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Previous entries
Monday 8th February
Over the past few days, there have been two stunning examples of courage. They are quite different, in terms of situation and scale, but both should be acknowledged and learned from. The first was the manner in which Fabio Capello handled the John Terry situation. Irregardless of what opinion you have, the situation called for firm leadership. And Capello rose to the occasion, and as described in the Leader in Saturday's Times, demonstrated an abject lesson in the exercise of leadership: first, be in no hurry. Second, do not leak. Third, demonstrate your independence. Finally, when you do act, act swiftly. Some great business lessons here!
The second act of courage was demonstrated by the Dankworth family on Saturday evening. They learned of the death of John Dankworth just before a concert, which commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Dankworth's own music venue & project. Despite their sadness, yet out of respect to their audience, their devotion to their cause, and their sheer professionalism, let alone their love for John, they carried on with their performance, and only at the last stage of the concert did his widow Cleo Laine explain what had happened. That sort of courage is something that can only be deeply admired and respected.
Friday 22nd January
I'm a great reader, and regularly have one if not several books on the go. I love reading autobiographies, and during the past month I've read those by Chris Evans and Keith Floyd.
Although I'm not a fan of his show, Chris Evans is certainly one of the most effective and professional presenters around. He is, as he says, like marmite - love him or hate him. But he is highly talented, and anyone who can earn a fortune, then blow it, and bounce back again is someone who certainly grabs life by the scruff of its neck
Keith Floyd also earned and lost a fortune. What struck me while reading his book is the sheer energy he had, almost right up to the end. He was constantly looking at and pursuing new business ventures, he bought and sold several homes, and travelled incessantly. Despite all the pressure and the setbacks, plus the toll of booze and fags and four ex-wives, he too remained generally upbeat and positive.
The overriding point from both Chris and Keith is that we get one life - it's not a rehearsal - so go for it!
Wednesday 23rd December
It's almost the end of what has been a tough year for pretty much everyone I know. The difference however between this time last year and this year is that things appear to be on the way up. Times are still uncertain, but the impending doom of December last year disappeared several months ago, and whether or not we're still technically in recession, there is definitely an air of optimism as we move forwards into 2010. The POS/POP world has had a tough time this year, but the overall consensus seems to be that the worst is definitely behind us. Many companies have been typically busy during the past couple of months, but the most encouraging point is that order-books are already looking strong throughout January and February, with pipelines building up towards the spring. Companies are recruiting and looking to strengthen their teams. Nothing is ever certain - but the economy is certainly much less volatile - and let's hope that real confidence returns in 2010!
Thursday 12th November
I was informed yesterday by a client about a situation where a recruitment company has sent out a candidate's details and career history to speculative employers on an unsolicited basis, i.e. they didn't tell the candidate where they were sending their details. Inevitably this causes awkwardness all round and in particular, embarrassment to the candidate. The obvious question that springs to mind is "where is the trust?" Indeed, how would you like it if your CV was gazetted to all and sundry? There may well be companies where you not only wouldn't want to work but also who you wouldn't want to know that you're effectively on the market. It also causes further embarrassment to the candidate, when companies to whom they've already been introduced suddenly get their details from another source ("Er ... why weren't you aware of this?"). The very worst scenario is when a candidate's details are inadvertantly - but very carelessly - sent to their present employer - and yes, it has happened! It's one thing if a candidate posts their CV on an online jobsite - the chance of it then getting zapped around is considerable although recruiters should still in my opinion use common courtesy. However, the message to candidates is very simple: if you're working with a recruiter, always insist that you are consulted beforehand before your details are sent anywhere, and better still, get this confirmed in writing.
Wednesday 16th September
I had a review meeting with my IFA today. Looking at the diary, we met almost exactly a year ago to the day. I remember hearing the news that morning about the problems in British banking, and the possible takeover of HBOS by Lloyds. We discussed the situation at that time, which was like quick-sand!
Conditions now, thank goodness, have stabilised, although nobody can be sure of what lies around the corner. The POS/POP market reflects this; many companies are reporting that current levels of activity are higher now than at any time this year. This was to some degree anticipated - that brands would 'press the buttons' in the run up to Christmas. Let's hope that this upturn and recovery isn't temporary, but continues through into next year. Some companies are still feeling fragile, and sustained confidence in both our industry and the economy as a whole is so important.
Wednesday 15th July
The power of online networking is immense, and its ability to connect with people increasingly amazes me. LinkedIn is a major force in business networking and apart from being so easy to use, is superb in putting people in touch, not just directly but beyond that in providing the opportunity to reach out to a much wider range of contacts. There is however a need for etiquette and basic courtesy; I'm more than happy to make introductions, and write recommendations for people I know and respect. Occasionally there are a few individuals who just don't get it, and think they can steamroller their way through your contacts, or expect recommendations simply because they know you. They should remember that successful business is conducted on the basis of good manners, mutual respect, and trust!
Going back to the power of online networking, last night David Gilmour wrote on his Facebook page two words - 'The Ocean!' and received 1500+ notifications of people liking it, and 331 comments within 8 hours. Now that's what I call connecting powerfully!
Wednesday 24th June
Reasons to feel positive: -
- there are tangible signs of a 'pick up' in POS /POP activity, which is gradually being translated into an increase in the demand for recruitment
- summer weather is here this week, and what a difference it's making to people's moods and outlook
- delicious summer fruits are available and in season
- summer sales are starting with some great bargains to be had. Let's hope retail sales really get a boost!
- the pound is strengthening against the Euro, giving European holidaymakers a bit more purchasing power and value
- the new iPhone software (3.0) is excellent and a real enhancement. Just a shame o2 can't come up with more competitive packages for the new 3GS
- despite the sorry state of our parliament, the economy is showing several signs now of recovery
- Wimbledon has started - will we have a GB winner this year?
Wednesday 20th May
A key question amongst almost every conversation at the moment is 'are we coming out of recession'? Certainly some of the financial gurus seem to think we're out of the worst, and some encouraging comments from retailers are also helping to create some optimism. Generally the mood seems to be cautious - certainly in the POS/POP arena. If the optimism continues throughout the summer, then there is hope that an upturn will be evident in the autumn run up to Christmas.
The other hot topic centres on MP's expenses and the ongoing saga / scandal. What is striking is the real tangible lack of leadership amongst our politicians. Last week I ran a leadership training course in Germany for a large international business. The attendees - who are their future management talent - were asked to identify a leader. Almost all of them spoke about Barack Obama. Interesting - because despite his obvious potential, he's yet to prove himself. Yet amongst these management delegates, the feeling is that he inspires hope, trust and vision - all of them great leadership qualities.
Friday 24th April
The importance of a good coach should never be overlooked or understated. I'm amazed - and delighted - at the positive impact Guus Hiddink has made since joining Chelsea a few months ago. Even on a team of world class international players, he's created a real winning mentality. So has Arsène Wenger at Arsenal, let alone Alex Ferguson. The drive, judgement and ability that Clive Woodward had on the England rugby team was immense. Good mentors are worth their weight in gold, whether in sport, business, music, personal lives or wherever. There are so many shining examples. When I interview people, I often ask the question 'who has been your mentor, or has had a major impact on your career'. Almost everyone can point to someone. Sometimes it's a parent, or teacher, or a boss who gave them their first break. If we could all find a great coach, just imagine how much more successful we might become!
Talking of football earlier, I heard a recording today of Frank Lampard who called a radio phone-in on LBC after he was literally slagged off by a presenter due to a (mis) perception of his personal life. Good for Frank for taking time and the courage to defend himself! What right does anyone have to make judgement and criticism of someone else's private life in public, particularly in ignorance of the facts, whoever they are. It's another example of gutter journalism. What a shameless society we sometimes experience!
Thursday 2nd April
The sun is shining (at least here in Germany where I'm running a training course today). The better weather has certainly brought a spring to peoples' steps and a smile to their faces. You can sense a slight 'feelgood' which has been missing for what seems a long time. There is news that house prices may have stabilised and even marginally rising (according to today's Times). Some economists are predicting a 'pick-up' during the second half of the year, and on the back of this, the FTSE has today climbed above 4000 points for the first time in two months. What we need is confidence - is this the first sign?
Thursday 26th March
The Apprentice is back! I saw last night's episode, and unsurprisingly but disappointingly watched a bunch of egotistical, immature, very average candidates make a mess of the first task.
When the Apprentice first appeared about 5 years ago, there was a mixture of candidates, some of whom were intelligent, educated, street-wise people, who although perhaps not all likeable, were ready to pitch in and learn. However the past couple of years has produced a selection of candidates who are frankly an embarrassment. How on earth can they be described as Britain's top future talent?
Of course, they are not! They are, I'm sure, hired for their 'TV appeal', in a similar vein to the characters in popular soaps - the 'jack-the-lad watcha got mate' types and the loud, brassy, bitching women. Even Alan Sugar has got on the same platform, coming out with TV-smart phrases, presumably to endear him to the candidates and TV audience alike.
What a great shame! In this tough business climate, wouldn't it be great to see some real quality and genuinely talented people put their brains and ideas towards setting up initiatives that would make a difference, and promote British business in a positive way?
Wednesday 18th March
Early this morning I watched the keynote presentation introducing the forthcoming new operating system for the iPhone - OS 3.0. As always with Apple, there is fantastic innovation, backed up by real quality and reliability, due to their thorough testing and their willingness to share with other developers. Yes - I'm a huge Apple fan, but when you get a company that takes such time and care to produce amazing, wonderful products, doesn't it make you wonder why more companies can't be like this? Bring on the 32gb iphone too!
Monday 16th March
I bought something in Argos today, and something struck me whilst I was there - a pleasant change in fact; the person who served me was markedly different to the normal sales assistant I've encountered in Argos. I have great respect for sales assistants; from my early career at BhS, I still remember they have a difficult job serving the public. My experience of Argos however is of 'computer says No' types, who really don't care. Yesterday was a revelation. The sales assistant wasn't just helpful and polite, she was intelligent and articulate, she suggested initiatives, she went out of her way to understand my requirements, and overall couldn't have done any more to please and satisfy. I came out thinking this isn't a typical Argos sales assistant, so what's different? The answer I guess is obvious; with unemployment at a high, more qualified, better able people are looking for work, who generally bring good inter-personal skills and nous. And this isn't just typical of retail - it's everywhere. And companies should be snapping up these sort of people, because they'll do a better job, be great ambassadors for their businesses, and win more customers. A lot of employers are apprehensive of taking on 'higher-level' staff, fearful they will leave once something better comes up. Not necessarily true: if employers try hard to motivate and retain these people, they're likely to stay, especially if they can see a career path. And so it's win win win - employer, employee, and customer. Now that makes good sense!
Monday 9th March
I recently started to subscribe to a blog by Seth Godin - a very interesting guy who is heralded a real marketing guru. I generally get daily updates which can be read and digested in less than 30 seconds - although I often spend a little longer pondering on his words of wisdom. Today is a good example; he talks about the amount of slack time that is currently available to many freelancers and people out of work. He then asks what you can do to make the most effective use of this time to create a 'pay-off' later. One of his suggestions is to learn something - use nothing but time to become an expert, learn a language, research etc. Another alternative is to network and earn a following and reputation - maybe use social networks to connect to people, post answers on discussion boards where your experience and talent is valued. This reminds me of something I heard 4-5 years ago, when I contacted a candidate for an update, and she asked how business was faring. When I replied that I was very busy, her response was "great - but remember that if you experience quieter times, always use this time to catch up on the things you've been meaning to and enjoy!"
Today is also a special day for another reason - my wedding anniversary. Seven fantastic years married to the wonderful Patricia!
Tuesday 24th February
Spring seems to be in the air. The outside temperature is warmer, there are buds on some of the trees, and there is faint warmth in the sun when it shines. Don't we need this amongst the current doom & gloom! I spent a few days in France at the end of last week; it was interesting talking to several French people how they react to the current situation. Sure, they are fully aware, but do they take notice of daily media bulletins and do they allow the negativity to enter and permeate their lives? In a word - No! Times are tough in France as much as they are here, but the French get on with their lives, focusing as always on the key elements - friendship, family, food, and simple pleasures - as always, taking time to 'smell the roses'. I largely ignored the UK media for a few days, and wasn't aware the Footsie had dropped below 4000 points etc etc. And does it make much difference to my life - No!
Catching up this week, I caught sight online of an article that appeared in the Telegraph, stating that the commentators purveying the bleak outlook didn't see the current crisis coming, and thus may not see the recovery either! History shows that when all the experts are agreed it is generally time to take a differing view!
Saturday 14th February
It's been an interesting week and as I was walking with my dog this morning (the ever faithful and effervescent Fred) in the sunshine as it melted the last of the snow and ice, I reflected on what I'd learned about and thought about this week: -
The need for confidence
It was announced this week that "surprisingly", retail sales in January were up. Well, is that such a surprise? With interest rates at an all time low, mortgage holders have more disposable income than they have done in the past couple of years - and depending on the size of the mortage, this increase in disposable income can be considerable. Coupled with the reduction in VAT, plus low inflation including lower fuel prices, there is generally more cash to spare. Some big ticket items are available at real bargain prices (cars in particular), so if someone is in the market to buy, they can make a real saving. The National Institute of Economic & Social Research predicts that real household disposable income will jump 3.3% this year (well up on last year's increase of 1.5% and 2007's zero growth). However, what will people do with this? Interestingly the Institute also predicts a 3.8% fall in consumer spending. Economists - as always - are divided on this issue. However, consumer recessions are also caused when people who can spend actually choose not to, and save their money instead. So what will happen this year - who knows? But if confidence starts to return, people will start to use their increased disposable income and spend!
Changes at the top at Chelsea
As a Chelsea fan, I was fascinated looking on as events unfurled this week. Their coach Scolari was sacked on Monday, and by Thursday, Guus Hiddink was appointed - albeit on a temporary basis. Despite the debate as to whether Scolari should have been pushed (and for the record I agree the club was right in sacking him!), one key point stands out: when people command and are paid high salaries, the expectation is huge - and the larger the salary the greater the expectation. Whatever figure he was reported to have been earning (but it runs into £millions) he was expected to achieve, and deliver the desired results. And if that doesn't happen, then that person's services will be dispensed with. It's a tough, hard business world, and as always, the risks are high. As an old boss of mine used to say, 'there are no prizes for effort'. It goes with the territory that if you want and are paid a high package, you have to deliver and fast. I often advise candidates who want to get the top-end salary and above, that the pressure will be on from day one. If you succeed - great! But if you don't, just remember the risks are high!
Kintish Networking
Finally, this week I attended a Networking seminar run by Will Kintish. I wrote about this in my January candidate newsletter, and on Thursday, I was lucky enough to be invited to see the man in action. All I will say is that if you get a chance - go! If you're leading people and want them to improve their networking and business development skills, enrol them on a Kintish day's training. And if you're an individual whose company won't or can't invest in you, consider investing in yourself. The ability to network effectively is an absolutely essential tool in modern business - and Will Kintish probably demonstrates this better than anyone else. When I carry out training, I always ask delegates what key point they will take away with them. My key learning point is to find out and attend as many networking events as possible. In this day and age, we need to optimise every possible business opportunity.
PS - if you want a copy of the newsletter, email me. And for information about Kintish, look under the 'inspiration' tab on this website
Tuesday 3rd February
I write this as snow remains around us outside, in the middle of our winter, and once again I question the media. On the BBC Radio 4 Today programme this morning, both presenters John Humphreys and Edward Stourton didn't simply interview but harangued public officials about their perceived lack of ability to enable traffic to cope in the snow. I've long been an admirer of John Humphreys, but his persistent aggression in trying to force someone to admit fault was both offensive and a waste of broadcasting time. Ed Stourton later continued the theme. What is the point of drawing comparisons with the way Russia and Canada deal with snow? These are countries where there is regular heavy snow throughout the winter. Of course they do things differently. Wake up guys. This is winter. It sometimes snows. Deal with it and move on! Everyone I've spoken to or met during the past 24 hours is coping. That's what British people are good at. I even had a candidate drive from Berkshire to Leicester for an interview yesterday. She arrived safely and on time. To re-phrase Bill Clinton - "it's the weather, stupid"!
Friday 23rd January
This is perhaps a bit of a rant, but highlights a clear example of a company that's losing its way! Like many other people I'd imagine, I've had my fill over the years from BT - their inefficiency, their complicated product structure, their appalling call-centre service etc. I bit the bullet at the end of last year, and moved to Sky - who now provide us with both telephone and broadband. Their prices are highly competitive, their products are great, and their customer service is superb!
This morning, I received an email from BT stating they were making 0845 and 0870 numbers free now - big deal! Hidden in the text of their 'great new ideas' was the fact they're also introducing a £1 increase in monthly line rental (which is actually free with Sky). They just don't get it! This is the company who after I cancelled my contract with them, rang me a month later asking if I'd like to take advantage of a £2 per month reduction on my broadband contract.
The recession has already marked the demise of several companies. I don't think BT will be a casualty, but they certainly aren't behaving like a company trying to fight for their business!
Thursday 22nd January
I was talking with a friend at the weekend, and with the current economic situation in mind, we discussed previous recessions and tried to recall their impact. Much of the media continues to hype up the financial crisis, and yet like so many things in life, it needs to be seen in perspective. I did some research and reminded myself of some interesting facts. For example, in 1975 the rate of inflation was a staggering 24.2%! Petrol prices increased by almost 70% that year too. Interest rates were 11.25%. By 1980, inflation was still running at 18%, and interest rates had crept up to 14.38%. Unemployment was running at 7%, as opposed to 6.1% now.
And let's not forget the previous recession of the late 1980's / early 1990's. I remember interest rates peaking at 16%, which not only saddled people with massive mortgage repayments, but in the light of high unemployment, became a real concern in terms of managing domestic finances and budgets.
Times are tough; the future is uncertain, and unemployment is rising. But with inflation currently running at 2% and interest rates at 1.5%, it's important to see matters in true perspective and not get dragged down by negative news reporting.
Monday 12th January
Building on the previous entry, and also on several themes in previous newsletters, I’ve recently read several articles and comments on the importance of being optimistic. The Times in particular featured some good stuff last week. Mindset is key on how we approach and deal with problems and issues. Research shows that when the going gets tough, optimists do better than pessimists – they succeed better at work, respond better to stress, suffer fewer depressive episodes, and achieve more personal goals. Of course, there’s no guarantee that optimism alone will provide a cushion against the depressing effects of the credit crunch; however a good strategy is to practice the skills of resilience – the ability to adapt in the face of adversity or trauma. Optimism is a key factor in building resilience. It helps people to retain a sense of balance, a sense of humour, and the ability to be flexible. When your job is under threat, or if your position has been made redundant, it’s especially important to be able to take the knocks and bounce back. It’s a lot easier said than done, and optimism isn’t necessarily a trait that can be learnt; however by watching and learning from people who do bounce back, and retaining self-belief, the ‘optimistic’ behavioural traits can be copied, adapted, and practiced. These days, we need every weapon and skill we can lay our hands on to cope and move on.
Monday 5th January 2009
Firstly, Happy New Year to everyone. I returned to work today, refreshed after a great Christmas break. I find the beauty of a couple of weeks off at Christmas is that apart from spending time relaxing with family and close friends, the working world generally stops, so there isn’t a huge backlog of emails and calls to come back to.
January is often regarded as one of the most depressing months of the year, and looking at the current picture of weather, economic doom and gloom etc etc, it might appear easy to be dragged down. Yet I find January to be a new beginning, and a time to put into practice new thoughts and ideas that I’ve reflected on during the Christmas break. Apparently, a real reason why people get depressed in January is because they launch into new resolutions without much thought as to how they’re going to realize their dreams. Going to the gym for three weeks won’t make you noticeably fitter, and cutting back dramatically on food and drink won’t result in long-lasting weight loss etc etc. But careful, considered planning, and a real ambition to make positive change over a realistic timescale can be very uplifting. Yes, the weather’s freezing, but at least it’s not wet and windy, and slowly the evenings will get longer. And talking of resolutions, my wife’s longstanding dream (fired by Strictly Come Dancing) is to start dancing classes. I’m still desperately thinking of excuses, but it’s 7.45pm and the class begins at 8.30pm tonight … !
Tuesday 9th December
One of the questions I invariably ask my clients is this: "If you had the choice whether the people in your organisation could either do their jobs 10% better or get on better with their colleagues, what would your response be?" Always - without exception - they choose the latter. This underlines the need for people to have strong inter-personal skills, and develop effective relationships with their work colleagues. The ability to get on with people is absolutely essential. On the same theme, my youngest daughter persuaded me to watch the final episode of 'I'm a celebrity get me out of here' last week (not something I'd watch out of choice!). The winner was someone who I'd never heard of (Joe Swash - formerly of EastEnders), who was voted ahead of such luminaries as Martina Navratilova, Robert Kilroy-Silk, Timmy Mallett etc. And ... cynicism apart, the reason he won was simple - he just happened to get on with just about everybody in the group, which was recognised by the viewers, who voted him as the winner.
Monday 8th December
The constant negativity about the current economic crisis is really getting on my wick! I refuse to pander to this, and make myself open to all the doom and gloom peddled by some of the media. One example is that I've stopped watching the 10.00pm BBC News each night - I've had enough - and I now tune to Sky News instead - much more balanced, and more informative with a broader selection of news too!
I'm on the lookout for positive stuff, and I was encouraged by an article sent to me by the business guru Peter Thomson yesterday. 9 simple questions, and all with a positive response: -
1. In good financial times have there always been people who made money?
2. In good financial times have there always been people who DIDN’T make money?
3. In hard financial times have there always been people who became successful?
4. In hard financial times have there always been people who didn’t become successful?
5. Have there been old people who became successful?
6. Have there been old people who didn’t become successful?
7. Have there been young people who did and young people who didn’t?
8. Have there been people from any culture who did and again those who didn’t?
9. Have there been people from any religious persuasion who did and again who didn’t?
And you know what...
To every single question, on every single occasion, at every single event – the answer from every single person I’ve asked was a YES!
Tuesday 25th November
I came across something thought provoking yesterday. This will be familiar to anyone who sells, and comes across the price objection. People often get hung-up on price, thinking it is the key factor in a buying decision. And yet, it is the experience we remember, long after the price has been forgotten. For example, can you remember exactly what you paid for the last major item you bought? Going back further, can you remember what you paid for the previous major item you bought? And the one before that? I bet you can’t. I asked my wife, who recently bought a coat, and her answer was ‘between £150 and £200. She’s already forgotten – she’s enjoying her coat too much! The point being, there are always other factors apart from cost, and it’s the benefits and other advantages we remember.
Tuesday 18th November
I read an interesting article today: the opening question was “Are you doing what you wanted to do?”
Thinking back to your childhood, what did you want to do for a job / career? What did you want to be when you started your career?
As a kid, I fancied being a barrister, but really had no clue other than the fact I wanted to be in business. I never thought of becoming a headhunter!
When I interview people, I always ask them the question “What do you do best?” Throughout my career, I’ve always been interested in people. I’ve also always enjoyed selling – opening up new opportunities and developing profitable relationships (again – people centred), and I love business. So really, it’s logical I’ve ended up doing what I do; running a business which is all about people – working with candidates and clients, creating business opportunities and growing relationships.
A few years ago, I met a guy called Simon Murray, who is an incredibly successful businessman. He ran Hutchison Whampoa in the 1980’s/90’s and was a key figure behind the birth and growth of the brand Orange. He’d been speaking about careers advice, and one of the most memorable points he made was “don’t be – do”. In other words, don’t just be something, but do what you do best – whether that’s music, business, engineering, money, design etc. It’s about authenticity – being truthful to yourself and doing what you honestly do best and enjoy.
I always say life’s too short for regrets; looking back, my other choice? A successful rock guitarist. Enough said!
Thursday 13th November
I had a meeting today with my IFA. I’ve known her for 17 years, and she’s always given me great advice. She’s a positive individual, and we were sharing views on the constant doom and gloom being peddled by much of the media – the BBC is a particularly bad example, highlighted with their negative graphics depicted on their news bulletins. She left me a copy of the Investor magazine produced by St James’s Place, and I can do no better than quote directly from Sir Mark Weinberg’s comments on the inside cover, which given the generally negative media commentary I find very encouraging: -
“Equity performance consistently recovers from bear markets. There have been nine bear markets in the UK since the 1960’s and, each time, the market has gone on to new peaks. And recession need not destroy stock market value. Three of the last four recessions have seen strong growth in equities. Volatility can mean significant falls, but stock markets have historically risen over the long-term. It pays to watch the tide, not the waves.”
Monday 10th November
On our website we stress the importance of the Right person in the Right position in the Right company. Executive search and selection can sometimes be a complicated process, given it is centred on what can be complex human personalities and situations, and I find that the formula of the 3 Rights is an essential tool to helping get it right. So often we see the right person but in the wrong company (or vice-versa), and a couple of examples came up over the weekend. Now I’m not a Tottenham fan (my particular passion is found in West London!), but seeing what Harry Redknapp has achieved in a very short time underlines the fact that he is very much the Right person in the Right position in the Right company, whereas his predecessor was in the Right position but not the Right person for that company. On a different note, I saw Queen with Paul Rodgers on Friday night; a good concert, but they’re a different band without Freddie Mercury and he’s greatly missed. Paul Rodgers is a very good singer in his own right, but doesn’t seem to gell with the band, and not the Right person. It’s interesting how this simple formula proves its point time and time again.
Saturday 8th November
I watched the Dragon’s Den profile on the ‘Dragon’ James Caan on BBC iPlayer (isn’t that a fantastic innovation). Having recently finished reading James’ autobiography, I was especially interested in the programme. One of the reasons I like and respect James so much is that he’s authentic. I strongly believe that authenticity is one of the most important human values – being true to yourself and WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get). He’s a highly successful guy – I just wish I could have read his book 15 years ago!
Friday 7th November
After the momentous cut in interest rates yesterday - a 1.5% fall but a 33% cut in real terms - it will be interesting now to see if the banks reduce their rates accordingly. On BBC Question Time last night, one of the panel questioned whether as 'responsible lenders' the banks should be encouraged to reduce their rates. Let's get this in prespective; if the banks had been lending responsibly, should they really have offered mortgages at 4x salary (or even 5x salary in some cases), and loans and credit cards to just about anyone who had a bank account? On the other hand, helping cash-strapped mortgage borrowers with commensurate interest rate cuts - now that's what I call responsible lending!
Thursday 6th November
To kick off my blog, I thought I'd share some inspiration; in these challenging times we need to be able to switch off and relax, and I had a perfect evening this week when I saw one of my favourite musicians in concert - Peter White. Peter is one of the world's leading smooth jazz guitarists, and both writes and plays some beautiful music. He's currently appearing every night this week at Pizza Express Soho. If you can get a ticket - go!
