AI Magazine Issue 10 2018

Acquisition International - Issue 10 2018 11 Leading Boutique Provider “It is not all about the profit margins and monetary results, achieving success is far more complex. I cannot measure this in pounds, shilling and pence but taking pride and satisfaction in a job well done. It is this attitude and approach that plays a major part in why repeat instructions from existing clients are core to our business and we receive the recommendations and accolades that we do. Our recruitment selection process seeks out individuals who understand our model and who we aspire to be. “Personally, I see success as a mind-set, delivering peace of mind, which is a direct result of self- satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best in order to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” When discussing the dedicated team that form the backbone of the company, Trina is keen to highlight how Whitmill have cultivated an atmosphere that is conducive to a productive working environment. “I strongly believe that followers seek leaders that they believe will treat them fairly, exhibit integrity and be authentic. We all follow better if we know who we are following and believe in them. “I try and bring my own style and personality to the task of leading others and aim to lead by example by developing a team that encourages and supports one another. “‘ Leaders inevitably need to have followers, without any followers, you are not a leader. ’ While a title may convey status, it does not automatically guarantee effective authority or create followers. For me, ‘ Leadership is the process of influencing others to understand and agree about what needs to be done and how to do it and the process of facilitating individual and collective efforts to accomplish shared objectives .’ This translates into how I bring out the best in others, in addition to enabling them to lead when appropriate, by nurturing a team that has the ability, confidence and motivation to offer their best for the benefit of our organisation as a whole.” Bringing the interview to a close, we ask Trina to reflect on both the opportunities and challenges that she has faced personally during her time at the company. “Challenges have been positive ones, adapting to being part of an organisation that values its employees where all opinions matter, instead of merely being an employee with a number in a large global organisation. Actually feeling empowered for myself, colleagues and clients was a major positive. The regulatory and industry changes are continual, no matter where in the world that may be, but feel that we, as a business are in that agile space, that can adapt and change course as needed. When I first started out in trust and company administration; administrators were essential and core to the operation of the business but were not held in the greatest regard and were deemed to be back office processing teams. Over the past 20 years, the complexity of structures and changes in regulations have led to the requirements and expectations of administrators increasing significantly. They now need strong technical skills and operational knowledge of all aspects of accounting, audit, legal, tax and regulatory environments. “The Administrator role is the cog in the middle of the wheel that keeps everything connected and working, provided it is well oiled and looked after! Some of the greatest compliments I have received in recent years, have been from lawyers, tax advisors or audit partners, who have complimented on my depth and breadth of technicalities. At this point I smiled and responded that I was not a lawyer, nor do I have a legal qualification; I have just been fortunate to have had the benefit of excellent mentors along the way and a thirst for knowledge which has taken me through multiple professional qualifications. When introduced, I am proud to state that ‘ I am just the Administrator .’ “Opportunities are apparent every day and whilst it is believed that ‘ Fortune favours the brave ’, a cautious pragmatic approach to opportunities is more favourable. At Whitmill we keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities that align with our business and ethics, and clients. These can be as a result of marketing and business development or as a result of our reach out into other jurisdictions in recent years; acquiring intelligence and developing relationships, strengthening ties and adding to our existing offering.” Looking ahead to what the future holds, Trina signs off by detailing the plans that lie in the pipeline for Whitmill. “At Whitmill, we have a distinctive value proposition which offers continuity and sustainability for our clients and employees. We have the ability to continue to focus on and build from the core business strengths with measured diversification which steers us towards our long-term goals, with a strong, aligned leadership team and clearly articulated vision.”