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We would like to thank Robert Forman for his sensible and pragmatic advice and for his determined legal representation. His experience, expertise, and support was extremely reassuring and very much appreciated. With many thanks once again. G, Firm & A, Solicitor, London (June 2019)
I was introduced to Robert [Forman] at a particularly stressful moment in my career, having been wrongly accused by an opponent of mine of unprofessional practice. Although factually tricky the accusation itself was baseless and it took clarity of mind and a careful sifting of documents in order for Robert to distil the issues that the SRA would care about. He dutifully delivered those facts to the SRA in a fabulous piece of written work. Two months later all charges were dropped and life moved on. I can't thank Robert enough. M, Solicitor, London (May 2019)
I came across Andrew [Blatt] after a quick internet search and from the testimonies online I immediately felt assured that he was likely to be the best man for the job and this quickly became evident during our first telephone call. In what was an incredibly stressful time in my career, Andrew put my mind at rest, working with me to draft the necessary responses. He was always prepared to take calls and e-mails from me, regardless of the time and was happy to take the time to explain all of the possibilities and outcomes. He always put my mind at ease. Ultimately, I got the outcome I had hoped for, thanks to Andrew's clearly knowledgeable input as to how best to deal with these matters. If you find yourself in the unenviable position of being investigated by the SRA, I cannot recommend Andrew enough. J, Solicitor, Manchester (May 2019)
It is my immense pleasure to recommend Andrew Blatt. Reading through the many testimonials here, it is evident that Andrew is a dedicated lawyer to his work and his clients, extremely capable at getting results and is highly regarded. He really is all that as has been mentioned, and much more. I was utterly distraught when I first met Andrew. I had just found out that I was being reported to the SRA and had no idea of what was to come. I remember Andrew just listening to me carefully during that first meeting and showing me great kindness, which I will never forget. Facing an SRA investigation is possibly one of the hardest things to go through, and I don't know how I would have coped without Andrew's support and advice. Not only did he handle my case with care and understanding, together with his incredible knowledge and skill in dealing with the SRA and its processes, led to my story, thankfully, having a happy ending with the SRA deciding not to take any action against me. Andrew, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything that you have done for me and for believing in me. I can finally move on with my career with my head held high. Solicitor, London (May 2019)
I'm grateful to Nick Trevette for the outstanding legal service provided. Nick Trevette is personable, approachable with a wealth of legal knowledge. Nick Trevette's conduct of the investigation carried out by the SRA was indispensable to achieve the best outcome in my case. I had fallen below the professional standards expected of a solicitor by receiving a caution from the police and failing to notify the SRA. Whilst there were mitigating circumstances, Nick Trevette's professional expert advice and support was exceptional. The SRA was seeking to impose a condition on my certificate and publish a public notice. Nick Trevette's formidable presentation of my case and liaison with the SRA enabled the very best outcome of the investigation and settlement proposal. I delighted that no conditions were imposed on my practising certificate and that the matter was not made public. The SRA was fair, reasonable and proportional in its final decision. I have been rebuked and liable to pay a fine, however I can continue to practise without an added burden of public notice or conditions on my practising certificate. I strongly suggest that if you find yourself in similar position Nick Trevette will be able to guide you and support you through your journey. M, Solicitor, (March 2019)
Dear Robert [Forman] Many thanks for concluding this matter. I am most grateful to you for the efficient, constructive, manner you have dealt with my case. That, in addition to the support, objective assessment/analysis and advice throughout has most certainly alleviated a great deal deal of the worry and stress throughout. I would unreservedly recommend you personally and Murdochs to any solicitor seeking assistance in dealing with any issue with the SRA. P, Solicitor, Birmingham (February 2019)
Andrew Blatt helped me exit as a member from a very unhappy law firm where I had experienced bullying and unfair treatment. I was ostracised as a result of raising a grievance and then subjected to unfounded criticisms in an attempt by my ex-colleagues to avoid meeting financial commitments legally owed to me upon my departure. The situation was extremely stressful and it caused much anxiety to the serious detriment of my health. My ex-partners attempted to exploit this. Andrew was of enormous help and support to me and my family during this difficult time and we achieved a settlement agreement which meant I could move on to new opportunities. He is a wise counsel and I commend him. L, Solicitor, (February 2019)
Andrew [Blatt] came recommended to me by another firm. My firm was investigated by the SRA and with Andrew's help, we avoided a threatened intervention. Andrew then assisted me with a serious partnership dispute before acting for me in Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal proceedings. Wishing only to bury my head in the sand, Andrew focused me. Aside from being methodical, he was approachable and made lot of common sense. His knowledge of SDT practice and procedure is fantastic, and he knew the best approach to take. He negotiated strongly to achieve an Agreed Outcome for me, and was successful. Andrew was clear with his fees, timescale and likely outcome. He understood my needs. I felt that I was in capable hands throughout. He was also very flexible, speaking to me regularly outside work hours. Thank you, Andrew, for all your help. I would definitely recommend Andrew [Blatt] to any solicitors or firms that have an issue with the SRA. M, Solicitor, Bolton (February 2019)
I contacted Andrew Blatt after I had been dismissed by my employer. It was an extremely difficult time for me but Andrew was a reassuring and calm voice of reason throughout. Out of a proper abundance of caution he entered a self report to the SRA on my behalf. The SRA took no action against me. I can highly recommend Andrew Blatt for his wide experience, his exceptional knowledge of SRA procedure and practice, and his patience and understanding with a very stressed client! Solicitor, Midlands (January 2019)
I would like to say a very big thanks to Nick Trevette for his help and support over a tumultuous period in which I had been dismissed and reported to the SRA by the firm I was working for at the time. I was a newly qualified solicitor and was left aghast at the situation I found myself in. I didn't know where or who to turn to for advice. As soon as I contacted Murdochs for assistance, Nick was available to speak to at all times and his experience in communicating and corresponding with staff at the SRA was invaluable in obtaining a fair outcome. Following a self-report which Nick drafted and submitted on my behalf, it was agreed that the matter would be resolved without the need for a costly referral to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Conditions were instead imposed on my practising certificate and I was able to re-enter the profession. I have since gained employment with a new firm who have fully supported me from day one. Nick had a key role to play in the subsequent authorisation of employment with my new firm. His ability to streamline and fast-track various SRA processes, which appeared alien to me, was of immense value as it allowed me to re-enter the profession with relative ease after a lengthy absence. From the outset I felt that he understood exactly what had happened at my previous firm and empathised with the position I found myself in. I could not recommend Nick and the team at Murdochs enough. They are a professional and highly capable team who are clearly respected by the various authorities and professional bodies whom they deal with on behalf of their clients on a daily basis. AM, Solicitor (January 2019)
If you find yourself in a difficult situation, whether it be professional problems or business problems, then you can do no better than to engage the services of Nick Trevette of Murdochs. When I was all at sea in my business and personally, the one sensible decision that I made was to reach out to Nick Trevette for help and support. How glad I am now that I did that. Nick turned out to be my liferaft and I honestly believe that, without him, I would have simply drowned. Nick possesses a combination of a sympathetic personality, a wealth of experience and knowledge, a calm and reassuring manner and, perhaps most significantly, an ability to cut through the fog and grasp the heart of the matter. Nick is the friend you need in troubled times and I cannot recommend his services highly enough. DC, Solicitor (January 2019)
My firm had been struggling with cash flow difficulties for years due to legal aid cuts and delays in payments. As the financial difficulties escalated I self reported fearing the worst – an SRA intervention. Luckily for me I was recommended to Murdochs and was put in touch with Nick Trevette. He immediately came out to see me and over the following months assisted me in ensuring an orderly closure of the firm without there being any intervention. These were stressful times and Nick Trevette was always on hand at all times of the day including weekends to provide advice and guidance. He liaised on my behalf with the SRA and to the extent it was possible, took away the stress. Nick Trevette is one of those rare lawyers. He has that human touch and without doubt made the difference in my case. Should any of my friends or colleagues need advice or representation when dealing with the SRA, I would have no hesitation in recommending Nick Trevette. L, Solicitor, London (November 2018)
I was involved in a dispute with a partner and Nick Trevette was of the utmost assistance to me at all times. I have valued his support and advice immensely and have found that as a result I was able to reach an amicable settlement. If that had not been the case the damage to me would have been immense. Nick's patience and expertise cannot be bettered and I am very grateful to him and would recommend him to any colleague at any time. Nick also helped me during an unexpected illness and assisted me to continue my practise through some very difficult times indeed. That is more than just legal expertise. That is pastoral care from a colleague and I am so very grateful that Nick was there to help. PK, Solicitor, Hertfordshire (November 2018)
Without hesitation, I would recommend the services of Robert Forman. His knowledge of the SRA Code of Conduct, experience and reputation within the legal community is priceless. Robert answered all of my calls and emails with an immediacy that made me feel like a VIP client. At the end of what was looking to be a very long and dark road, Robert was able to assist me in bringing my case to a surprisingly quick and positive conclusion. I am incredibly grateful. R, Solicitor, London (November 2018)
Finding Robert Forman was a stroke of luck and such luck that I will always be grateful for. At a time of great distress Robert was able to offer practical, straightforward expert advice. He achieved for me the best possible outcome I could hope for in very difficult and tense circumstances. Furthermore, not only do I consider Robert a fantastic solicitor but also a wonderful individual who was able to offer wisdom and teaching from his many years of experience as a solicitor. I am eternally grateful to him and Murdochs Solicitors and cannot recommend Robert and his firm highly enough. A, Solicitor, London, (November 2018)
The old adage "a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client" could not be more true than when a solicitor finds himself the subject of a professional conduct matter before the SRA. In those circumstances, the advice of an experienced specialist is essential, someone knowledgeable and wise to the subtler nuances and practices of the SRA, who can calmly and assuredly advise and guide you through the tactical maze and allow you to present your case before the regulators in the best possible light. Robert Forman is just such an expert, whose assurance and advice was hugely welcome to me at a time of considerable stress and uncertainty. I cannot recommend him too highly. Through his wise counsel, a successful outcome was not only predicted but secured. G, Solicitor, the South-East, (November 2018)
I would like to say a massive thank you to Nick Trevette for all his efforts, advice and assistance in relation to my matter with the SRA. I went to two different law firms for advice, however, they both indicated that I had no chance of practising law and that I should change career. I then contacted Nick to have a final opinion on my case. Nick's approach was totally different. He was very encouraging, extremely supportive and determined. I am now successfully able to start training to become a lawyer which I probably would not have done if it wasn't for Nick's incredible support throughout this whole process with the SRA. Nick is very approachable and very understanding. Nick is always positive, very honest and will go to the extra mile to resolve all issues. I am also very grateful that Nick responded to all phone calls/emails and messages even out of work hours. If you find yourself in the stressful situation of having to deal with the SRA, I would most certainly and highly recommend Nick as he has been absolutely amazing and has great expertise and experience with the best care. I am happy to discuss this in further detail if required. Thank you ever so much Nick. S.S, London, (October 2018)
I wanted to write this testimonial in recognition of the fantastic service that Andrew Blatt has provided to me during the most difficult time in my professional career and life. I was faced with disciplinary allegations that were extremely distressing for both myself and my family. I didn't understand the steps that were required or have the knowledge to adequately defend my position. If it was not for his support with my case today I am sure I would not be able to still practise in a job I love. Andrew and Murdochs were recommended to me by a friend who is counsel, being one of the best in the industry when it comes to regulatory matters. I have to say that he was not wrong on that count and Andrew is truly that. From the moment I spoke with Andrew he understood what I was going through, he was incredibly supportive. I could not have got through this without his guidance. Andrew visited me and my family on numerous occasions despite the distance he needed to travel. Andrew was available and supported me on evenings and weekends in his own time to ensure we met deadlines and got the right outcome. He even worked on the case and responded to matters while he was on holiday because he believed in me and in defending my case. Andrew stood out against his opponents and even some counsel involved in the matter. The issues involved in my case were very complex with a mass of paperwork which he was able to understand quickly and formulate clear responses to the SRA on. I had absolute confidence in Andrew throughout this matter which went on a number of years. Andrew was very open in his conversations with me and provided very clear advice. His experience in his field and his knowledge of the workings of the SRA and SDT was invaluable to me. I would simply not have known how to navigate my way through the process and the final outcome without Andrew's advice would definitely not have been as favourable for me. Andrew was also able to locate the right counsel to support my case at the final SDT hearing with the limited budget I had. I cannot recommend Andrew highly enough. If you or your firm is facing a regulatory matter and need the best in the industry Andrew is your man. Thank you Andrew for your support over the years this matter has gone on. You have given me confidence in this profession again. VF, Solicitor, Yorkshire (August 2018)
Nick Trevette handled my matter with confidence, sensitivity and precision. I felt instantly in safe hands in a deeply troubling period in my professional career. I would not hesitate in recommending Murdochs to anyone finding themselves in my position. R, Solicitor (August 2018)
Andrew Blatt was recommended to me by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and he was specifically recommended out of Murdochs and being one of the best practitioners in the country for [defending] SRA prosecutions. I contacted Andrew very late in a working day after receiving correspondence from the SRA and at the time I was considerably distressed and stressed. Andrew took the time to call me back very quickly and in the evening and I immediately felt reassured and received practical help. I was given a plan of action and I immediately felt at ease and I felt confident that my case was in safe hands and a satisfactory outcome would be achieved. When looking at the website I could see previous reviews and I could see that my case would be dealt with in an efficient way and I felt that I would not be judged but would also be looked after, counselled and comforted when needed. The advice and approach was very hands on and I was updated regularly, even when there had been no response from the SRA! I am very grateful for the result and this has enabled me to return to practice, something which I still enjoy, some 20 years on! I feel like I have been given my life back. A Chartered Legal Executive, South Wales (December 2017)
Murdochs were mentioned to me at a low moment professionally and personally. Nick Trevette provided immediate help with both aspects of my situation, addressing not only the crisis point but also a longer term strategy. A firm well connected with other professional advisers offering pragmatic advice in a non-judgmental and down to earth way when it's most needed. Hands-on and solution oriented approach. Very much on your side. Highly recommended. I, Solicitor, West Midlands (November 2017)
I trust that you are busy protecting the rights of other solicitors who find themselves in difficulty with our professional body. I just want to place on record my sincere thanks for your efforts throughout the duration of my case. Your knowledge and experience of the process was second to none. This was never more in evidence than at tribunal when comparing your representation to the representation received by my co-defendant. It was self- evident that you had prepared my case meticulously, leaving no stone unturned. In the tribunal your representation concise and delivered in such a way that I really felt the tribunal were listening to you. This could have been down to your integrity and reputation, I don't know. Throughout the process, you keep me informed and your advice was always clear, concise and realistic. There is no way that I could have navigated my way through this process without you. Thank you for helping me keep my PC. Thank you for caring, I never felt that I was just another case. YOU ACTUALLY CARED! To sum up, I would recommend your skills to any solicitor in difficulty. If anyone wants to speak to me direct, I will gladly sing your praises. Thank you once again. You are a true pro. D, Solicitor, The North-West (November 2017)
It is a pleasure to write this testimonial on behalf of Andrew Blatt. He represented me throughout a lengthy investigation by the SRA and also in the preparation of my case for the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. At all time he was able to combine a thorough knowledge of regulatory law with common sense and pragmatism. he was hardworking, friendly and approachable and gave me confidence at all times. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone who requires assistance in dealings with the SRA or the SDT. N, Solicitor, Nottinghamshire (September 2017)
If you are ever worried about anything regulatory or non-regulatory speak to Robert[Forman]. His pragmatic approach and understanding nature means he can provide practical and experienced advice when you require it most. J, Solicitor, Derbyshire (June 2017)
I cannot recommend Andrew Blatt highly enough. I had to make a self report to the SRA. I was six months pregnant and highly stressed by the situation. Andrew provided me with a high quality legal service that led me to receiving a positive response from the SRA within a few days of me having made my self-report. He went above and beyond to deal with my issue speedily and to achieve a positive outcome. Not only did he provide a fantastic legal service but he was also very empathetic and supportive. Thanks to him I am now able to enjoy the rest of my pregnancy without the weight of the SRA investigation hanging over my head. If I or anyone I know have the misfortune of having to deal with an SRA self report or investigation I would have no hesitation recommending him to them. M, Solicitor (May 2017)
I am extremely grateful for the support and help given by Andrew Blatt during the course of an application to the SRA for eligibility to continue a period of recognised training. His expertise and experience in this area was invaluable to me and I do not feel I would have achieved the desired outcome had it not been for Andrew's work. Andrew has excellent knowledge on the SRA rules and case law and I would strongly recommend anyone to instruct Andrew on such issues. I found Andrew down to earth, approachable and very professional throughout my case. Trainee Solicitor, The North-West (May 2017)
I am enormously grateful for the support given to me by Andrew [Blatt] over the course of the last 2 years whilst the SRA investigation and subsequent SDT proceedings have been ongoing. His experience in his field and his knowledge of the workings of the SRA and SDT has been invaluable. I would simply not have known how to navigate my way through the process and the final outcome without Andrew's advice would definitely not have been as favourable for me. He knows the reality of day to day life in a legal practice and is not judgmental in any way if Rules have been breached, whether unwittingly or by force of circumstance. Andrew has the ear of experienced counsel too, who are on call at short notice to give informal advice if required. My firm has been faced with a variety of financial difficulties on top of the SRA investigations and he has doggedly defended us throughout. At one point in the proceedings, even though Andrew was on holiday with his family, he was on the phone 4 or 5 times a day and was always free to speak to in the evening or at weekends when my stress levels were off the scale. If you're a solicitor faced with the prospect of disciplinary investigations, give this man a call. Solicitor, The North-West (April 2017)
Re Robert Forman : I was a sole practitioner with a salaried partner doing mainly legal aid work. In 2015 my firm was made the subject of an investigation by the SRA and I was found to be in breach of the accounting rules in relation to the firm's office account. This happened because of external pressures on the firm and poor support from my accountants/bookkeeper. After responding to a letter from the SRA which made a number of allegations, which I admitted, in the Summer of 2016 I was formally notified I was being referred to the SDT. This was a great shock to me as I had been in practice 36 years and never had anything like this happen before. After googling the SDT to try to find out more about the process the website for Murdochs came up as offering assistance in this area. Following a tentative enquiry an email was sent to me very promptly from Robert Forman offering to assist. I sent him all the documentation and within a week he responded with his initial view. The news was not good. I was in serious trouble – facing a hefty fine or, alternatively, suspension. The most important advice he gave to me was that I needed to take steps to close my practice as, whatever the outcome of the hearing, I was unlikely to be permitted to continue as a sole practitioner – I would be at high risk of intervention and insolvency. This was important advice as I had been in two minds as to whether I should carry on – had I done so the consequences would have been disastrous. Over the next few months Robert assisted me as to the proper steps to be taken to close down the practice in a compliant manner and also assisted me in relation to correspondence received from the SRA. At the beginning of December the charges were formulated and just before Christmas I closed my firm. I was fortunate to be offered a consultancy in another firm, despite my situation. This meant the stakes were high. I was at retirement age but very much wanted to go on working for the next few years. Were I to be suspended this would be the end of my career as I could see no way back were this to happen. On Robert's advice, and after discussion with him, I admitted the charges, as I clearly had breached the Rules. He then prepared my statement in mitigation in careful and meticulous detail making absolutely certain that he got everything absolutely correct. He explained to me the mistakes made by my accountants and bookkeeper which I had not previously understood. Sometimes he asked me questions which I found difficult but it was necessary for him to know the answers in presenting my case. There were occasions when I became upset and he was always very sympathetic and supportive. On the day of the SDT hearing I was very stressed and nervous. Robert helped me through the process and was very supportive. He also negotiated a reduction of my costs with the SRA representative which was quite substantial. It was clear that he was well known to the Tribunal and respected by them. He made a very eloquent and persuasive speech in mitigation. In the end I was given a fine, which was at the lower end of the scale. An order was also made that I should not practise again as a sole practitioner, but this was not something I ever wanted to do again anyway. This was absolutely the best outcome I could have hoped to achieve and was an enormous relief. Anyone in my predicament needs specialist help and that was what I had from Murdochs. I can now put this behind me and work for a few years more in the field of law in which I am expert. I am certain this would not have been the case without their help. No one in this situation should think of representing themselves. R, Solicitor, London (April 2017)
I required urgent assistance from an experienced hand to deal with an EWW response to the SRA's alleged breaches of a number of accounts rules. After approximately 12 years of practice with an exemplary record I was suddenly left in a precarious position with allegations that could put the entire practice in jeopardy. I had no experience in dealing with the SRA and therefore searched for experts within this field. I narrowed down to 2, one recommended and the other Mr. Andrew Blatt. At first I was inclined towards my recommended expert however after spending 3 hours in conference and answering a thousand questions I found his knowledge lacked real experience with no end solution. Andrew was very approachable and quick in returning calls. He was happy to travel up to my offices in Manchester and discuss matters without formal instructions. I found his experience to be a breath of fresh air. He knew exactly how the SRA operated and what I would need to do in bringing this matter to a close. The best aspect of Andrew's approach is his 'down to earth' and 'friendly' approach. There was no 9-5 formalities and he would just get on with the job and get in touch whenever it was convenient for both even if it meant 11pm at night. Andrew gives encouragement but with a dose of realism and is someone that can be relied on without hesitation. In the end we were successful in getting the SRA's allegation of dishonesty reduced to a letter of advice (which is near to an exoneration with the SRA). Solicitor, Manchester (March 2017)
Whilst seeking to retire from my firm it was subject to an investigation (as a result of the activities of a third party introduced by my partner to take over my role) and subsequent closure. There was an intervention into my practice.. He successfully appealed. I did not have the financial means to do so. I was subsequently hit with a demand for substantial intervention costs. I researched online for a solicitor specialising in regulatory issues with good "reviews". I came across Andrew Blatt. My first bit of luck in this sorry saga. He was instructed to seek a material reduction of the costs. He also made representations on my behalf in regard to allegations made in respect of my conduct. Andrew gave sound legal, and pragmatic, advice throughout and had a clear understanding of the issues involved. He reacted promptly as matters developed, and was proactive in driving the matter forward to (following a threat to refer to Judicial Review) a successful conclusion, namely a reduction in the intervention costs of some 88 per cent, and non-referral to the SDT. Andrew was easily contactable, and his attention and manner certainly raised my morale at times when I was low. I recommend him without reservation. Solicitor, London (March 2017)
I wanted to write this testimonial in recognition of the fantastic service that Andrew Blatt has provided to me during a very difficult time in my professional career. I have never previously suffered so much as a client complaint as a Solicitor until suddenly I was faced with disciplinary allegations that were extremely distressing for both myself and my family. From the moment I spoke with Andrew, he was incredibly supportive, completely understood matters and was a brilliant support. He got straight to business in working with me to address the points in issue and visited me and my family at our home several times (despite being based a considerable distance from me) to explain the process and to discuss our options. For me this really showed his dedication and personal approach to his work which really impressed and stood out to us. Andrew was very open, no nonsense and frank in our discussions and was always clear about the possible outcomes of the case whilst remaining positive and professional. He was quick to respond to queries and was always available to discuss any concerns I had throughout. He would respond to all communications no matter what time of day and promptly liaised with myself and all other parties even at weekends and whilst he was on holiday. His experience and strategic approach are second to none and I have no doubt are the reason that we were able to achieve the outcome that we did. The testimonials on this page go some way to showing just how highly regarded Andrew is in his profession and I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you ever find yourself facing an issue with the SRA, you need the right man in your corner. Make sure that you instruct Andrew. Thank you again for everything Andrew, my family and I can finally move forward with our lives and we really appreciate it. Solicitor, North West of England (November 2016)
I have been very impressed with Andrew Blatt and am extremely grateful to him for all his help. When I initially contacted him in connection with an SRA letter, he was kind and understanding, and arranged a meeting within a few days. Once I had met with Andrew, I immediately felt much more positive about my situation, and with his help and expertise the matter was resolved exactly as I wished, without the need for a SDT hearing. Andrew has made a thoroughly unpleasant situation much more bearable, and I would recommend him to anyone who is unfortunate enough to find themselves dealing with the SRA. In summary he is totally professional, but always sympathetic and approachable, and I really cannot speak highly enough of him. Solicitor, The Midlands (November 2016)
Involvement with the SRA on any level, but particularly through investigation, intervention and disciplinary proceedings, is possibly one of the most terrifying and distressing things that a solicitor can ever be involved in. Andrew Blatt was extremely helpful and supportive from day one, and has been a constant source of encouragement and support since our first panicked telephone call to Murdochs. He has always been strategic and determined through a very complex set of proceedings. I can wholly endorse the testimonials on this page – you will need help to steer your case through unfamiliar and aggressive waters, and you will find no better advocate in Andrew Blatt to assist and guide you in that horribly lengthy journey towards resolution. L, Solicitor, North East of England (September 2016)
Most supportive, helpful, and value for money advice – Andrew [Blatt] is exactly what a solicitor needs when one is dealing with the SRA – first and foremost he treated you as innocent until proven guilty and was able to understand the problem and empathise with you as a practising solicitor; he then has the technical knowledge to be able to dissect the problem and respond to the SRA in a manner which makes them rethink; he is assertive and makes his points succinctly so as to avoid confrontation but at the same time letting the SRA know that they have a fight on their hands; he only made concessions that were necessary to pave the way for a dialogue and bring the most difficult part of the allegations against me to a swift end to the relief of myself and my partners; for the advocacy he has the right people at the right price. If I had any regulatory problems he would be my first point of call and without inviting another bill I found his fees and sympathetic approach very supportive during this trying time. R, Solicitor, London, SDT proceedings (May 2016)
Dear Andrew [Blatt], I want to spend just a small moment of time today to record a note of thanks for all your advice and support over the last 2 years. As you know, it has been a hard time for me and my family. The initial letter from the SRA was aggressive and confrontational. It demeaned me, and commenced a period of time in my life when I lost faith in the ability of our regulator to regulate fairly and objectively. Were it not for your steadfast support and encouragement I fear that I would simply have gone under and given in. The sub-text of the SRA's communications were clear – I was a thoroughly unpleasant individual who deserved to play no part in the legal profession. The allegations against me were so unpleasant that I retreated into a shell of my own making. I severed social ties with a number of people, so ashamed was I at the mere fact that I had been accused of these things' 'You were adamant from the off that we would or should receive the file as part of the investigation (I hesitate to call it that). You persevered through the complaint made to the SRA, and then on to the independent complaints service (halted only by the referral of the case to the SDT). You had the conviction that we must persist in obtaining the files throughout, even after the February hearing. It now appears that those whose views are the most important, the final Tribunal members, agreed with you. You were steadfast in your faith that I was being unfairly treated, and that I should fight if our offer was rejected. To see the SRA throw over £60,000 … at this prosecution would make anyone have second thoughts. You start to wonder; what are they aware of? Surely they'd never throw that much money at a case they weren't convinced they'd win? We know of course the answer to that……… So, once again, many thanks for all you've done over the last 2 years. I feel it is a victory, despite the finding against me. It is a victory for you too. Do revel in it. Solicitor, Liverpool, SDT proceedings (March 2016)
Robert [Forman] thank you personally for all the help, support and assistance you and your firm provided at such a difficult time in my career. I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone who finds themselves in a similar predicament to you. M, Solicitor, Kent, SDT proceedings (January 2016)
I can not speak highly enough of Andrew [Blatt]. He is thorough and knowledgeable in his specialist field and makes himself available to his clients. Most importantly, Andrew took the time to know and understand me as an individual, which meant he could support me and my family in the legal aspects of my case but also be empathic through a very complex and, often distressing, matter. Without his professional and personal support I can not imagine how I could have navigated my way through such a traumatic period. I hold Andrew in the highest regard as a lawyer and as a gentleman and would recommend anyone seeking representation in regulatory matters to engage him at the earliest opportunity. Solicitor, SDT proceedings (January 2016)
I highly recommend the services of Robert Forman in matters relating to investigations by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and hearings before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal. Robert is a highly skilled solicitor and an excellent advocate. It is clear that the Tribunal members respond positively to his well thought out and clearly presented arguments. He was very straight with me from the outset about the likely outcome which I appreciated. Throughout the claim, he acted diligently and efficiently in order to protect my position. In what was a very difficult time, it was reassuring to know that my case was being dealt with by an expert in this field. I cannot thank him enough for achieving an outcome that was far beyond my expectations and that has allowed me to continue in my career. D, Solicitor, Newcastle, SDT proceedings (January 2016)
I was able to speak with Andrew [Blatt] and obtain advice from him extremely quickly. Andrew's extensive knowledge enabled him to give me practical advice as to how to handle the situation and the likely outcomes. I would have no hesitation in using Andrew again or in recommending him to others. K, Solicitor, Rugby (November 2015)
I have read the other testimonials for Andrew Blatt on the Murdochs website and can wholeheartedly endorse the accolades for him contained there. Andrew assisted me during a very stressful and (for me) traumatic SRA prosecution before the SDT and in doing so displayed all his great experience in this field and a real determination to fight the client's cause – yet tempered with with an abundance of humanity and an understanding for someone in difficult circumstances .My regret is that I did not find Andrew earlier in my case. Without hesitation I recommend him to other solicitors facing disciplinary proceedings. S, Solicitor (September 2015)
It is a pleasure to say a few words about Andrew. He is an expert in in his area of work. He is sharp, articulate and very approachable. Dealing with the SRA at any level is mind-boggling and extremely stressful. If you find yourself in this position, please immediately call Andrew Blatt of Murdochs Solicitors. He is simply amazing, understanding and compassionate. He is not a 9 to 5 solicitor. Once he is on your side he is with you at any time in need. I had to close my firm due to personal and health reasons. The sudden nature of the closure attracted the attention of the SRA. Without Andrew I would have been lost and ignorant with my dealings with the SRA. He steered us out of the mist with great ability, knowledge, experience, expertise and highest care. We thank you Andrew for being there with us. Solicitor, Ilford (August 2015)
When my firm made allegations of professional misconduct against me and I was being investigated it was a bolt out of the blue and felt like being kicked hard in the stomach. It was surreal, I was unable to focus on anything, the depression sapped my energy and for the first two weeks I literally could not get out of bed. I had buried my head in the sand and prayed that this nightmare would soon end. Despite having over twenty years of legal experience I knew that for the sake of my sanity I could not represent myself and needed to distance myself from my accusators and instruct a specialist solicitor in the field of regulation but where to begin? This wasn't something I could discuss with colleagues or friends for recommendations. I searched online and decided to call Murdochs, it was the first call i made and from the very first conversation I had with Andrew Blatt I felt that he really understood what I was going through and I felt a great weight had been lifted. Sounds dramatic and a cliche, but that's exactly how I felt. Andrew analysed the evidence presented against me and dismantled it like you would knock down a pyramid of cards. He made me see things in an entirely different way and quickly devised a strategy to achieve the outcome I wanted. At a professional level Andrew is extremely experienced, he was efficient and promptly dealt with all matters arising in my case. At a personal level he always made himself available if I needed to call and let off steam, he became the friend I needed to get me through this horrible ordeal. P, Solicitor (July 2015)
Your support and guidance through a very difficult time was much appreciated and we thank you for your help. In the nicest possible way I hope our paths never have to cross again!Solicitor, London, SDT proceedings (June 2015)
I would like to express my appreciation and admiration at the determination and professionalism [Andrew Blatt has] shown in successfully concluding [the] case with the SRA. Solicitor regulation (April 2015)
Andrew [Blatt was] very supportive and efficient from the outset. His intimate knowledge of SRA practice and procedure is indisputable. Above all, his genuine empathy with clients and understanding of the emotional demands involved is invaluable. Solicitor, Kent (February 2015) SDT proceedings
Just a small note to say thank you for all your support, guidance and excellent handling of our matter. Solicitor, Ilford (February 2015) Voluntary Practice Closure to avoid SRA Intervention
I have no hesitation in recommending Robert Forman. He advised and represented me in relation to allegations that were brought against me by the SRA and heard by the Solicitor's Disciplinary Tribunal. Had the allegations been found against me, the likelihood was that I would have been struck off the roll. Robert was throughout very approachable and responsive. He had the right balance of empathy whilst not glossing over the realities of the situation at all. His level of service was faultless and his advice was always clear and concise. His attention to posing the right questions and taking full instructions, preparing statements and written submission was impeccable. His advocacy at all hearings including the final determinative hearing was to the point and pitched absolutely right. Needless to say, I was not struck off. If you ever find yourself on the receiving end of allegations of a disciplinary nature before the SDT, do not even think about representing yourself. Instead, get assistant from someone in the know and retain Robert M, Solicitor, Herts (January 2015)
My 2 partners walked out at very short notice, abandoning the practise and all of their clients. I found myself in the devastating position of having to close my practise. I made contact with Andrew Blatt who made contact with the SRA on my behalf and I have thus far managed to avoid an intervention and the wind down of the practise continues. It is difficult to describe the devastation I felt but Andrew was truly amazing. He is very clearly dedicated and committed to helping people, he is very approachable and understanding and honestly cares. I have no idea what I would have done without Andrew's help and if anyone were to find themselves in the unfortunate position I did I would very highly recommend him. Thank you Andrew for all of your help, it will always be very much appreciated and as a solicitor in an impossible position, I consider myself very lucky that I found you. T, Solicitor (January 2015)
Nick Trevette gave me first class advice on what was a very complicated disciplinary case. The facts were virtually unique but he was able to wade through the issues and determine which ones were more important than the others. I would recommend Nick to other professionals facing any disciplinary charge as he has the experience, the understanding and the kudos to represent your case as best as possible. Surveyor (December 2014)
There is nothing more frightening for any solicitor, whether he has done what he is accused of or not, than to attract the unwanted attentions of the SRA. It is little comfort to know you are innocent, because they just won't let matters drop even in the face of explanation but seem, when challenged, to be the more determined to harvest you as a pelt. Nick Trevette of Murdochs has been brilliant. He has been objective, considerate and right. Moreover he is extremely approachable and vastly experienced, the complete antithesis of the well-known sobriquet 'the solicitor who acts for himself has a fool for a client.' The last thing any solicitor (or barrister) should do when faced with an inquisition is represent himself. You need an expert; fortunately, I have found one in Nick. MN, Solicitor (December 2014)
Andrew Blatt gives clear, calm and reasoned advice. He provided me with informed guidance getting to the nub of the problem in a heartbeat, I would recommend him in an instant. His eye to strategy and the long game are exemplary. RS, Solicitor, Hampshire referred by Law Care (October 2014)
I am pleased to write a reference on behalf of Robert Forman of Murdochs Solicitors. I have been a client of Robert's over the last few years and I would have no hesitation in recommending him. If I needed to use a solicitor again Robert would always be my first choice. Robert is highly intelligent and professional and was very adept at getting directly to the heart of complex legal issues and arguments that had been long running. He was therefore able to assimilate and reduce the most complicated and extensive material into manageable and understandable advice. As a result of getting directly to the route of a problem quickly and efficiently he was then able to then find a resolution speedily. The service Robert offers is excellent and nothing is ever too much trouble for him. He is always contactable and responds immediately answering all queries with clarity and goes above and beyond for his client. He works tirelessly and achieves a great deal for you and surpasses all expectations of good service; I have never known better. Robert's knowledge and expertise in his area of practice is obvious to all and he is clearly held in high regard by all the professionals dealing with him. I therefore had the utmost faith and confidence in his advice given to me thereby making my choices and decisions easy. He is clearly abreast of all the latest legal research and developments and puts them to good use in practice. Both his negotiation and advocacy skills are excellent. However, it is not just Robert's excellent professional competence that is impressive but his ability to take on your worries and concerns as his own to relieve you of them; you really do feel that you have someone on your side and fighting in your corner for you. His empathy, understanding and kindness took a lot of the stress out of the proceedings as you really felt you could pass those worries over to Robert to handle. When I was at my very lowest and barely able to function I knew that Robert had taken on all the responsibility of my case and was doing everything possible for me. I cannot express how much this lessened my own burdens and I will always be grateful for this. I felt completely reassured that the best outcome possible in the circumstances would be achieved and it was. At a very difficult time in my life I am glad it was Robert who was my solicitor to get me through it as painlessly and stress free as possible. He was a constant source of great support and I was extremely confident and pleased in his abilities and competence. I would therefore urge anyone else having similar difficulties to use Robert and I am sure they will also be impressed and glad that they did. It will be the best choice they have ever made. M, Solicitor, Essex (June 2014)
Without the assistance, first of Andrew and then of Robert I would not have been able to deal with the SRA and the disciplinary proceedings which I faced. They were always more than happy to deal with my questions and they dealt with a very difficult situation with compassion and understanding. Robert explained to me what would happen at the hearing and what was expected of me. His advice was first class and his preparation and his attention to detail was exemplary. In the hearing itself he was simply brilliant, he got all of his points across and the outcome was far more favourable than I had dared to hope. If I knew anyone who found themselves in the truly horrendous situation that I did, I would not hesitate for a second to recommend Robert or Andrew and I cannot thank them enough. T, Solicitor, Lancashire (May 2014)
Going through the intervention process would have been a minefield had I not had Andrew [Blatt] guiding me through. Patient and a very calming influence, Andrew dealt with the matter and myself professionally at all times whilst still being very approachable. It helped also that he has many years of experience in this area of law, allowing him to successfully address matters with the correct individuals at the SRA and securing responses quickly. Solicitor from North East England (February 2014)
This is one of those situations where there simply are not words to express my gratitude. I am so thankful to have found The Lawyers Defence Group, who put me in touch with Andrew Blatt at a time when it seemed I was going to lose my battle with the SRA. I found him friendly, approachable and understanding, and even just our initial conversation removed a huge burden of stress and worry. After choosing to leave the profession 5 years ago, Andrew has restored my faith in the profession – A truly moral, genuine and kind-hearted individual with an outstanding knowledge of the regulatory process. I had spent literally years attempting, and failing, to negotiate SRA fees. Andrew kindly agreed to take my case, initially on a pro bono basis, and within days of his involvement the SRA agreed to my terms and I can now, finally, put this matter behind me. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Andrew Blatt to help with any regulatory struggles. My biggest regret is that I did not find him sooner. JM Solicitor turned Foster Carer (September 2013)
Robert Forman did an excellent job in assisting me with my application to the SRA for student enrolment. I initially began my application without the benefit of legal advice, following the disclosure of a drink drive conviction, and the outcome of my case was not looking great. Robert turned this around and was very conscientious in his work and easy to communicate with. I was successfully accepted for student enrolment by the SRA and I start my LPC in September. I would not hesitate in recommending Robert Forman to anyone in a similar situation. MR, West Yorkshire (July 2013)
Andrew, thank you very much for meeting with me for lunch this afternoon and for all of your help and support. You're a true and proper gentlemen and all about what a proper solicitor should be. Thanks for everything. Solicitor, Tamworth (July 2013)
I just want to say thank you for your help so far. I do not know what I would have done without your help. Thank you for keeping me sane and on the rails . Thank you for all the effort you have put in even where it looked like there was nothing to fight for. Thank you for putting my case to the SRA on my behalf and conveying accurately the reassurance that I want to rectify the shortfall so that I do not bring disrepute to the profession and mostly to myself and my family. Thank you. Solicitor, Essex (April 2013)
Andrew Blatt of Murdochs proved to be an inspired practitioner in helping with the closure of a failing practice, adept at navigating the nuances of the Rules, and procedures and requirements of the SRA. His expertise undoubtedly allowed an orderly closure in difficult circumstances, obtaining all necessary waivers and consents, and thereby avoiding a potential and costly intervention. On a human level, he was entirely professional whilst understanding the severe personal stress the partners were under. A first class outcome. MC, Hertfordshire (March 2013)
Mr Blatt has been representing me in relation to SRA disciplinary matters which he has handled in a thorough and professional way and given not only a first rate service but also given me a great deal of moral support over and above what one would normally expect during this difficult period in my life. I would not hesitate in recommending him to other lawyers who find themselves in professionally difficult circumstances. I am happy to discuss any aspects of his work in further detail if required. Yours faithfully RC, Hampshire (February 2013)
An investigation by ones professional body is one of life's most traumatic experiences. In most cases an entire life's work and indeed identity are at stake. Andrew Blatt is calm relaxed and warm yet underneath his kind exterior he is ruthless and is willing to tirelessly defend the clients corner. He is astute, knowledgeable and well able to negotiate the minefield of legislation. He is able to quickly assimilate and deal with new information and use it to the advantage of his client. He is available almost 24/7 which becomes extremely important when ones witnesses are fellow professionals. I witnessed Andrew exercising his skill and expertise whilst defending some one close to me, I am therefore in an almost a unique position, in that as a solicitor I am able to offer an outsider's view of Andrew Blatt's skill and competence. If ever I were unlucky enough to need such help I wouldn't hesitate to instruct Mr Blatt he is a formidable opponent and definitely a man to have on your side. AF & JC, South London (December 2012)
Andrew Blatt of Murdochs proved to be a model of calm efficiency in a time of professional crisis and great personal worry. His advice and judgment was outstanding. He understood exactly what was necessary, setting out all options and recommending appropriate, and very successful, courses of action. He is the first person I would turn to for help. MC, Solicitor, Herts (November 2012)
Having a legal problem is often stressful and frightening, even when you are a lawyer yourself. When the consequence of that legal problem is the potential loss of your livelihood, the fear and stress is enormous. Andrew Blatt of Murdochs Solicitors fought tirelessly to ensure that I was dealt with fairly by the SRA and that above all else I did not lose my practicing certificate. I simply could not have got through the process without his expertise, dedication and commitment. I would recommend Andrew and his firm whole heartedly and without hesitation. Z, Solicitor, Kent (November 2012)
Andrew Blatt represented me in disciplinary matters between September 2008 and October 2011. I found him to be one of the most professional, and hard working solicitors I have ever had the privilege to know. Mr. Blatt's attention to detail, and his knowledge of the Regulatory Regime is second to none. However, one of Mr. Blatt's other strengths is the personal nature with which he deals with your case. He understands the stresses and strains that facing disciplinary matters can have on a solicitor and the effects this has on a person. This approach to a case engenders a trust between Mr. Blatt and his client that brings about detailed instructions, and solutions to problems. It allows him to go the extra mile for a client. The respect and experience that Mr. Blatt has earned from the Regulatory Authority allows him to negotiate on the client's behalf in a way only I believe he can. Mr. Blatt instructs only the most knowledgeable barristers, and QC's, on behalf of a client, and it is clear from the respect that these lawyers show him that he is a highly regarded solicitor in this area of law. My experience of being a client of Mr. Blatt was that he acted both as my lawyer and as my guide through what was a very difficult period of my life as it is for any solicitor facing disciplinary proceedings. He brought clarity and discipline to a very difficult situation. I would highly recommend any solicitor facing disciplinary proceedings to instruct Mr. Blatt, and his firm. MC, Solicitor, London (November 2012)
I cannot thank Murdochs enough for their guidance through a deeply worrying period for me. I faced SDT proceedings with sleepless nights worrying about losing my practising certificate, livelihood and having to tell my family about such news. Murdochs sympathetic yet strong guidance and knowledge of how to deal with the SRA on the regulatory issues was excellent and resulted in the disciplinary proceedings being withdrawn.- all thanks to the case handler's (Robert Forman's) expertise. Thank you Murdochs. G, Solicitor, Essex (May 2012)
I found the most suitable person for the job! I am completely satisfied by his work he has performed for me. Obviously I will recommend him to anybody who is in the same situation. Mr Forman is a very pleasant person with a great sense of understanding towards his clients and their problems. He is dedicated, hard working and prompt towards his professional commitments and client care. He is an honest person, who provides the most reliable and best advice to his clients. I have unshakeable faith upon him with regard to his professional commitments. Q, Solicitor, London (March 2012)
Dear Robert, I have been meaning for some time to put pen to paper to express my thanks for everything you did. 12 months ago I would have never expected to have needed your assistance however on one gloomy morning in February I found myself in a desperate position. I don't really know how I found you, from what I can remember after realising the position that we were in, I started to madly search the internet. Your firm came up and there was reference there to crime, I thought therefore that your firm might better understand our position. Although our encounter seems quite random, I believe that it was a matter of divine providence that I came across your services and indeed you were a God send. After your initial incredulity and astonishment of our position, your support and professionalism throughout the entire time was beyond compare. From the outset you worked tirelessly in order to see this sad affair to a miraculous ending. You were prepared from the start to work outside the bounds of the normal 9 to 5 solicitor; becoming not only legal counsel but also at times personal counsellor. Your advice at all times was apposite and truthful, your fees reasonable; I could have asked for no better. Now when I now consider the standard of the service that I provide I find myself comparing my services to yours. I look forward to the day when I may express my heartfelt gratitude to you in person. Yours truly. M, Solicitor, Reading (November 2011)


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Tag Archives | International
How the U.K. Supreme Court's Rebuke to Boris Johnson Remakes British Law
By Professor Shannon on September 25, 2019 in International, Law
from NYTs Britain's all-consuming debate over Brexit has dragged another of its respected institutions into uncharted territory, as the Supreme Court struck down Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament, an extraordinary intervention by the judiciary into a political dispute. The unanimous decision, handed down on Tuesday, is an unalloyed defeat for Mr. Johnson and […]
Chinese Dissidents Feel Heat of Beijing's Wrath. Even in Canada.
By Professor Shannon on April 7, 2019 in International, Media
from NYTs Search for Sheng Xue on Google in English and you will find the story of an award-winning writer who left China for Canada after the Tiananmen Square uprising and became one of the world's leading advocates for Chinese democracy. But that same search in Chinese comes up with a very different portrait: Sheng […]
Tech Companies Should Stop Pretending AI Won't Destroy Jobs
By Professor Shannon on February 23, 2018 in Careers, Technology
from MIT Technology Review No matter what anyone tells you, we're not ready for the massive societal upheavals on the way. I took an Uber to an artificial-intelligence conference at MIT one recent morning, and the driver asked me how long it would take for autonomous vehicles to take away his job. I told him […]
China Is Quietly Reshaping the World
By Professor Shannon on November 1, 2017 in Business, International
from The Atlantic The Pakistani town of Gwadar was until recently filled with the dust-colored cinderblock houses of about 50,000 fishermen. Ringed by cliffs, desert, and the Arabian Sea, it was at the forgotten edge of the earth. Now it's one centerpiece of China's "Belt and Road" initiative, and the town has transformed as a […]
Shutting France Down Over Uber
By Professor Shannon on January 31, 2016 in Business, International
from The Atlantic Traffic in a number of French cities slowed to a crawl Tuesday as taxi drivers across the country protested against Uber and other "non-traditional" car services. Dispatches from around France included reports of burning tires, the setting of roadblocks on major thoroughfares, and a campaign for cab drivers to "drive slow." More here.
China's Dangerous Digital Agenda
By Professor Shannon on April 5, 2015 in International, Technology
from Project Syndicate When the Chinese e-commerce juggernaut Alibaba listed on the New York Stock Exchange late last year, it became the world's 17th largest publicly traded company overnight, with a market capitalization of $230 billion – larger than Amazon, eBay, or Facebook. Europe, however, seems to have missed the news. Indeed, instead of responding […]
Could This Video Save China?
By Professor Shannon on March 7, 2015 in International
from The Atlantic Hundreds of millions of people in China have watched this 103-minute-long video just in the past week. There's never been anything close to its success in the English-language Internet world. Everyone in the China-policy community is aware of it and discussing it. I'm mentioning it here for several reasons. First, it's just […]
Mutual Suspicion Mars Tech Trade With China
By Professor Shannon on March 2, 2015 in Business, International, Technology
from NYTs At an elegant guesthouse here recently, China's top Internet regulator entertained ambassadors and diplomats with platters of tempura and roast on a spit, unusual lavishness in an era of official austerity in China, to celebrate the Chinese New Year. But the graciousness came with a warning: Foreign companies had to behave if they wanted […]
Disruptive Innovation: Estonia Will Do To Citizenship What Uber Is Doing To Taxis
By Professor Shannon on January 4, 2015 in Ideas, International
from The Ladder A term that seems to be thrown about in the technology sphere, and indeed in the mainstream press these days is 'disruptive innovation'. It's the thing that every start-up, entrepreneur and venture capitalist strives towards. In the never-ending quest for convenience, consumers wholeheartedly buy products and services that save us time. So, when Uber […]
How Europe Could Cut Google Down To Size Without Splitting It Up
By Professor Shannon on December 3, 2014 in Business, International
from Gigaom With a new competition commissioner re-examining the long-running Google antitrust case, it's worth revisiting what she needs to achieve, particularly as the European Parliament has now called for EU antitrust law's nuclear option – the unprecedented splitting-up of the company – to be on the table. The resolution that the Parliament passed on Thursday refers […]
10 Insights From a Decade of Measuring the Gender Gap
By Professor Shannon on November 24, 2014 in Business, Careers, International, Leadership
from YaleGlobal Online Fair wages motivate employees to work hard to produce and innovate. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index suggests that unequal pay for women represents a huge lost opportunity for many nations. The index tracks national differences and progress, reports Saadia Zahidi of the World Economic Forum: Women are more educated […]
Who Is Chinese? Voices in Hong Kong and Taiwan Reveal Deep Cultural Divide
By Professor Shannon on November 18, 2014 in International
from YaleGlobal Online Taiwan is turning against China's "one-country, two-systems" approach to reunification, whether because of ongoing protests disrupting Hong Kong or the dismissive response by Beijing. China announced in August that Hong Kong could proceed with elections, but with a pre-approved slate of candidates. In proposing a two-systems approach for Hong Kong, Chinese leaders […]
TPP, China and the Future of Global Trade Order
By Professor Shannon on October 22, 2014 in International
from YaleGlobal Online The Trans-Pacific Partnership, negotiated by 12 nations, could account for one third of all global trade. But so far, China is not included even though the country is a top trade partner for most of the participants and the world's leading economy when accounting for purchasing power parity. TPP would eliminate tariffs […]
Mapping The World's Water Conflicts Shows Trouble Ahead
By Professor Shannon on October 1, 2014 in International
from co.EXIST If the wars of the past tended to be about territory and oil, the wars of the future could be about water. Much of the world already suffers from water stress, and the shortages are only likely to grow. A 2012 report by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence forecast that demand for […]
China Clamps Down on Web, Pinching Companies Like Google
from NYTs Google's problems in China just got worse. As part of a broad campaign to tighten internal security, the Chinese government has draped a darker shroud over Internet communications in recent weeks, a situation that has made it more difficult for Google and its customers to do business. Chinese exporters have struggled to place […]
Julia Garlock on Nothing Lasts Forever— Not Even On The Internet.
mohan on The Biggest Hacking Risk? Your Employees
Noelle Arrighi on N.C.A.A. Athletes Could Be Paid Under New California Law
Noelle Arrighi on There's Another Big Reason Why You Should Ditch Chrome For Firefox
Noelle Arrighi on Why You Should Be Using a Password Manager
Noelle Arrighi on The Looming Student Loan Default Crisis Is Worse Than We Thought
Noelle Arrighi on China's TikTok Blazes New Ground. That Could Doom It.
Noelle Arrighi on 'Retail Apocalypse' Now: Analysts Say 75,000 More U.S. Stores Could Be Doomed.
Noelle Arrighi on Leadership Tips: Empathy Is Key
Noelle Arrighi on 7 Reasons Your LinkedIn Profile is a Hot Mess
Noelle Arrighi on What's The Purpose Of College?
Noelle Arrighi on This Is What Recruiters Look For On Your Social Media Accounts
Noelle Arrighi on 'Sign In With Apple' Is Way Better Than Passwords—If You Can Find It
Noelle Arrighi on The Future College Bookstore: Leave The Books, Take The Panini
Noelle Arrighi on The Transition To Leadership
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You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned
Be curious. Read widely. Try new things. I think a lot of what people call intelligence just boils down to curiosity.
- AARON SWARTZ
Work. Write. Read. Write some more. Read some more. Keep putting words on the page or screen, because that's the only way you'll get better.
- S.J. WATSON
The future is already here — it's just not very evenly distributed.
- WILLIAM GIBSON
Everything that can be digitized will be digitized.
- KARA SWISHER
Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.
There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order, and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this lukewarmness arising partly from fear of their adversaries … and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.
- NICCOLO MACHIAVELLI
We only have one chance to get AI right… we are in real trouble if we miss.
- JEVON MITCHELL-HAYWOOD
When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck; when you invent the plane you also invent the plane crash; and when you invent electricity, you invent electrocution... Every technology carries its own negativity, which is invented at the same time as technical progress.
- PAUL VIRILIO
We are surrounded by the wondrous effects of machines and are encouraged to ignore the ideas embedded in them. Once a technology is admitted it plays out its hand; it does what it is designed to do. Our task is to understand what that design is—that is to say, when we admit a new technology to the culture, we must do so with our eyes wide open.
- NEIL POSTMAN, TECHNOPOLY
You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it.
- ROBIN WILLIAMS
Creativity is relational. Its practice is most about casting widely and connecting disparate dots of existing knowledge in new, meaningful ways. To be creative, you've got to mine knowledge. You have to know your dots.
- BRUCE NUSSBAUM
Those not ready to change will wake up one day to find themselves wonderfully prepared to live in a world that doesn't exist.
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.
- CHARLES DARWIN
Arguing that you don't care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don't care about free speech because you have nothing to say.
- EDWARD SNOWDEN
Privacy is not something that I'm merely entitled to, it's an absolute prerequisite.
- MARLON BRANDO
You invade my privacy, it's nothing. I try to get it back, it's a crime. You'll never understand... it's not that I have nothing to hide... I have nothing I want you to see.
- THE GIRL, ANON
Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.
Be a nuisance where it counts. Do your part to inform and stimulate the public to join your action. Be depressed, discouraged and disappointed at failure and the disheartening effects of ignorance, greed, corruption and bad politics... but never give up.
- MARJORIE STONEMAN DOUGLAS
First they ignore you. Then they ridicule you. Then they fight you. Then you win.
- MAHATMA GANDHI
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
- ALICE WATERS
Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after it.
- JONATHAN SWIFT
To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.
- THEODORE ROOSEVELT
The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.
- HUGO BLACK
Just because you have no interest in politics doesn't mean politics may not be interested in you.
- PERICLES
- STEVEN HAWKING
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.
- ALBERT EINSTEIN (perhaps)
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Tim Tebow stays up despite down debut with Mets
By David Whitley
Tim Tebow makes his spring debut with the New York Mets. (Orlando Sentinel)
PORT ST. LUCIE — Tim Tebow made a quasi-Major League debut on Wednesday. As far as rollouts go, there have been worse.
The Obamacare website, perhaps. Definitely the Titanic.
The S.S. Tebow collided with big-league pitching and its baseball career seems destined for the bottom of the ocean.
But in true Tebow fashion, he sees an opportunity where others see disaster.
"You can't let one day define anything," he said. "I know a lot of other people will sensationalize it. Regardless of what happens, it will be the best day of all time or the worst day of all time."
Okay, maybe the Titanic metaphor is a bit much. But it was notable simply because it was Tebow's coming-out party.
"The Moment of Truth," is how the New York Post billed it.
The truth hurt.
Tebow went 0-for-3 against the Red Sox. His day featured two strikeouts and hitting into a double play. The high point of the day was when he was hit in the shoulder by former Gator Brian Johnson.
"Where's the love?" joked Tebow, who reportedly also played sports at Florida.
The best you could say is that in observance of A Day Without A Woman, Tebow gave his gender-neutral bat the day off. But he was badly overmatched by big-league pitching, and nobody was the least bit surprised.
"He's not afraid of failure, and I think that's great for any athlete," Boston manager John Farrell said.
Fact is, Tebow relished every second of his debut. It's his nature to find something constructive in failure, and the only true failure is not trying your best.
So the really sensationalized news Wednesday would have been if Tebow wasn't enthused afterward. Or if No. 97 had gotten a hit.
Yes, Tebow had to trade in his usual No. 15 because infielder Matt Reynolds has it on the Major League roster. That meant Tebow didn't have his name on the back of jersey, though that hardly made him unrecognizable.
"Let's go, Tebow!" fans chanted as he dug in against Rick Porcello in his first at-bat.
As far as anyone could tell, it was the first time a Cy Young Award winner faced a Heisman Trophy winner in a game. If you thought the Heisman winner was under scrutiny, imagine how the Cy Young winner felt.
How could a 22-game winner give up a hit to a guy whose last full season was with the Nease High Panthers in 2005? Talk about a long bus ride back to Fort Myers.
"There's no embarrassment," Porcello insisted. "He's competing. I'm competing. There's no difference there."
Actually, there's quite a difference between the stuff Porcello throws and what Tebow is used to seeing, which until last fall was mainly NFL defensive backs and ESPN cameras.
At least when Porcello's final pitch was called a strike on the outside corner, Tebow turned around and gave home-plate umpire Ryan Additon a Major-League caliber "Realllllly?" look.
Hey, baby steps.
"I'm glad he got his feet wet," Mets manager Terry Collins said.
Tebow picked the hitting brains of Major Leaguers, though he said they first wanted to talk about his days as a Denver quarterback. He's trying to soak up all the baseball wisdom he can as fast as he can.
The Mets plan to play him Friday, then it's back to minor-league camp and an eventual ticket to Columbia or Kingsport of some other minor-league town.
"There's a lot more days like this," he said.
The way Tebow sees it, his moment of truth was just the start of a 500 at-bat voyage. And the truth is, the Titanic will make it New York before No. 97 will.
But if anyone can handle the truth, it's Tebow.


text:
ICC World Twenty20 – Group B Preview
by: James Nixon
Three more CW writers give their own takes on Group B, which contains Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
Cricket Web's World Twenty20 Predictions 2010
by: Will Quinn
Thanks to the work of some of the writers here at Cricket Web, we can exclusively reveal what will happen at the World Twenty20. Spoiler warning…
ICC World Twenty20 – Group A Preview
by: Martyn Corrin
With the third World Twenty20 just days away, three CW writers give their own takes on Group A, which contains Bangladesh, Australia and reigning champions Pakistan.
Five Minutes With Noor Ali
by: Graham Brown
Fresh from the victory against Nepal in the final of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy Elite, Noor Ali takes five minutes before he jets out to the West Indies to catch up with Cricket Web.
Graeme Hick – A Very English Enigma
In this feature we take a look at the career of Graeme Hick, and try to work out why the man whose entrance to the international game was so eagerly anticipated, failed to match up to the nation's expectations.
Bowler Test Win-Loss Records
Last month we looked at ODI Win-Loss records for bowlers – here is the same investigation applied to Test bowlers.
Getting To Know The Gentle Giant – A Personal Memory
In 2007 Martin was fortunate enough to meet Sir Alec Bedser at his home. These are his memories of the day.
Getting To Know The Gentle Giant – From Those Who Did Know Him
by: Swaranjeet Singh
Sir Alec Bedser, one of the game's all time greats, passed away last Sunday. Swaranjeet wonders how much the current generation knows about this giant besides his being one of cricket's famous identical twins . . .
County Championship Division 1 Preview
by: Paul Wood
As the domestic season gets underway in England, we profile all the counties vying for the Division One title, and those expected to struggle.
Where Next For Kevin Pietersen?
by: Marcuss Deane
A look at one of cricket's real characters, Kevin Pietersen, his story over the last 12 months and what his future may hold


text:
export const clean = number => {
  if (/[a-zA-Z]/.test(number)) {
    throw new Error('Letters not permitted');
  } else if (/[@:!]/.test(number)) {
    throw new Error('Punctuations not permitted');
  }

  let strippedNumber = number.replace(/\D/g, '');
  const numberLength = strippedNumber.length;

  if (numberLength === 11) {
    if (strippedNumber.substring(0, 1) !== '1') {
      throw new Error('11 digits must start with 1');
    } else {
      strippedNumber = strippedNumber.substring(1);
    }
  }

  if (numberLength < 10) {
    throw new Error('Incorrect number of digits');
  }

  if (numberLength > 11) {
    throw new Error('More than 11 digits');
  }

  if (strippedNumber.substring(0, 1) === '0') {
    throw new Error('Area code cannot start with zero');
  } else if (strippedNumber.substring(0, 1) === '1') {
    throw new Error('Area code cannot start with one');
  }

  if (strippedNumber.substring(3, 4) === '0') {
    throw new Error('Exchange code cannot start with zero');
  } else if (strippedNumber.substring(3, 4) === '1') {
    throw new Error('Exchange code cannot start with one');
  }

  return strippedNumber;
};

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


After my post on packing essentials for a road trip through the Southwest, readers asked for details about some of the specific pieces I wore in my Instagram pics. The weather and activity dictated which items made the most sense each day, and even though this was a road trip, it was far from sedentary with a decent amount of physical activity…meaning hiking boots, puffers and jeans were in order. In the evening, I shifted gears to put together looks that were stylish and simple.
Knowing I'd stop at a moment's notice for a scenic hike or trek down an intriguing path, the Merrell hikers were indispensable. Hiking boots can look sort of clunky, but I thought these were actually good looking and they were beyond comfortable. I wore them almost daily with jeans, with the occasional swap for sneakers to change things up on non-hiking days.
A puffer, occasionally layered over a vest as above, was also pretty much a daily essential. I can't speak highly enough on the versatility of a black puffer jacket to go from trails to dinner in style. Rugged enough for any daytime activity yet chic enough, especially paired with all white, to wear at night.
Off the trails, variations in black and white never got old. I had several looks on rotation swapping black jeans for white, or wearing either color head to toe for a monochromatic look.
The main transition from day to night involved a fresh outfit and switching into shoes that I wouldn't wear on a hiking trail. I brought a casual Isabel Marant boot and a slip-on loafer…both comfortable enough for evening walks, but extremely practical too. Keeping a color story to just a few classics that easily coordinate and interchange took all the guess work out of creating outfits. Black, white, tan and denim were an easy base to work from.
Blue denim and pretty shades of tan brought a freshness to the mix. Both colors add a different vibe to the black and white base I packed. A tan boot pulled together looks in a chic, casual way and I loved having a soft, oversize knit for the chilly desert nights.
Love this post and I did buy those Merrell hikers and wear them all the time. So comfortable and love the red laces.
They're so good, I'm considering a second pair!
Thank you, thank you Karima. I love your packing posts.
And it all looks great on you, too. Where is the fringed shawl in the last photo from? Thank you.
Thanks Susan. Mine is an old one from White and Warren, but theres a great looking one here, and on sale!


On April 3rd, Gillette Venus—Gillette's women's razors—tweeted out a photo of plus-size model Anna O'Brien with the caption "go out there and slay the day." Fashion and health companies using plus-sized models to advertise has been a growing trend for some time now. However, their intent isn't only to advertise the aesthetics of their products on plus-sized models but to push the body positivity movement.
Now, there's nothing wrong with advertising to a broader base, or even pushing the notion that everyone deserves to be happy regardless of their size. Recognizing the faults of the body positivity movement is not the same as condoning the mistreatment of those who struggle with obesity. It does become an issue, though, when the facts about health and the dangers of obesity are downplayed to achieve these goals.
This is essentially what a UK study published in June 2018 in the journal Obesity showed. The study's primary question was people's underassessment of their weight, and the secondary target was to assess whether patients were trying to lose weight. They concluded that the normalization of obesity is a possible reason for people's misperceptions and, thus, lack of diet and exercise.
In its introduction, the study discusses the 5%-10% increase in obesity between 1997 and 2015, and the misperceptions that have come with it. Almost 60% of overweight men think they aren't overweight and over 72% of those who were either overweight or obese felt their health was either good or very good.
The danger here, as the study points out, is the effect this misperception has on exercise and healthy decisions. Those who underestimated their weight were 85% less likely to try to lose weight than those who accurately identified themselves. Of the over 40% of individuals who were overweight and underestimating it, only a little over 50% of them were trying to lose weight.
The conclusion of the study was that there is an upward trend, specifically within the last few years, of people underestimating their weight; because of this, they were 85% less likely to try to lose weight. This has major implications for the health of millions and our healthcare system.
The fact is that we do have an obesity crisis in the US. According to federal data gathered just last year, nearly 40% of US adults were obese in 2015-16, a 6% rise from 2007-08. And, according to the Center for Disease Control, when overweight people—between normal and obese—are added in, this number rises to 70% of the US adult population.
The severity of this crisis has both health and fiscal implications. According to Stanford, obesity causes around 300,000 premature deaths and costs around $150 billion every year. Obesity greatly increases one's likelihood of developing high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and much more. The State of Obesity annual report estimates that obese adults spend approximately 42% more on healthcare than non-obese adults.
The normalization of obesity is neither a direct nor a sole cause of the obesity crisis; it plays a part. It will continue to worsen it as long as our society refuses to speak honestly about the issue, which, in today's political realm, seems quite unlikely.
We, as a society, must acknowledge the dangers of obesity and understand how normalizing it will not help the issue. Again, in no way should we want to create a community where we mistreat people because of their struggle with obesity. It is an incredibly hard thing to fight and a commendable one. However, when 70% of our adult population is either overweight or obese, we simply cannot afford to ignore or, even worse, glorify it.


text:
Home →IT News & Trends →Culture Matters
By CIOinsight | Posted 11-07-2003	Print
Revamping the culture to embrace information technology is often the hardest part of business change, one CEO says.
To keep Yellow Corp. in the black, CEO Bill Zollars is using information technology as the impetus for change. CIO Insight asked Zollars recently to reflect on his six-year struggle to align IT with the business.
CIOI: What four or five key steps did you take to change the culture?
Zollars: I think that one of the first things we had to do to get alignment is give people a common target in terms of where we were trying to take the company, kind of a light-on-the-hill concept. We began talking to employees about what we wanted to become, which was a global transportation services company as opposed to an LTL [less-than-truckload] trucking company. I think that was the first thing that started to get us focused on having a common objective and a common vision of the future.
How did you get that message across?
Repetition, face-to-face, one-by-one, as I went around the company and talked-both in the field and here in Kansas City-about the need to become a global transportation company, and why it was important. I went on a kind of Bataan death march across the country where I took a small group of executives who made up my leadership team, and we went basically from location to location, starting early in the morning with the drivers and the salesforce and then went to the dock and talked to everybody there in small groups, then to the office staff, and at night had a customer meeting. We basically gave the same speech 15 times a day in that location. We told them, "Here's where we're going as a company, here's why we need to go in this direction, and here's what you can do to help us get there."
What were the common questions posed during those initial speeches?
"Can we really do that? Aren't we just an LTL trucking company? Can we become a transportation services company and global? What are you talking about there, why is that important and can we really do that?" Those were most of the questions. Early on, there was a lot of skepticism, I think, on the part of many of the employees. They wondered about whether that was the right goal or whether we ought to just admit that we were a company that had a very limited capability.
How much was technology a part of that discussion?
It was a key part of the discussion, from the start. I think the people who actually got it better were some of those who were on the front lines of our business, because they were seeing the customer demands as well as the demands we were putting on efficiency and effectiveness at the field level. And so I think in many ways they got it about the need for technology better than, maybe, some of the people who weren't out there with the customers every day.
So even in those early loading-dock speeches, you were able to win over some of the unionized workers?
I think the way I put it is that part of what we were going to have to do to get from where we are to where we want to be is to use technology as one of the key drivers of that, and then we gave them some examples of where we already had some good technology. As we went forward, one of the big assets we had was our Yellow Technologies company, which nobody else had in terms of the ability to provide some of that technology.
So the first thing we did was communicate the vision, by marching across the country and talking about that same vision of the future with everybody in the company that we could get our hands on. And then we repeated that over and over again. We probably went to the top 100 locations in the first three months, and then we came back about three months later and talked to them again and basically gave the same speech. Then we went back again. The people traveling with me during this time were really sick of this speech by the time they got to the end of the first day, much less the end of the first week. But it was that constant repetition of the vision and the "water drop treatment" of the message that I think began to drive some engagement of employees. They began to believe that this was something we were really serious about and something that, after the third or fourth time hearing it, they begin to really understand and internalize. Over time, we built up enough critical mass that all of the other people on the leadership team started to go out and give the same speech, and after almost a year of that, we began to get enough critical mass so the thing started to take on momentum of its own.
The really important part of all of this was the second and third time we went back to the same location. We didn't change our story and we had some evidence that what we were doing was working. I probably spent about 80 percent of my time on the road in the first year, probably the first 18 months just doing nothing but that.
And was there, in at least some of those speeches, a reassurance that technology would not necessarily lead to layoffs?
Yes. In fact, it was just the opposite. We were able to demonstrate that the business was growing and there were more Teamsters in Kansas City or Chicago than there were on my last visit, and there were more Teamsters this most recent visit than there were at the last. So they looked around and they knew that. The numbers spoke for themselves. That's one piece of the alignment. The second piece has to do with including the technology organization in the strategy development process and the decision-making process, from the start. We had a leadership team that included the technology leader as part of the leadership team right from the beginning. That was new.
When you arrived at Yellow, you started holding weekly meetings between the business people and the IT people. Lynn Caddell, the CIO, usually sits to your immediate right. You used a lot of visual symbolism to convey your new vision, as well.
Exactly. And there's a third part of the alignment effort, which was also something I did when I was in a position to do it. The previous leadership here, at one point, had decided that there would be a shared-services group, and it would put technology, purchasing, facilities management, real estate and all this other stuff into one organization. I thought that was absolutely the wrong thing to do because it homogenized the expertise out of the organization. What we really needed was a clear mission for the technology group as part of the overall strategy of the company. So I dismantled that group and returned to having a group called Yellow Technologies that focused only on technology and not something in which you'd also have to deal with purchasing and other functions in the same boat, which I thought were de-focusing people's attention around technology.
Did your changes require enforcement via compensation?
Sure. We reinforced the strategy with greed, which is always a good motivator. The compensation systems that we put in place were designed to reward us for progress on the strategy. So we put in place in the first year something we called Pay for Performance, which basically went to everybody in the company, and was based on how well we did as a company. Eighty percent of that bonus payment would come from company performance and 20 percent would be based on individual performance. And that did align us around the common goal.
Talk a little bit about Yellow's recent acquisition of Roadway. You built this new culture at Yellow and it's working great. Now you're going to have to absorb a new one. How do you do that? Is it a bit like having to start over with the stuff you did before, or does it require a different kind of ball game to achieve IT-business alignment in a merger?
I think there's a lot of similarity, and there are some differences. The differences I don't think are necessarily bad things. For example, we've been historically the kind of company that insourced everything. Roadway has taken a much more aggressive outsourcing approach to technology. So I think there's room for some middle ground there, and we can look at best practices on both sides. My guess is we'll come up somewhere in between those two approaches.
I think part of it also is the opportunity to look at a different way to approach some of these issues and, in some cases, use best practices from Roadway. But Roadway also has had a very large significance in the technology area, and a really good focus on technology from their perspective. That is very similar to what we've been trying to do here at Yellow. Even though Roadway didn't have a separate technology company the way we do, it's been really focused on IT as a key competitive advantage.
So in a sense there will be a lot of similarity, and in other ways there'll be differences. But I think the way we get alignment is very similar to the way we've gotten alignment in the past-which is to include their technology people in strategy development, focus on common objectives and make sure the compensation systems are in alignment. Over time, I think we will obviously end up with one technology resource, one technology focus, one technology company.
Right, and those folks will be going to your weekly meetings as well?
Right, we'll integrate that part of the business.
Say somebody inside the organization has decided they want to take some leadership to increase the visibility of IT as a contributor to business gains. Can it be done from the grassroots, or do you really have to have somebody new come in and use that window of opportunity to change things? Or, as in your case, do you really need to be the CEO to get started?
I think the old comment about birth being easier than resurrection is a good comment and fairly appropriate here. It is harder I think when you don't have some sort of triggering event to drive change. But I think it can be done. The first thing is that you've got to really believe that change makes sense and that it's valuable. It can't just be lip service. But then I think it all begins at the strategy end and at the leadership end. This is not the kind of change that can be driven from the middle of the organization; it has to be driven from the top. It has to be very visible to the organization that there is a change. So it's very important to create opportunities to bring the technology people into the leadership team and into the strategy development process in a very visible way and to give them an equal voice at the table. And you have to do that in a way where the whole organization can see it and can understand what's going on there.
Managing this way is a lot harder, isn't it, than the rubber stamp approach?
Yeah, I think whether you want to call it inclusive management or team management, it's also harder than an autocratic, manic control kind of management because you have to listen to other people, which is always a pain and can be time-consuming. Team management is really all about creating a situation of controlled chaos, and you have very messy meetings, you know, not very neat and tidy meetings, because you've got everybody in there with a different perspective-and if you do it right, they're all articulating their perspective on issues and on strategies. It creates a very dynamic kind of management process, but it also creates one that is kind of messy. So if you're not comfortable with a lot of creative tension and a lot of different points of view and untidy meetings, then you're going to struggle with this, because we try to create an environment where everybody speaks up and everybody has an opinion and everybody's vote counts. And when you do that, democracy can become pretty messy.
I think if you're the kind of person who isn't comfortable with that environment, you might not want to go in that direction, but it can work if you've got an organization that you feel is made up of strong people who. are mature enough to be able to handle that kind of an environment and who are secure enough to be able to know that their opinion isn't necessarily the only one.
On changing the culture this way, looking back, what do you think you did right, what do you think you did wrong and what were some of the key lessons learned that you can share with other CIOs?
Well, I think one of the things we did right was to do this person by person and not create a video or an e-mail or a memo and just send it out, say, hey, here's what we're going to do. It's really more of a face-to-face approach that's required to get the kind of change that we were talking about and to get buy-in from some of the functions that were not as well resourced and as treated as importantly as they should have been like, you know, IT and HR and marketing, the three that come to mind. To understand that those were under-appreciated functions and under-resourced functions, you needed to do face-to-face and you needed to be able to talk about this vision face-to-face with some passion so that people would actually believe it. So I think that's one of the things we did right.
In terms of what did wrong, let me simply say that I don't think we went fast enough, and people here at the time would probably challenge that. It seemed to many people here that we were moving at light speed. But I think that change is hard, and when you're moving toward the kind of significant change that we needed, you really have to go as fast as you possibly can and probably faster than you think you can. And so speed in terms of implementing change, I think, is kind of like pulling off a Band-Aid, you know. You're better off doing it all at once than you are incrementally.