Annemieke Hartman Q&A

 

What drives you?
To be instrumental in delivering my clients' financial growth goals.
 
What inspires you?
Identifying an opportunity in a market and creating a suitable commercial offering to fill this gap.
 
Strongest influences
Apart from my family.... My education took place in Holland, where there are very strong values which incorporate commitment, a culture of promising only what you can deliver, and diligence. The charismatic and inspirational Managing Director of a coffee business influenced me too - he was a great visionary and presented exceptional communication and people skills.
 
Other interests
Customer service, travelling and exploring cultures, reading biographies, personal health, movies, good food and family, friends and social circle.
 
Favourite quotation

"The mere absence of war is not peace. The mere absence of recession is not growth."

-- John F Kennedy

 
Best decision
Settling in the UK and supporting businesses to which I can make a demonstrable difference.
 
Greatest regret
(The only one) - Not attending the funeral of one of my best friends; the reason for not attending was a client commitment.
 
Happiest business moment
Signing my first major contract in 1999 with an annual value of £7m over 3 years.
 
What would you change about British business if you were given the opportunity?
I'd provide organisations with the tools to facilitate a feeling of ownership amongst employees who make up large corporate organisations. For businesses to have fun - businesses who have fun increase productivity.
 
Fantasy job
Kite surfer
 
Most admired businessperson
Gordon Ramsay
 
Least favourite personal characteristic
Being passionate about business 
 
Pet hate/s
Unshaven men in business situations, big ego's, being unprofessional.
 
Most over-used phrase
"In my opinion......"
 
Other people's most over-used phrase
"Let's think outside the box"
 
What makes you laugh?
People jumping the queue; Ruby Wax (after you read her biography) and old men in Lamborghinis.
 
Favourite city
New York
 
Greatest extravagance/s
Watches, shoes and bags.
 
Current reading
The Secret - Rhonda Byrne.
 
Favourite albums
Anything by Annie Lennox, Van Morrison, George Michael, Norah Jones, Stereophonics