Forward Group is delighted to welcome Daryl Blondel to the team and we thought, in between his rigorous induction to the business, we would take a few minutes to conduct a Q and A session with him to learn a little bit more about the ‘real’ Daryl. We love the fact that even on day 1 he came dressed in a pink tie!
Welcome to the team, Daryl. As you can see its exciting times for Forward Group, what attracted you to the role?
Forward clearly demonstrate that they put their clients and staff first, offering continuity to clients rather than the high staff turnover of some larger firms. Being owner managed and having a highly experienced senior management team will enable me to develop my skills even further, whilst bringing my own ideas to the table.
How do you see it benefiting Forward Group?
With 10 years’ experience in fiduciary services, predominantly in the private client and real estate sectors I have been a principal point of contact for ultra-high net worth clients and their intermediaries, managed complex portfolios and hold the Diploma in International Trust Management from the Society of Trust Estate Practitioners. That brings even more experience to the team which will allow Forward Group to achieve growth and further excel in its service delivery.
What motivates you to be the best you can be?
I am a people person and throughout my career my focus has always been one of ensuring that I deliver the highest quality of customer service. I have always taken pride in that and knowing that I have supported clients to the best of my ability with honesty and integrity being at the heart of everything I do. The Forward ethos provides an ideal fit for this and I am really looking forward to making a real difference here.
What opportunities can you see the role will bring you?
As I have stated I want to further develop my skills and knowledge within the team and think the strength of the Directors and Senior team can really help me with that. I also want to continually improve the service I deliver to clients and already see that I will be fully supported and acknowledged with that focus.
Obviously when working in a complex and busy environment getting a good work-life balance is essential, how do you unwind?
I am a great believer in ensuring I get that work/life balance right and maintain my wellbeing. Fitness, particularly running, is my thing. I have run the Jersey Marathon for the past 7 years, the London Marathon in 2016, the ‘Round the Rock’ Ultra in 2017 as well as numerous other running events and triathlons. I also enjoy snowboarding, cycling and paddle boarding. The Jersey ‘outdoor’ environment really helps achieve this balance and Forward’s office being located out of town suits me down to the ground.
Wow Daryl, that’s some list of achievements, so what’s next for the bucket list then?
Well I want to participate in this years’ ‘Round the Rock’ and ‘Double Top’ Ultra Marathons, that will mean a lot of training, plus a longer term goal to complete a full ‘Ironman’ triathlon.
Good Luck Daryl, it’s been a pleasure getting to know the ‘real’ you and we wish you all the best with the challenges for 2020, both work related and those ‘bucket list’ ones! Who knows, you may well convince some of your new colleagues to join you with some of those challenges!