Spotlight on Chris Bowmer, Director
It’s good to put faces to names and to understand exactly what drives the professionals you’ll be working with on your future plans.
So, we’re spotlighting the Fortitude team over the coming months. Last month we heard from Alex Allcock-Rouse, our Client Support Technician, and today we have none other than Director Chris Bowmer. Here’s what he had to say.
Hi Chris! Nice to see you. Can you describe the kind of work you do in just three words?
Just three words is tough, but I would have to say “Create client confidence”.
It makes a sentence – very clever. Let’s think about achievements for a moment; what's been your proudest moment at Fortitude Financial Planning to date?
Probably winning Money Management’s IHT Planner of the Year in 2017. It always feels good to be recognised for the work that you do.
Absolutely. Now Chris, what keeps you smiling at work every day?
I’m with Alex on this – decent coffee makes all the difference. Although for the past four months in lockdown I’ve been on my own in the office, which is not fun. As good as the coffee in the office is, it’s the team which makes it enjoyable to be here.
That’s some good wisdom. Let’s move out of the office for the next question. What keeps you busy when you’re not working?
Cricket, cricket and more cricket – watching, playing, groundskeeping, administering. And when it’s not cricket, it’s cars.
Tell us the quote or phrase that goes through life with you.
It has to be the classic Yoda quote: “There is no try. There is only do, or not do”.
It’s a classic for a reason. Where is the most interesting place you've been?
I really enjoyed the SS Great Britain in Bristol last year – it’s part of a great history and the way they’ve set up the museum to be interactive and ‘4D’ is very impressive.
Who is your hero and why?
In the 70s and 80s it was Alan Docking, when I saw his team winning Formula 3 races. Funnily enough, he lives in the same village as me and is now my friend! Back then I could not have imagined even meeting him.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
It’s got to be Yoda again. Am I allowed to use the same quote twice?
Absolutely. It’s your spotlight.
In that case, the piece of advice I would give my younger self is “There is no try. Only do, or not do.”