Blogs
It’s times like these you learn to live again...
April 2020
A few weeks ago, I was delighted to host and chair a Russell Bedford International video conference for managing partners from Europe. Thirty firms were represented across the region, with participants sparing time away from their busy schedules, to share and discuss real life issues resulting from COVID-19 in respect of their practices, their employees and of course their clients.
One of the many important messages I walked away with is that, especially at a time like now, we must all look after our PEOPLE and our CLIENTS. After all, one always remembers who was there for them in times of trouble! This is a way to keep clients AND to gain even more.
My pleasant surprise to also hear so many positives come from these discussions; with several opportunities being sought at the same time as successfully dealing with the immediate challenges.
It’s a tough period; we need to be together with a positive and forward-thinking approach, and this was certainly witnessed amongst our firms.
I was listening to the new collaboration of “Times Like These” (song by Foo Fighters). It's certainly appropriate right now!
More recently, we hosted a virtual “Happy Hour”, which attracted over 70 participants from all over the world. It's difficult to organise a time which suits all and so we were drinking tea in the Americas, coffee in Europe and beer further East (well... some of us even managed a beer a little earlier than normal!)
Of course, it's not the same as being physically together; but the best we can do... at times like these.
And it was actually quite wonderful! (Especially the child of one of our Mexican partners who treated us to a fabulous rendition of John Lennon's 'Imagine' on his piano at the end!)
We adjust... we adapt... we learn to do things differently. But we shall forever be taking you further!
I'm always incredibly proud of this fabulous global network; and especially at times like these!