Simon Braithwaite, Quantum Damages and Delay Expert, recently joined Driver Trett as one of the two, Senior Vice Presidents of our new office in New York City.
In this Q&A for the Driver Trett Digest, we ask how he has found starting a new role during a pandemic; what has been the greatest influence on his career; and what makes him tick.
Digest: Hi Simon, how are you? Thanks for taking the time to talk to the Digest. I bet the last couple of months have been rather busy for you.
Simon: Thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak to you. It has been a rather hectic time, but it is all good and a positive part of the challenge.
Digest: What is your role at Driver?
Simon: I’m one of the Senior Vice Presidents, based in the new office in New York. I am responsible for developing the practice here and providing clients with advice, along with services related to their problem projects.
Digest: How did you get into the industry and how did you get to where you are today?
Simon: I got in to disputes by accident really. After my degree, and some construction experience, I was interviewed by Steve Driver at BWSICC (now Driver Group). At the time, I really didn’t know what I was getting in to, but it’s 20 years later and I have come full circle.
Digest: Who has been the greatest influence on your career?
Simon: That is a tough question. There are many people I could mention, college lecturers, people I have worked with, clients and friends in the industry who I still take advice from. But, I would have to say my parents. They put me through university and remain a positive influence, and even though I live overseas, I still speak to them most days.
Digest: What has been the best moment of your career?
Simon: I think two moments need a mention.
1. Moving to the USA almost 20 years ago (which is a story of its own). My wife and I sold our possessions, house, got married and took a chance moving here. I remember the plane taking off and thinking “what the hell have I just done?”
2. This opportunity. It is a great opportunity to promote Diales and Driver Trett in the Americas region. Personally, I think the level of services provided will be well received. Guaranteed, I will do my best to make it successful.
Digest: How have you found starting a new job during lockdown?
Simon: It has been a bit of a challenge, there is no doubt about that. It would be beneficial if we could meet with the group and clients, etc., face to face, but, as with most things, you find a way around a situation. Thankfully, everyone has remained healthy, and hopefully it stays that way!
Digest: What makes you tick?
Simon: Work.
I enjoy meeting clients; being part of a team helping to resolve complex issues, and leaving clients happy.
In my free time I enjoy being with my family, and also playing football; although each season my recovery time is getting longer.
I really appreciate going back to UK each Christmas to see family, and I often take my son to watch Manchester City – he has a much more enjoyable experience than I did going to Maine Road!
Digest: Tell us a little-known fact about you.
Simon: I love to BBQ (you can’t really do that so much in Manchester), and I do have some hair, which is apparently turning grey!
To get in touch with our team in America, please visit: www.driver-group.com/americas/contact-us
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