Complacency can lead to extinction according to Goldman Sachs’s key principles. The extent to which its bankers take that tenet to heart was amply demonstrated at Euromoney’s inaugural Asia Awards for Excellence in July [see Asia awards 2006 for more on the event]. As guests arrived for the pre-dinner cocktail reception, one sharp-eyed Goldman banker spotted an unfamiliar but evidently important dignitary entering the room, accompanied by an impressive entourage of aides and hangers-on.
Discreetly enquiring of his Euromoney host the VIP’s identity, a look of concern flashed across his face when he was informed that the guest was in fact the CEO of a leading Malaysian bank. Turning quickly to one side, Blackberry in hand, the banker started punching out an email with evident urgency.
“I’ve got to get our Malaysia coverage guy down here as soon as possible.”
No sign of complacency there.