Inside the mind of an investment manager, Gail

It may have been April Fool’s Day ten years ago when I first joined Charles Stanley, but the decision has proved far from foolish. I have had a fantastic ten years working closely with a great team.

For me, this sector is like a good quality drama – never dull, always colourful, and at times forensically challenging. I’m really looking forward to the next ten years.

My day starts now largely the same as it did in 1992, when I first started out. Cycling to work and being greeted by a team who usually say – “you never cycled in that weather!”. For me it’s a lovely way to start the day and I’m a creature of habit. My first task when I arrive at my desk is to scan the market news from my favoured sources, check my emails and listen to the company research call. These all set me up for the day.

Having worked with various companies over the years, I can honestly say that my favourite thing about Charles Stanley is the ability to access people regardless of position. People are the heart of everything we do and to be able to pick up the phone, ask a question, obtain an opinion and get solutions promptly is a real asset to any business. It facilitates my job and, more importantly, helps my clients.

The biggest misconception about Charles Stanley is that we only manage large portfolios and have no solutions for smaller sums of money. That we only manage private clients when in fact we have a plethora of options for charities, pension trustees and professionals with a dedicated Investment Manager as a point of contact.

A human business

The most important quality an investment manager needs is the ability to form a good and honest relationship with a client and their family. Managing
the portfolio is an absolute given, but to carry out the entire service sensitively and empathetically as life and personal circumstances unravel requires
something a little more specialised. These are human factors and I do not think this will be achievable by any form of artificial intelligence.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is the importance of regular and clear communication – with both your clients and your colleagues. To talk through
issues – good or bad – and to have a plan and solve problems developed in partnership provides peace of mind, clarity and a positive outcome for everyone.

The greatest challenge of my job is always trying to look ahead and to second guess what is around the corner – whether it be a change in the direction of interest rates or who will be the next prime minister – and then to prepare.

As the saying goes: if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. I aim to do my very best by being realistic and sensible – and managing expectations around what the future holds.

The key to success is patience, composure and simplicity. Work together as a team, don’t over complicate and worry about things you just can’t control. Direct your energy positively and aim for one good outcome each day. I couldn’t survive on a day-to-day basis at work withou laughter and some good old-fashioned camaraderie. Having worked with my amazing team for such a long time they have never let me down once.

At the weekend you’re most likely to find me walking our rescue dog Brandon, swimming and most definitely on the rooftop terrace at the friendliest cafe in Penarth, having a veggie breakfast, chatting away and catching some sun.

Failing that, I will be deep in paperwork settling the bills of the numerous car parking fines from my daughter at Reading University. That’s an administrative task in itself!

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