Leaders List interview: 60 seconds with Alex Gibson-Watt, John Lamb Hill Oldridge
Citywealth speaks to Alex Gibson-Watt, Managing Director of John Lamb Hill Oldridge.
Citywealth speaks to Alex Gibson-Watt, Managing Director of John Lamb Hill Oldridge, firm which specialises in advising UHNW and HNW individuals, their family offices and other professional advisers on ways to mitigate liabilities with specialist insurance policies.
Tell Citywealth’s readers about your role.
- I am the Managing Director of John Lamb Hill Oldridge, specialist protection adviser. We specialise in advising UHNW and HNW individuals, their family offices and other professional advisers on the most effective ways to mitigate liabilities with specialist insurance policies. We were delighted to receive recognition of this success when awarded the Citywealth Magic Circle award for UHNW private client services of the year 2022.
- I spend my time managing the team in London and with client handling day to day.
- I am also widely involved in providing ongoing technical advice to other professionals around insurances and how they can be used effectively for their clients.
What are the most pressing issues you are dealing with in your role at the moment?
Since 2018 our team has grown 100% which has been fantastic. Our area of expertise is extremely niche and we are always looking for bright, enthusiastic and passionate individuals to join the team.
Managing the post Covid-19 working environment across the whole business has presented challenges encouraging us to find new ways of working, ranging from client communication to team development.
Another pressing issue has been dealing with some complex FCA changes, which are hugely time consuming for a boutique firm such as ours.
Do you have any advice for trainees?
When trainees join the firm, I always say ‘There is no such thing as a stupid question’. We work on a collaborative, team-based model which means that everyone has a part to play in ensuring successful outcomes for clients. As a trainee, you are an integral part of the team from day one and you will be most effective if you keep being inquisitive.
How would your clients describe you?
My clients have described me as approachable, pragmatic, a good listener and always willing to go the extra mile.
What does it mean to you to be a member of Citywealth’s Leaders List?
It is a great privilege to sit alongside such an impressive list of peers and to have the hard work and expertise of John Lamb Hill Oldridge recognised.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?
‘Time is your greatest asset – spend it wisely!’
This has always resonated with me throughout my career; you can’t do everything, so use the time you have to focus on the things that you excel at and recognise where your weaknesses lie.
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