Go with the flow

There’s opportunity everywhere, if you know how to spot it. It often masquerades as trouble, and while many people get themselves stuck through fear of the headlines, I take action. Regardless of what’s going on, especially during the big global events live a US Presidential Election, we don’t get distracted by the noise, we take advantage of the opportunities, shift strategy where appropriate…we’re always in a state of perpetual motion.

While I hear many people moaning about the negativity of the news, I read between the headlines. I see opportunity where others see problems and consider how we can adjust to make headway. Money is always moving, that’s why it’s called currency…and the direction of flow is easy to find, but most people simply don’t see it.

This past week has felt slow, as many business owners, employees, and almost everyone else, were fixated on the outcome of the Election. Even the park beside my house in Dubai had a huge festival-like stage set up just to live broadcast the coverage. While it’s dominated the global attention stakes, and froze the progress of many, reports showed the 10 wealthiest people in the World got $64Bn richer on Trump’s victory…money’s always moving, even to people who didn’t endorse the winning candidate.

In my day-to-day, I speak with business owners, financiers, investors, analysts, and industry leading advisors, and the phrase “waiting to see the outcome of the election” has repeatedly come up. While the impact of these elections will be felt across the globe, it’s always been our ability to adjust the sails that has keep us moving, regardless of which way the wind is blowing. For many months throughout this year UK businesses have waited anxiously to see how the Bank of England would adjust (or not) the base rate of interest, this week, the announcement of their decision barely made the news.

I’m in control, and responsible for the success, of my businesses, and regardless of external pressures, I find the opportunity to grow and succeed, my team and our shareholders count on me for that. Yes, government budgets, sweeping policy changes, incoming regulations, the finance markets, they are all impactful, but rather than be paralysed by it, I just keep focussed on finding opportunity. A great plan today, isn’t always a good one tomorrow, and I’ve no problem saying I’ve changed my mind and chart a new direction when an opportunity arises. I’ve always got my eye on the future, and ensure the business is ready to benefit from whatever opportunity comes next, we adjust our position so whichever way money and opportunity is flowing…it’s flowing towards us.