The Steeple Times asks property venture capitalist Faisal Butt: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My inner voice. It somehow knows where I’m heading and is leading the way.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer” – This one simple motto has been responsible for unlocking most of my successes.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Not exploiting the opportunities around you and not taking control of your destiny.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
Definitely my family. And the sunny weather in California I’ve given up to be in London.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Good health, if I was losing it.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
People (and companies and institutions) must live within their means.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“It’s not possible” or “I can’t”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I prefer to help others through guiding and mentoring than through more traditional forms of charity. The sharing of wisdom has longevity and transformational power.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Use two at a time to multitask.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
A selection of inspirational entrepreneurs. Steve Jobs would definitely be in the carriage.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
It would be In-N-Out burger (only available in California, sorry) and I’d want to be overlooking Malibu beach.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
On the day I complete a deal for a new venture, anytime is ok. But generally, weekday or daytime drinking goes against the spirit of who I am.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy hosting, so my own.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Me. I tend to think anything is possible – if you open up your mind and think creatively, you can find a way to get what you what.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
A square of dark chocolate every evening.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
An arrow in the bull’s eye of an archery target
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I’d be a spaceship instead. I tend to move at a faster pace than everyone else around me.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I do, from time to time, stop working and relax.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A family photo from a beach holiday, my wife’s to-do list, and a card made by my daughter.
Faisal Butt is the co-founder of Hamilton Bradshaw Real Estate. His companies include 90 North Real Estate Partners, Accouter Design, Prime London Holdings, The London Management Company and Ivy Gate.
View his LinkedIn.com profile here.
Follow him on Twitter here.
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