60 seconds with Tom McPhail in the TL4 HNW Magazine – Next Gen Wealth edition
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Tom McPhail has been featured in a short Q&A in ThoughtLeaders4 HNW Magazine - Next Gen Wealth Edition.
What is one work-related goal you would like to achieve in the next five years?
I recently started a new position at Boodle Hatfield and I am excited to get settled into the firm, build connections and start making a strong contribution to the team’s work. Looking ahead, over the next five years I am keen to deepen my expertise and continue to work closely with clients as a trusted adviser.
What cause are you passionate about?
Broadening access to the law. Diversity in a workforce is really important. The challenges the legal profession has faced in this regard are well-known but I do think things are changing and it has been great to see increased support in recent years for non-traditional routes into the law and more nuanced assessment of training contract applications. There is a lot of work still to be done but there are good grounds for optimism.
What does the perfect weekend look like?
Some relaxed time with my family is ideal; perhaps exploring a new part of London, a walk and picnic in a park or a pub lunch, with a good film in the evening.
What has been the best piece of advice you have been given in your career?
No job is too trivial to merit your full attention.
What is the best film of all time?
An impossible question but Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is certainly a film I could watch again and again. I’m a big fan of le Carré and the style, tone and performances (especially Gary Oldman as George Smiley) in this adaptation are all superb.
What do you see as the most rewarding thing about your job?
I love digging into a case to find facts or arguments the other side might have missed. Building bonds with clients and colleagues while working together on a matter is also hugely rewarding.
How do you deal with stress in your work life?
I find life outside work helps keep problems in perspective; I have two young children and helping to build a Lego fort or trying to answer questions about why badgers are black and white is a great tonic.
What is one important skill that you think everyone should have?
I think being able to listen carefully and also to pay attention to what is not said is a really valuable skill.
What book do you think everyone should read, and why?
Georges Simenon’s Maigret novels. The same features recur – Maigret will stomp around in a bad mood, drink large quantities of everything from Calvados to Pernod at the nearest zinc-countered bar, interrogate suspects in his overheated office with sandwiches from the local brasserie and possibly (but possibly not) intervene in events as they unfold – but the atmosphere and psychology are always compelling. Perfect comfort reading!
What’s your go-to relaxing activity to de-stress after a long day at work?
Reading or going for a walk are both excellent ways to unwind. I also recently started bouldering, which is great as it forces you to focus on small things in the present – where to put your hand or foot next – rather than whatever has been occupying your mind at work.
This article was first published by ThoughtLeaders4 in the High Net Worth Magazine, Next Gen Wealth edition, Issue 20.
