The eprivateclient 50 Most Influential is the definitive rankings of the key players in the UK and offshore private client practitioner sector.
To showcase the achievements of those listed this year and to get to know them a bit better, eprivateclient has begun publishing a series of Q&As with our 2021 50 Most Influentials.
This week we spoke with Crestbridge's Heather Tibbo. Heather has over 20 years’ experience in the UHNW sector and is responsible for the family office services business at Crestbridge. She is a member of Crestbridge’s executive team with input to the strategic direction and expansion of the business.
What have been your proudest personal/team achievements this year?
There are two which stand out. One was carefully planned, and the other meant thinking on our feet.
Crestbridge Fiduciary was created last year in response to exceptional client demand. Leading the team and seeing the new venture come to life was an unforgettable experience. The new business has hit the ground at pace and has enabled us to better support families with US based interests. Client feedback has also been consistently excellent.
Managing the business through Covid is also something of which I am immensely proud. The team have shown superb flexibility, maturity, and resilience, stepping up for each other and continuing to provide the level of support our clients have come to expect. In delivering a seamless service at this challenging time, I believe we further strengthened our client relationships. The team have collaborated effectively and looked out for one another, while also welcoming several new members across all levels.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To follow my gut instincts, to learn from my experiences, and then move on. It’s also important to accept that from time-to-time things are going to go wrong. It’s not about perfection, it is learning how to resolve challenging situations for our clients.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
It’s such a diverse role that it’s tough to choose one thing. I love looking after clients so they can get on with their lives and sleep soundly at night, safe in the knowledge that we are looking after their interests and providing them with the help and support they need.
What challenges do you see your firm/clients facing in 2021?
It may sound clichéd, but we’re a people business first and last. And although Zoom has been invaluable over the last year, when we can’t get together with our clients, particularly to discuss sensitive matters, it can make things more challenging.
What does being named a 50 Most Influential mean to you?
Receiving nominations for each of the last three years has been a privilege, especially when considering the other names on the list, many of whom are friends of Crestbridge and people we do business with. However, recognition for my inclusion belongs every bit as much to the team as it does to me.
What is the favourite part of your job?
I was fortunate enough to have two great mentors early in my career, without whom my journey would have been very different. I take great pleasure in coaching and growing members of the team, helping to develop their skills, map their career path, and embrace our culture.
What made you choose to focus on private client work?
Everything we do at Crestbridge is underpinned by relationships. Managing them is an indispensable skill. They take time and investment, can sometimes be complex, and are invariably fascinating. When I trained as a lawyer I began to recognise the importance of understanding how relationships worked and this skill is central to my current role. It is an area which has always intrigued me and which I never tire of.
What book/luxury item would you want with you on a desert island?
I am currently reading The Choice by Edith Eger. It is an inspirational true story of a woman who survived Auschwitz and trained to be psychiatrist. I like how it frames the concepts of resilience and self-determination and illustrates how we can choose the path we follow, and can empower ourselves to do whatever we want to.
If you were not in (and it is not) your current role, what would be your dream job?
I think psychologists do incredibly valuable and intellectually stimulating work. If I wasn’t in my current position, I’d like to explore this field so I could help people discover their true potential, build their confidence, and pursue their goals.
What’s your favourite hobbies/passions/interests outside of work?
With twins to look after, and a somewhat busy work calendar, spare time is often in short supply. I love walking Patch, our Cockapoo, spending time in France, and seeing new parts of the world.
What one piece of advice has benefited you the most in your career?
Practice empathy. Always try to put yourselves in the shoes of the person you are talking to, whether they are clients or colleagues in your organisation. And keep things short and succinct.
