Lessons from the C-suite Personal development
Giving people a personal
stake incentivises them
I started
out…
In 1984 on a
graduate development
programme with Rothmans
UK. In 1986 I joined Financial
Planning Services, before
growing to become regional
director of General Assurance
National, a French state-owned
insurance company. In 1998 I
was a founder of Millfield
Group, which floated in 2001. I
left Millfield in 2004 and set up
Foster Denovo with a number
of other partners, where I have
been CEO since 2005.
When we started Foster
Denovo we wanted to build
something that was valuesbased,
relationship-focused,
and with a stakeholder culture
that allows everyone in the
business to share in the value
we create.
I knew this was the
right career path for
me when…
I realised it is all about
relationships, innovation and
growth. The variety and
challenges are intoxicating.
The biggest lesson I’ve
learned along the way…
It’s all about the people –
surround yourself with people
better than you and give them
some skin in the game. One of
the best things we’ve done is
implement our employee
share schemes. The
commitment this generates
drives the business forward
and also increases your
chances of success. It can
change an organisation
from a place
where you
go to work
into something you are
passionate about.
My proudest achievement…
Family aside, it is the team and
propositions we have assembled
at Foster Denovo. We share the
same values and have the same
vision – the team is wonderfully
complementary. I believe that
together we have created a firm
that is market leading and truly
client focused.
My biggest mistake…
Not following my instinct
over a decision. I should have
spoken up and not deferred
to experience – as it isn’t
always right.
As such, speaking your mind
and sharing ideas is something
we have focused on. We are
committed to continually
challenging ourselves on
whether we are doing the
right thing. As part of this
we implemented online pulse
surveys that ask all of our
employees how engaged they
and their client base are with
the proposition we are delivering.
My biggest inspiration…
My father’s work ethic and
creative genius. And Mr
Kingdom, an English and
history teacher at prep
school. His enthusiasm,
energy and encouragement
were in abundance and
helped me believe I could
achieve anything.
Keeping me awake at
night right now…
The excitement and creativity
of our vision for the group.
We have a clear
plan and a
great team – we now need
to make it happen.
The biggest challenge for
organisations over the
next five years will be…
Keeping up with the pace of
change, identifying and
implementing technology
effectively to improve client
experience and add value.
I need my HR director to…
Provide counsel, clarity and
guidance. They are a true friend
to me and the whole business –
an invaluable superstar.
It annoys me when HR…
Forgets the person and focuses
on policy or process. They
need to always look for positive
fair outcomes.
More HRDs would
become CEO if…
With the right team around
them many would make great
CEOs (if they wanted to). They
understand people and that is
key to business success.
What I’m reading
right now…
Legacy brilliant book about
the secrets of the All
Blacks’ success, and
Focusing Your
Unique Ability by
Dan Sullivan.
by James Kerr, a
My top leadership tip…
Consult fully and be decisive.
Have a clear vision and be
totally committed and
absolutely passionate, then you
will win hearts and minds and
make things happen. HR
Roger
Brosch
CEO, Foster
Denovo Group
I should have
spoken up and
not deferred
to experience –
as it isn’t
always right
CV 2005 – Present
CEO
Foster Denovo Group
1998 – 2004
Distribution director, head
of sales
Millfi eld Group
1992 – 1998
Regional director
General Assurance
National
1986 – 1992
Branch manager
Financial Planning
Services
hrmagazine.co.uk June 2019 HR 55
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