10 On The Weekend is a weekly (-ish) feature in IMI, the concept of which is simple: Each time, we ask the same ten questions of a different IMI Pro, letting readers get to know the interviewee on a more personal and informal level than they might during the ordinary course of business.
Our guest this week is Christopher Willis, Co-Founder and Managing Partner (Americas and Caribbean) of Latitude Group
How do you spend your weekends?
Weekends are busy and typically centre around family. My two daughters are accomplished showjumpers, so I spend an inordinate amount of time holding a horse. Parent brag: Middle daughter was Canadian champion for her division as well as Reserve Champion (2nd Place) on the UK school circuit for the 1.20 division. Other daughter placed 4th with her team.
My son is either on a quad bike or a dirt bike when not playing rugby, so he always turns up muddy.
When not with the kids, my wife and I relax by maintaining our garden and watching our Koi grow. I also continue to play (field) hockey at Masters level, which still takes me to some fun places and tournaments. All in all, I get an opportunity to switch off from work and focus on other things.
What are your top three business goals this year?
Without a doubt, getting Argentina properly launched and ready to receive applications. This has been taking a lot of my time and attention, and I want to see it be successful.
As an extension of this, continue to expand our B2B partnerships and make Latitude the partner of choice in the B2B space.
Finally, learn how to count to three.
What’s your biggest business concern right now?
Too many self-appointed experts in the space promoting their services, which typically ends up being detrimental to the industry.
I see this in particular around Argentina, where people are making assumptions and advising clients without proper knowledge. Greater regulation will be welcomed, especially to support consumer protection.
Which book is on your nightstand right now?
The Essential Calvin and Hobbes – I like to simplify my thinking, and reverting to the musings and adventures of a 6-year-old boy and his pet stuffed tiger helps keep things real and in perspective.
How and when did you first get into the investment migration industry?
A long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away… (that’s for you, EM). My immigration career started in London in 1995, and 30+ years later, I am still going strong.
I began assisting Canadians, Aussies, Kiwis, etc on how to stay in the UK, and eventually they wanted to start bringing partners back home, so I started doing outbound work.
I saw Canada had a skilled worker program, so I called up the Program Manager at the Canadian High Commission in London.
I let him know that we would be submitting files and, to make life easier for his team, asked what format he wanted to receive them in, and off we went. Since then, I have owned and operated immigration firms in the UK, Caribbean, and Canada.
What was your proudest moment as a service provider?
Having done this for a while, there have been many, but getting Argentina to the launch phase is definitely up there.
Which investment migration market development has surprised you the most in the last year?
The success of the New Zealand AIP Program. Their concept of offering residency for life was very clever, and the success of this program reflects that.
If you could go ten years back in time, what business decision would you change?
I am pretty comfortable with my journey so far. To quote Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia: “How you climb a mountain is more important than reaching the top.”
Longevity and credibility in any walk of life, business or personal, require that you treat people well, and the rewards will come.
What investment migration industry personality do you most admire?
Our Board members at Latitude work so well together, so I have to call out Eric Major, Ryan Darmanin, and Jon Green. I admire that we can make strong decisions and agree on the direction and strategy to grow the firm.
There are too many to mention on our Executive Committee; however, they also provide great insight and value. I will also call out Don Myatt.
He is the best person to have a conversation with about anything and everything, in particular over a goat curry and cold beer.
In addition, he hates any public adulation, so I had to make sure he got some.
If all goes according to plan, what will you be doing five years from now?
Spending more time in the show jumping arena, dirt bike track, hockey field, and garden. Most importantly need to give some time back to my wife, who has supported me and the kids when work has required me to travel extensively.
