CM December 2023

SEAN FEAST FCICM
MANAGING EDITOR
Editor’s column
Aeroplane pictures,
fast drivers and awards
I
love this time of year. There is
so much going on, and so many
plans being made. We’re planning
to move editorial offices, and
that’s exciting in itself, although
my idea for filling the wall space
with pictures of aeroplanes was kiboshed
by my Deputy. It was a very definite ‘no’ in
that way that really means ‘no’ and there’s
no point in arguing. A tactical withdrawal
is always preferred to a strategic defeat.
One of the reasons I love this time
of year is that it is awards season. I was
once again delighted to be asked to judge
certain categories within the CICM British
Credit Awards.
I enjoy it on several levels. Firstly, a
purely personal one, interacting with my
fellow judges, initially in small teams and
then with the whole crowd on ‘judgment
day’, making sure your own thoughts and
opinions are aired but without ever dying
in a ditch (Sue Chapple FCICM, take note).
Secondly, at a professional level, getting
to read and learn more about what some
of the true thought leaders in the credit
industry are doing and the progress they
are making through innovation, business
success or personal development.
Indeed, it is the personal categories that
are without question the most difficult to
judge. With a product innovation or team
category, what an organisation claims
can easily be supported by hard facts to
evidence success. (And a note for all future
awards submissions – always support
your entry with data!). But when it comes
to a rising star, or credit professional
of the year, that’s often where the real
fun begins. I don’t think I’ve ever read a
nomination in either category where I
haven’t thought that half a dozen or more
didn’t equally deserve to win. Maybe I’m
just going a bit soft in my old age, which
is why the judging panel is comprised
of wiser heads and informed counsel to
ensure we arrive at a consensus decision.
Now I know that everyone always says
that just to be shortlisted is an achievement
in itself (see shortlist on page 18). And I’ve
been to enough awards ceremonies over
the years to know that ‘second place’ is
often scoffed at by the comedian host. But
I can only say that in the case of the CICM
British Credit Awards, coming second,
being Highly Commended or even just
making it through this far is no mean
feat. This isn’t a modern-times school
sports day where everyone gets a prize.
If you win, fabulous. If you don’t, you
have the satisfaction of knowing you’re
benchmarking yourself against the best
the industry can offer, and your turn will
undoubtedly come.
Stirling Moss, who I once had the
privilege of interviewing, was one of the
greatest racing drivers of all time but
never won the world championship title.
My point? True class is always recognised
in the end.
Brave | Curious | Resilient / www.cicm.com / December 2023 / PAGE 3