Just a Minute: Derek Blaik Head of Wealth Advisory Scotland at Grant Thornton

Our current series of Just A Minute profiles continues with Derek Blaik head of wealth advisory Scotland at Grant Thornton

Why did you choose to work in the finance sector and how and did you get started in the industry?

I was always pretty good with numbers and a lot of my peers were getting started with some of the big insurance companies. It seemed like a good opportunity so I decided to apply to Scottish Widows. Here I am 30 years later….

Who or what has been the greatest professional influence in your life?

I’ve been lucky to work with some great people over the years and I’d like to think I’ve picked up good habits from them all. Working for a top legal firm in the past certainly instilled in me the good habits of always being well prepared and to have a very keen eye on the detail. Neil Messenger, who heads up the Wealth Advisory business for Grant Thornton in the UK is an extremely charismatic character with a real passion for the business and that rubs off on the entire team.

Your best and worst professional experience?

I was once giving a presentation to a large group of employees which was highly dependent on slides and technology. Needless to say there was a complete IT failure and I had to ad lib for the full hour. Initially a bit of a nightmare but character building nonetheless!

I’m fortunate to meet with all kinds of interesting clients on a daily basis, so every day presents different experiences and opportunities. The variety is what I love about the job.

What’s the best advice you received, either personal or professional?

“Do the right thing”, by yourself, your client and your firm and you won’t go far wrong. I suppose if you translate that to your personal life, you’d probably be on the right track too.

“It’s never too early to take a profit” is a very useful piece of advice which I thinks is also a good mantra when advising clients on building wealth over the long term.

What do you like most and least about your job?

It’s a privilege to work with interesting clients, to lead them through their financial journey and be known as the trusted family advisor.

I think we can always improve on automating manual processes to be more efficient in our working practises.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in finance?

It can be a great career which is still a people business, with lots of interesting work and the chance to build enduring, long term relationships.

What you would most like to change in the industry?

An even greater drive to put clients at the heart of all services. If we listen more, we can create even better solutions and long term relationships.

Are you pessimistic or optimistic about the economic outlook in the wake of June’s Brexit vote?

I’m a naturally positive person but there is no denying the challenges we face over the next few years. In truth, no one knows the answers at present but we have to work together to make the best of the decision and keep moving forward.

Which social media sites do you use?

I’ve recently embraced Twitter and a keen user of Linkedin

What are your hobbies and interests outside of the office?

With a young active family and a new Golden Retriever pup, there’s not much time to spare, but I enjoy a game of golf and am a keen Liverpool FC fan.

What job would you want to do if you were not in finance?

I think I would have enjoyed acting or to be involved in sport in some way.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Amalfi Coast, Italy