We recently had the opportunity to interview Bart Kendall, CEO at NEBA Private Clients, UAE. A visionary leader contributing significantly towards the wealth management landscape of the region, Bart’s expertise and skills have significantly contributed to shaping NEBA’s current position. With his strategic insight, Bart has identified and is working on bridging the gap between traditional wealth management and external asset management. With NEBA, navigating through the complex finance landscape has become easier than ever. In this insightful session, Bart shares his journey of joining the organization, challenges and triumphs, leadership approach, and speaks about the expected transformation in this field.
Inspiration Behind Leading NEBA
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to start or lead this business, and how has the journey surprised you?”
Bart Kendall shared, “I think what inspired me most to lead the NEBA Private Clients UAE launch in January 2024 was the alignment with our parent company, TEAM PLC. Being London-listed, TEAM PLC operates a gold standard in corporate governance and brings a wealth of experience as a highly successful asset manager. The potential, therefore, to bridge the gap between traditional wealth management and external asset management was clear. At that time, I could easily envisage the path to develop a high net worth, open architecture investment offering to our clients. It was clear that this was a significant differentiator here in the UAE, and it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
What has surprised me the most over the last year has been just how smooth this transition has been in developing the alternative proposition. TEAM understands the vision, as do the clients, who have trusted us with their finances, and I’m looking forward to continuing to enhance our offerings in the coming years.”
A Message To Younger Self
We further asked, “If you could go back to your first year in this role, what advice would you give yourself?”
“Building a business involves many moving parts, and it steadily gains momentum, so you have to go with the mindset that you will not achieve everything you want to straight away. Things are constantly evolving, so you must take it on a week-by-week basis and embrace the challenges head-on. Some weeks are easier than others, but the most important aspects are to know where you are heading as a business and that everyone involved is clear on what you are trying to achieve. Implementing change is far more straightforward when everyone pulls in the same direction.” He added.
The Art Of Solving Challenges Creatively
Challenges are a part of every business. But, most of the time a clear solution may seem quite far. We asked, “How do you approach solving problems that don’t have clear solutions?”
Bart Kendall responded, “A technique that has helped me here is the 20-idea method. I take the pressing problem, convert it to a question at the top of the page, and formulate 20 ideas to solve it. The first four or five are generally quite straightforward, but getting to twenty takes more time! I find it a highly effective way to stimulate creativity, and the result is having a range of unique ideas to help you solve whatever challenge you might be facing.”
Turning Point For NEBA
We were interested to learn about the events that proved to be a turning point for NEBA. So, we asked, “Can you share a unique experience that shaped the way you run your business today?”
Bart Kendall shared, “Anyone working in or in a business has seen the hugely detrimental impact a negative company culture devoid of values can bring. Companies that do not build a values-driven culture never stand the test of time, and this is something I have seen first-hand throughout my career.
At NEBA, our values are at the forefront of who we are as an organization and are reinforced regularly through value sessions. It gives us a clear identity of what it means to work at the company, the characters of the people we look to employ, and how we treat each other.”
“We have based our values on seven core pillars: Client First, Communication, Commitment to Excellence, Care, Pride, Positive Mindset and Accountability. Each of these is designed to help ensure that not only are our clients getting the best service possible, but our team feels supported and empowered in their work. We believe in positivity and creating an environment where people are proud to come to work.” He added.
Out-Of-The-Box Ideas
To learn the approaches adopted by Bart Kendall’s organization that were unconventional, we asked, “What’s the most unconventional idea you’ve implemented, and how did it turn out?”
“We decided to sponsor a professional boat racing team here in Dubai. It’s the first time we have engaged in this kind of sponsorship however the partnership has been fantastic and our clients have been able to enjoy time on the boat as well as being entertained at the Abu Dhabi F1 event so it worked out very well.” He mentioned.
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
To stay ahead of the competition, it is crucial to identify the opportunities at the right time and work on them same. So, we asked, “How do you identify and seize new opportunities in your industry?”
Bart Kendall reflected, “Wealth Management is a constantly evolving industry – client demands and expectations are increasing, and investing in technology and global licensing is essential to remain competitive. I’m fortunate that NEBA operates globally and continues to invest heavily in both of these areas. The talent pool at both NEBA and our parent TEAM PLC also allows us to push forward with innovative solutions on a global basis.”
Proactive Leadership Approach
We asked, “If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be, and why?”
“Proactive – The pace of change at NEBA and in our industry, in general, is dramatic, and I need to be as quick in my decision-making as possible and respond to unexpected challenges,” Bart added.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities
Sometimes the toughest challenges can result in great opportunities. To learn more, we asked, “What’s a challenge you faced that turned into an unexpected opportunity?”
Bart Kendall shared, “It was at that time a difficult employee who didn’t fit the company ethos and values. Bringing in a values-driven culture resonated with this individual and over the last year this person has not only brought into the new culture but has become one of our strongest advocates who is excelling at work and in developing our culture.”
Transforming The Industry – A Much Needed Change
We ended the interview by asking, “If you could change one thing about the industry you work in, what would it be?”
“I mentioned previously the importance of the highest standards of corporate governance with TEAM PLC and the positive impact that has top-down within the group. I’d like to see a uniform approach across the industry to the same standards that we hold ourselves to.
As an extension, it’s critical to focus on the positives of your company and where you are heading rather than on competitors and what they may or may not be doing.” Bart concluded.
Follow Bart Kendall on LinkedIn.
Find NEBA on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.nebaprivateclients.com/
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