Recent weeks have seen Katie Douglas, Client Director at HIGHVERN Jersey, travel across continents, from Istanbul to Riyadh, Doha, Dubai, and Manchester, attending conferences and roadshows that explored wealth structuring, leadership, and global trends. Despite the demanding schedule, Katie reflects on feeling energised, crediting the opportunities for learning, connection, and inspiration along the way.
September began with a strong technical focus at the TL4 Transatlantic Tax and Estate Planning Forum, followed by the Jersey Finance Annual Conference. The month closed in Istanbul at the Informa Transcontinental Trusts Conference, which Katie described as “insightful, thought-provoking, and genuinely enjoyable.” Highlights included networking over the Bosphorus and thought-provoking discussions on multi-jurisdictional wealth structuring for families and business owners across the Middle East, UK, and US.
October brought a shift in focus, from technical structuring to leadership and inclusion. The Jersey Finance Roadshow, themed “Perspectives: Women in Leadership,” took Katie across Riyadh, Doha, and Dubai, where each city brought unique insights. From Riyadh’s keynote urging, “Don’t wait for a seat at the table. Build your own, “to Doha, where the conversation evolved: “My vision is not just to create seats at the table but also for women to see that other women already lead the table.” Dubai’s skyline reflected ambition and innovation, setting the stage for conversations on growth, purpose, and overcoming challenges. Katie reflects on attending these events, representing HIGHVERN, as a privilege: the chance to hear powerful leadership stories, strengthen connections, and embrace inclusive leadership.
Mid-October took Katie to Manchester for the HNW Advisor Conference and PCD dinner, where discussions centred on entrepreneurial spirit and the need for succession planning, often overlooked by founders focused on growth.
Reflecting on this period, Katie shares three key takeaways:
- Embrace change and new opportunities
- Nurture relationships as much as technical expertise
- Commit to innovation and inclusive leadership
Why This Matters for Our Clients
These takeaways aren’t just personal; they directly benefit our clients:
- Embracing changes and new opportunities ensures HIGHVERN anticipates emerging trends, delivering proactive solutions for complex wealth needs.
- Nurturing relationships alongside technical expertise expands our global network, giving clients access to trusted advisors and opportunities across jurisdictions.
- Committing to innovation and inclusive leadership means strategies that reflect modern values, helping clients future-proof their wealth and businesses.
Ultimately, these insights reinforce HIGHVERNs ability to provide an excellent service, enriched by global perspectives and human connection, because progress for us means progress for our clients.
Across all events, common themes emerged: global mobility, succession planning, asset protection, and advancing women in leadership.
Katie’s experiences underscore that while technical knowledge is essential, human connections and shared purpose truly drive progress.
“As I board another flight, I can’t help but feel energised by the opportunity and innovation I’ve witnessed. These past weeks have been a privilege, a time to connect, learn, and reflect on the people who have shaped my journey.”
KEY CONTACTS
