What’s your Style? Victoria Davey, Gordons
Lifestyle correspondent Lisa Darwin chats to Victoria Davey of law firm Gordons about Daniel Craig, Alexander McQueen and The Big Apple.
What was the last picture you took on your phone?
A photo of the scales at Leeds Bradford airport as proof, in the childish competition I have with mates, of who can get closest to the 22kg allowance but avoid excess charge – quite proud I’d come in at 21.5kg last week.
Best compliment you’ve received? ”you’re sort of attractive”
Greatest strength and weakness? Strength – resilience; Weakness – retail therapy.
Who would be your perfect dinner date past or present? I could suggest an intellectual gathering but if it’s a ‘date’ would enjoy sitting opposite Daniel Craig.
Favourite Band/Artist? The Gordons band of course. Actually, I don’t have a favourite but I’m always first on and last off the dance floor so as long as you can dance to them they’re on my playlist.
Favourite Designer/High Street Brand? If money was no object then I would choose Alexander McQueen because of the beautiful cut and tailoring of their clothes. I’m a Net-a-Porter addict.
Favourite Food/Drink? It is hard to beat a really good steak and red wine.
Favourite Place in the world? For the sheer beauty of this city it would have to be Venice. Getting lost in Venice and finding something new down an alley that you can’t find the next time you go (especially with my sense of direction!) makes Venice a magical place.
If you could do anything, knowing what you know now, what would you do? I would like to experience some stages of my life again with a bit more confidence and to have been brave enough to make some decisions that felt beyond me at the time.
What have you always wanted and did you get it? Independence and yes.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Don’t remember knowing what I wanted to be but I think I had an idea of the sort of person I wanted to be – secure, independent and happy. So that’s a tick.
What makes you happy? I find happiness very easy to achieve and am as happy in fun company with simple banter or on my own enjoying some peace and quiet.
Where did you start your career? Nelson & Co in Leeds in 1993 which was acquired by Gordons in 2004.
What does your job include/Title? Partner and Head of Operations.
What is it the company does? We provide straightforward, practical legal advice.
What do you believe makes a great leader? I admire leaders who are authentic, energetic and inspire and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves.
What has been your biggest challenge in your current position? Peggy, my mate’s granny always says that “if everyone put all their troubles on the table you’d be quick enough to take back your own”. Most challenges which seem huge at the time, when put in perspective and compared to others’ challenges, are pretty insignificant so nothing too memorable.
Where do you see the company in five years-time? Continuing to be a successful and independent business where people can really enjoy their career and, of course, the retail firm of choice.
What advice would you give to an aspiring business leader? Do not be afraid to make mistakes and enjoy it.
Who is your most successful/famous contact in your phone? Must have lost that number
Who is your role model in life/business? For her bravery and passion for life even when it got really tough for her, my mum. Mum could turn pretty much any occasion into a party!
Which city in the world, other than Leeds of course would you like to work? I love the buzz in New York and a spell there would have been fun.
