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Win Ugly – Inch By Inch

17.06.09

There are many reasons why I love working in Broadgate right in the heart of the city, apart from being on the doorstep of the major banks and many of our clients. One of them is undoubtedly the arena in the middle which stages various events, such as yesterday lunchtime watching the Lions game on a big screen with my colleague, and general rugby legend, Rob Henderson, who played in these games not so long ago.

Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson

The reason I mention this is because of something Hendo said later on in the evening when doing an entertaining half hour spot on BBC Radio 5 Live about the British & Irish Lions chances of actually winning the test series. As someone who actually pulled on the famous red jersey he should know what he is talking about, and he mentioned that in the first test at least, he would be happy to see them “win ugly”.

It seems to me that this phrase can apply to many at the moment. In tough conditions it is all about doing the hard graft, putting in the effort and trying to keep your head above water. I see a lot of this hard slog in our industry, more creativity, people re-inventing themselves.

When you really think about it, perhaps it is these times that actually push us forward, rather than being able to rest on our laurels in an easy market, the innovation that comes in the hard times provides the bedrock for future prosperity. The kick up the ass many needed to make the necessary changes to their working environment that perhaps they should have done ages ago.

It’s about little victories, inch by inch – if anyone knows Al Pacinos’ superb motivational speech to his American Football team in the film “Any Given Sunday” – well, that sums it up.

Hendo is right, before you can play a wonderful free-flowing game you have to earn the right. Sometimes you just have to win ugly, and those that put in the hard graft now, will be flying when things finally turn round.

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Andrew Montlake

Written by Andrew Montlake

Andrew Montlake, better known as Monty, began his journey with an Hons degree in Economics & Politics before starting in the mortgage industry in February 1994. As a main founder of Coreco in 2009, he successfully grew the brand, marketing, and communications, and was made MD in 2019 focussing on the overall vision, strategy, and culture of the company. As Coreco’s media spokesperson, Andrew can often be seen or heard on TV and radio as well as regularly commenting in the national, local, and trade press. He is the author of this acclaimed Mortgage Blog and is well-known for his social media, podcasts, and public speaking. Andrew is now proud to serve as Chairman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, (AMI) as a cheerleader for the Mortgage Industry as a whole and continues to work at the coal face, writing mortgage business and advising clients.

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