Name: Tom Prince
Company: CG
Position: Partner, Head of Commercial
What do you actually do day-to-day? My day is wonderfully varied in that we act for clients cross-sector in the LCR and beyond. I advise clients on the contracts that underpin their day-to-day trading operations which can be as simple as a new set of terms and conditions all the way up to advising on and negotiating business-critical outsourced contracts.
What experiences or influences guided you toward your current profession? Well I never wanted to be a lawyer (half my family were so I was being rebellious…) but I’d be lying to say that my dad wasn’t a key part of guiding me. When I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with an English Lit’ degree, he suggested that (as much as I didn’t want to hear it) I would be well suited to a career in the law. I then had a chance to do some work experience with some great lawyers – most of whom are still working in the city today – which I found incredibly useful and interesting (in spite of myself).
What’s the best advice you have ever received? When you’re looking at a particular role, or a particular business, look at the senior people in the organisation. Do they look like they have fun? If they do, you’re probably in a good place.
What does leadership mean to you? Leadership, to me, is all about treating people with respect and meeting people where they are. Sometimes, as a leader in a business, you have to be the bearer of bad news but that should be delivered in a manner which demonstrates sensitivity and empathy.
What has been your favourite Professional Liverpool event and why? / If you are a new member, which event are you most looking forward to attending and why? I really love most of the PL calendar – the Cannes Do is always a great one and we’ve been fortunate enough to sponsor that a couple of times. On the sly, I also enjoyed the Point Blank one where my PA Nic showed a particular killer instinct…
What’s your favourite TV programme? Ever? Probably the Sopranos but in terms of things currently on it’s hard to look past This City is Ours – a real local success story (some accents notwithstanding..).
How do you relax? Generally, it’s spending time with my wonderful wife and our two little ones but I am not sure that’s relaxing, as such… I am a season-ticket holder at Anfield and love the cinema.
Which do you prefer: sweets or chocolate? And what’s your favourite? Chocolate and probably a Boost.
Pub or club? Pub – I think we have some cracking ones in the city and exploring them with some mates is one of my favourite ways to spend a day (or was pre-kids…).
Do you have any hobbies? As an English Lit’ student, I love reading (would fully endorse a PL book club) but also walking our dogs in the UK and skiing when I can get out to the snowier parts of the continent.
Go to karaoke song? All these things I’ve done (the Killers) or Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (with the inimitable Louise Myers).
Favourite venue in Liverpool? It depends what for, for food it’s Bacaro but for a pint I can’t look past the Lady of Mann.