Our CEO, Jennie, is a natural entrepreneur as well as being a life-long lover of learning. That means that she is always interested in learning from other business leaders. She decided that it would be helpful for her and the Mantralis team to capture some of these gems of wisdom from the people in her network, and we decided, with their agreement, that we would share them more widely.
We will be running a series of Winning Secrets of a CEO, which will ask the same five questions of CEOs from a range of industries. Their answers are as varied as they are inspiring, and we know you will find something to get you thinking differently about your company or your role.
Winning Secrets of a CEO – Julie Park
Our first in the series is from the finance industry – meet Julie Park, Managing Director of The VAT Consultancy.
The VAT Consultancy is a boutique consultancy providing VAT advice to a range of businesses from FTSE 100 to SMEs. Julie, as MD, leads a team of eight who give their clients best advice on all aspects of UK and global VAT & customs duty. They help to reduce the cost of VAT and duties, simplify procedures, and ensure compliance.
What is the most important benefit of running your own business?
I think I am basically a bit impatient so when I have a good idea, I love the fact I can start implementing straightaway without having to get sign off from two or three layers of management which tends to kill the initial impetus!
What qualities do you appreciate most in the people that you work with?
I really value the team showing they care about clients, going the extra mile and trying their hardest to get good outcomes.
What is your biggest top-tip that you would give to someone just starting their own business?
I’d say, make sure you consult with specialists to get something done properly, whether this be legal advice with contracts or marketing to get LinkedIn targeting right . It may cost more in the short term, but I think it is a really crucial investment.
What is the mistake you’ve made in your business journey that has taught you the most?
Not always being tough enough or acting on advice I would give others for example with underperforming staff or negotiating with people I like.
What are your main values in your business life and how have they impacted on where your business is today?
Integrity and falling on my sword if I get something wrong – on the very odd occasion we get something wrong in advising clients I have always instilled in staff the message that people make mistakes, and it is rarely hugely damaging. So, if something has gone wrong, clients appreciate honesty and practical ideas on how to resolve rather than deflecting blame.
Thanks to Julie for those words of winning wisdom. We hope that at least one of those resonated with you and perhaps made you think differently about an aspect of your company and the way you are thinking about your work.
Keep an eye out for the next episode in the Winning Secrets series, coming soon!