Who is Graham?
I am a very fortunate family man, with a smart beautiful wife and 5 fabulous kids (3 of which are all grown and flown) – 2 in 6th form, and a gorgeous lab – Archie. And I am so lucky to have 2 grandchildren too.
As founder of Trust Partner Services, I “lend” my experience and “know-how” to organisations entering an unknown world. Where sales channels need to be identified and partnerships developed, I step in and join up the dots to secure the foundations on which the other parties can build.
Outside of work I am a keen rugby union fan and heralding from Leicester have always maintained my support for Leicester Tigers. As an Englishman, I support the English rugby team too.
Tell us more about your role in Trust Partner Services.
As the business owner at Trust Partner Services, I wear many hats, including business development activities (working on the business) and of course delivering the obligations on behalf of clients – (working in the business). Partnerships are really important to me, and having a really wide and deep network gives me access to a range of expertise and knowledge should I (or my clients) need it.
What is the most difficult part of your job? But the most rewarding one?
The fact that we are increasingly in an Attention Deficit society is possibly the cause of the biggest challenge, and that is raising your voice above the general “noise” and in so doing, maintaining momentum once a project is initiated. Time kills most projects of this nature, as people become distracted with other (and changing) priorities within their own businesses. Most often, this comes from customers, where attention is quite right prioritised onto.
Is there anything that you would change about your professional path?
Not really, because philosophically, I feel that every action and decision has driven me to this point and without those prior experiences and decisions I would not be where I am today. and I like where I am today.
What’s your key strategy for the development of your company?
Right now the consulting business is working well and leading me into other valuable conversations and relationships that are opening new horizons for me and I can see some new opportunities opening that will land me exactly where I am aiming for. So my key strategy is to continue on this path. I do always maintain a very open mind and operate with open eyes and ears and I maintain huge curiosity.
What do you think about the next period of time, keeping in mind the pandemic and the new business climate? How will your industry be affected?
Technology “channels” are experiencing continued patronage and growth from the market as their ability to offer relevant knowledge and expertise, as well as solutions is hugely valued. There is much consolidation at all levels too as acquisition continues at pace. There is much innovation in our space and calling out artificial intelligence for one, as this is impacting many areas of tech solutions that are going to underpin the new ways of working that are emerging.
Please name a few technologies which have the greatest impact on your business.
Communications infrastructure and it’s ubiquity have been instrumental in impacting everyone’s business as we have been enabled and empowered. Working anywhere that we can “connect” to the www has been a game-changer. Without this infrastructure the recent pandemic would have been devastating on a different scale. Smart innovators who have leveraged this plumbing have been able to deliver all manner of applications to maximise the connectedness
What books do you have on your nightstand?
Several – including Eddie Jones “My life and Rugby” James Haskell – “Ruck Me”, Stephen R Covey – “7 Habits of highly effective people” Bruce Daisley – “The Joy of Work”, Mo Gawdat – “Scary Smart” and Matthew Elwell – “Open with a Close”.
