Talking Resilience with Gary Pettit, CEO of ED&F Man | The Progression Puzzle Series 1, Episode 1

In this episode of The Progression puzzle, we welcome Gary Pettit.

Gary is the CEO of ED&F Man, having previously been in charge of Financial Futures & Options at ICAP. 

 

Gary started his career in retail banking before a series of events altered his path. In this episode, never one to shy away from challenges, Gary discusses the steps from retail banking to CEO.

Along the way, Gary has picked up some invaluable pieces of wisdom that he shares with us. Ranging from getting noticed in an interview with minimal experience to the importance of networking; this advice comes from years of experience, persistently working his way up the ladder.

 

A key theme throughout the podcast is resilience. No journey is easy and Gary's is no different: from losing clients to battling prostate cancer, it is his consistent perseverance that has allowed him to achieve his success. 

 

Hosted by Michael Barrington-Hibbert, CEO of Barrington-Hibbert Associates and a long time associate of Gary's, the two share stories from their experience working together and discuss the inclusivity challenges their industry faces.

This podcast is an insight into the career of Gary Pettit who with few qualifications has worked his way up to CEO through hard work, determination and persistence. 

 

Timestamped Guide:

00:04 - Introduction to The Progression Puzzle 

01:00 - Introduction to Gary 

02:34 - Gary's early career in retail banking with a pivotal moment of a robbery at the NatWest Stratford Branch

05:33 - Travelling and starting as a broker

09:38 - Gary's Advice for entry-level interviewees

11:33 - Discussing race within the finance industry

15:19 - Gary's role models and what he defines as work ethic 

16:58 - Discussion on imposter syndrome and how to overcome 

19:51 - The importance of connecting with people on a personal level

21:04 - The transition from entry-level broker to managing a team 

25:52 - Gary's resilience in the face of challenges 

27:37 - The transition from leading a successful futures business to CEO

32:14 - Gary's personal highlights focusing on his successful Sports Agency with Ray Winston

37:05 - Challenges Gary has faced including being diagnosed with prostate cancer at 42

43:45 - Gary's advice to his younger self 

44:25 - Gary's thought on how the corporate finance world needs to change

46:32 - The initiative that Gary as CEO has implemented to encourage the change

49:00 - Summary of the podcast 

 

Connect with your host, Michael Barrington-Hibbert, on LinkedIn

Find your guest, Gary Pettit, on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening to our conversations on The Progression Puzzle, brought to you by Barrington Hibbert Associates

This podcast is a Loaded Hype production