5 Minute Q & A with James Charlton & Mr Hicks
Introducing our Guest of Honour for the College Awards Evening, to be held on Thursday 19th October 2017. James Charlton – Chartered FCSI
What did the world look like when you were a student at Archbishop Beck Catholic College?
I studied at Archbishop Beck Catholic College from 1993 to 1999, and my memories of this time are dominated by football (I’m a red), music and er shell suits!
As a child, events happening outside your own ‘bubble’ are rarely given much attention, but clearly the world was changing, and at a rapid pace. The 1990’s saw the formation of The European Union, compromise reached to end years of violence between the IRA and the UK, political reform including Labour’s rise to power, the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament. We also witnessed extreme advances in technology, from the internet to the first gene therapy trial, and the mass mobilisation of capital markets.
What motivates you to do what you do?
Job satisfaction.
I work with clients to understand their financial goals and objectives. I then create an investment solution that allows them to achieve a desired outcome.
I specialise in Charity portfolio management and whilst it is a big responsibility, it is a real pleasure to help those organisations achieve their financial objectives so that they can continue the good work that they do on a daily basis.
Where does your passion come from?
I am passionate about finance and I am also a natural problem solver.
Finance has been a subject of interest from a young age. Initially because I wanted to learn about how the most successful people amassed their personal wealth. An interest in wealth accumulation, preservation and growth led to an interest in investments.
Wealth management brings together my passion for finance and my desire to help people achieve their financial objectives.
What and whom do you love best?
My family. I believe that in order to achieve your aspirations, you need a positive support network and I’m lucky to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving family that help me to be the best I can be, both personally and professionally.
What are you most afraid of?
Not fulfilling my potential. Something I probably will not be able to reflect on until I am retired.
Oh, and spiders!
Who were your mentors, your heroes and still are?
My parents. They instilled the importance of good moral values, hard work, resilience and determination from an early age.
Words cannot describe my thanks for the unfailing faith, support, and love they gave me throughout my childhood and without their guidance and motivation, I would have never had the courage to overcome the adversities I have faced.
It has taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today, but it does not compare to the hard work and sacrifices they made for me.
What do you spend most of your time doing?
Analysing, researching and listening.
Only by being in full possession of the facts can you make informed decisions. A lot of the work I do for my clients probably goes unnoticed, but it is important that I remain up-to-date on economic and financial developments in order to uphold my duty of care to clients.
When are you most fully yourself?
When on holiday. I love to take time out from my day job to relax, get away from the daily grind and to spend some quality time with my wife.
We love to explore new places, particularly cities. Our last holiday to Los Angeles was unreal!
What one word best sums up you and your vision?
Driven.
What and who inspires you with awe?
My wife. She is my motivation, my inspiration and my rock. She is the reason I get up in the mornings and do what I do.
