Meet Michael Grant, head of sales at commercial mortgage lender and bridging specialist TAB.
What is your name and role?
Michael Grant, head of sales at commercial mortgage lender and bridging specialist TAB.
How long have you been in this role?
Just over a year now.
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How long have you worked in financial services and what was your first job?
More than 20 years. My first role in financial services was as a sales adviser at Abbey National.
What made you consider the sector as a career?
To be honest, I had no real intention to get into financial services back then, let alone commercial mortgages and bridging. But the opportunity came my way and I took it. I had, at least, always had an interest in sales.
How do you try to do good for your community through your work?
Essentially, my view is not based around “community”. I don’t like to think in those terms; I feel that can create unnecessary segmentation when there doesn’t need to be. If you’re good at what you do, it shouldn’t matter. I would like to think I inspire others to make a tangible and meaningful impression for the work they do.
And what about in your personal life?
I tend to keep my personal life personal. Family man is the best way to describe it.
What does community mean to you both within and outside of the Black community?
The “Black community”, I guess, is very similar to other communities. While I don’t think that should define the roles we play, I am a strong believer in working hard – and there is definitely a sense of having to do that much more for the same opportunities as other communities, especially in the financial sector.
I mean, how many Black people do you see at board level? That is something we need to see more of, I guess. It’s no different in terms of the lack of women in positions of significant control.
Who inspires you on a personal and professional level?
One that springs to mind is Tim Campbell MBE from The Apprentice. He won the first series and is now one of Lord Sugar’s trusted advisers, as well as being a passionate advocate of inclusion.
On a personal level, Ian Wright OBE. He’s one of my idols and the reason I am an Arsenal fan. He started his professional career late and his positive approach to life is inspiring to the black community and beyond.
How do you hope to inspire others?
Through hard work and sharing experiences of wins and success stories.
