohol. Mostly, I stick to water, squash, or a really good coffee.
Which record and book would you take to a desert island?
I don’t really read — I just can’t get into it, I’m too active. Music is my escape. I listen to loads on Spotify, from Coldplay to cheesy classics like Vengaboys, YMCA, and the Macarena. I love dancing and having fun, even on holiday.
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
Ideally, someone I can just laugh with. If I had to pick, it’d probably be Jonny Wilkinson — calm, fun and someone I’d enjoy sharing the moment with.
What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made?
That’s a tough one. I sometimes wonder what might have happened if I’d pursued a career in the navy. I considered going down the logistics route and travelling the world while playing rugby. But life took a different turn — I had my son when I was 23, and if things had gone differently that might not have happened. So I don’t really see it as a mistake. Sometimes you think about the ‘what if’, but I don’t have many regrets.
