If you have read my last post you need to wind the clock forward 3 or 4 years. I was by this time working in New York. Phillips and Drew had been bought by The Union Bank Of Switzerland-I will write on all this later. I had my own office. It was a huge glass one, 36 floors up in the middle of the International Securities. It also overlooked The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. (A quick tip is this net curtains with the light on inside makes them see through.!!) In the winter months I saw some truly amazing sites as people, thinking they were ‘in private’ did their thing!! I was a First Vice President of the bank in charge of the division. Being Swiss this meant I had all sorts of privileges I neither sought or indeed often enjoyed.
Br Airways by this time had a huge number of US shareholders. On a day to day basis members of my team would keep each of these investors up to date with developments in the corporate’s fortunes. A lot of British companies established Investor Relations offices in New York to support thew work of various other firms like ours and generally make sure influential shareholders were up to date with all news that was available for public release. In truth it was a bit over the top but I assume BA was attracting many of these shareholders as ‘premium passengers’ so perhaps it made sense after all.
Richard Gray was an equity salesman who was part of a team of people from all over the world who worked for me. It was quite a test managing the various psyche’s-the Swiss were the worst by the way- by a mile. Richard would definitely qualify for an Olympic team spot in smoothness. He was from Edinburgh and spoke with the best high class version of a Scottish accent you will ever hear. He was a consummate womaniser. Back in those days American Women had found a whole new confidence and Richard was available to help them perfect their approach and conquest modes. I have honestly seen him stop a pretty girl walking down Park Avenue. That winning smile, a truly over the top compliment such as, ‘I am sorry to have stopped you but you are the prettiest woman I have seen today and I just had to say hello’. He would offer his business card. ‘I am Richard’ he would say in his sexy drawl ‘if you fancy a cup of coffee sometime please give me a call’. Thing was this was a low risk adventure for a young woman. A cup of coffee how risky is that. He would sit in bars and write notes to young women he found attractive. He would summon the waiter and ask him/her to deliver the note along with a same again ‘for the young lady in the corner’. The recipient of the drink would naturally look round Richard would anticipate the move and wave across the bar. It did not always work but this man had so many dates with so many women it was amazing.
Back to British Airways their New York Investor relations office was run by a young woman who was particularly assiduous. Of course promoting BA was her job but judging by the number of times she would ring me in a day complaining about some piece of information missed or a share price movement that was of course nothing to do with me. My masterstroke was to put Richard in charge of looking after her. She was spellbound by our local ‘Braveheart’ and I had some peace. One evening I was having a drink with Richard when he let me into a secret. “Marie” cant remember her proper name ” has put me on The VIP list of BA. I flew back from London yesterday it was awesome. I felt a bit affronted and as his boss I am ashamed to say I pulled rank. “How come you are a VIP?’ I said “and I am not?” “I will have a word with Marie” he said and I thought no more about it.
Now one of the perks of being a First Vice President was I was ‘only allowed’ to stay in the very best hotels and to fly First Class. Tough work. One evening about a week or so after my chat with Richard I approached the check in desk at JFK for a flight to London. Flying First Class had somehow diluted my enthusiasm for check ins as It was pointless to play the upgrade game. I was still polite of course.
I put my carry on bag down and handed over my ticket. An instant almost alarmed response. The woman behind the desk grabbed a phone and spoke into it in hushed tones. From nowhere a man appeared, picked up my bag and asked me to ‘kindly follow me’. I was not given a boarding pass and I felt somewhat alarmed myself. Up to the BA lounge which I had been in before. Through to the First Class area which I had begun to familiarise myself with over recent months, through a thick glass door and into a sort of inner sanctum. The Opaque glass door had the BA logo imbedded in it and 4 extra letters. V.I. P’S. There were a small number of impossibly thick arm chairs. ‘Can I get you a drink sir” I was asked. Now between you and me I was dyeing for a drink. Busy week, the prospect of a long haul flight, all I wanted was couple of snifters and a kip. Out of my mouth came the words ‘ a slimline tonic please I said plenty of ice and a twist’ I had never ordered that drink, it just seems appropriate as I realised my conversation with Richard had born fruit. I needed to be on my best behaviour.
The plane was due to depart at 7pm and usually boarding took place at around a quarter to for those at the front of the bus. It was ten to seven, I had been on my own for the last quarter of an hour. I pushed the heavy glass door open, just a bit. Peeking through the lounges were deserted. They have forgotten me I thought and I wondered what to do. Suddenly the door swung open and there was the man who had guided me to my ‘special place’. Alongside him was tall man in BA uniform with the word Pursar on his left breast. He introduced himself and told me it was going to be his pleasure to look after me on the flight to London. My bag was seized by the first man and I was led off. Down the airbridge and then we turned left and the front entry to the plane was there. Alas by the open door, lined up were a number of the cabin crew-in my honour. Now any one who knows me will know that I was mortified. What would my grandfather say? I shuffled past but felt the need to greet the waiting line individually. Good evening, how are you, thank you very much etc. On board we turned left and the purser turned left and led me to seat 1A. Can I get you a drink Mr Elliott? A slim line tonic please I said again.
The telling of this tale reminds me just how much difficulty I have with people acting to each other as if somehow one person is more important than another. The flight was uneventful. My departure from the aircraft-I was first off of course and the other passengers forced to part as I was shown the way-was as excruciating as my entry.
Back in New York, having swopped my flight to Virgin for the return trip I asked Richard to come in my office. ‘Richard ‘ I said’ ‘ could you please do me a favour and ask Marie to take me off the VIP list!
Tales of a Life Well Lived 