New Perspectives

"Who is this chap White? And what does he do?" This was the question asked by the senior partner of a stockbroking firm after John, a member of staff, was awarded a record number of prizes for examination successes by the Council of the London Stock Exchange. John came from a family of limited means. His schooling ended at age twelve, when the 1939-45 war broke out. Not wishing to remain idle, he built up a profitable business collecting and selling horse manure while also working for a local trader delivering bread. At fourteen he began work in a stockbroker's office. He was determined not to suffer the fate of his father, a poorly paid counter-hand in a local grocer's. After two years as a messenger boy, he was promoted to junior clerk, and given a pen, a nib, a sheet of blotting paper, and a small bottle of ink. Aged eighteen, having gained experience in all departments, he left with the words, "You know, White, you've been very lucky to have gained that position" ringing in his ears. Later, in the Army, he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant within a year or so of being conscripted. On his discharge he returned to his previous employers and was made number three on an important dealing desk. Within a short time the number two retired and he was promoted, thereafter sharing responsibilities with his colleague. Helped by his new wife, Daphne, a lecturer at London University, he undertook endless studies and examinations, which led to a senior position with a leading merchant bank. He was subsequently head-hunted and joined a rival firm. Later, he branched out on his own as an investment manager. On reaching sixty he decided on a change of employment. After gaining the necessary qualifications, he coached business people and tennis players for twenty years before retiring. This is John's story.