This month, we are continuing our Wandertrust Connections series with another interview of one of our Partners at Trowbridge, Ernie Nagratha. Ernie does a lot of traveling this time of year to deliver our global tax presentations in various locations.
1] So Ernie, how long have you been travelling the globe to do Trowbridge presentations?
The first one I did was in LA in 2003. The year after, I did Hong Kong for the first time and I believe we have been presenting in Hong Kong every year since!
2] How many countries/cities do you think you’ve presented in?
Over 25 cities, I believe, in the past 15 years!
3] Can you name some of the places you’ve been invited back as a repeat speaker?
Singapore invites us back each year. Wayne has covered Singapore for the last number of years, and this year I went back for the first time since 2007. It was great to go again.
4] Do you have a memory (funny or sad) of what you think was your worst "sink-into-the-floor" embarassing presentation?
I remember in 2005, I was presenting in Bangkok, Thailand and the flight arrived 3 hours before the presentation was to start. I was stuck in a taxi on the highway because the Prince had a motorcade that was blocking the highway. I arrived at the presentation late, but somehow I felt I did the best presentation I had ever done! I guess the stress of being late made me focus more on the presentation delivery.
5] Do you have a memory of the best "rockstar moment" presentation you gave?
It was in Bermuda in 2009. It was the first time we presented there and I had over 300 people attend. I could not believe the amazing turn out! To this day I am still in touch with people from that presentation.
6] What are some of the benefits that you get from doing these presentations? Not just professionally, but personally what do you enjoy?
I enjoy meeting the people who come to our events. Canadian expatriates are a special group. They have a certain skill or reason why they have been asked or have chosen to go abroad, and it is amazing to hear their stories and their reflection on where they are.
7] What are some of the benefits that attendees get from attending the presentations based on feedback you get from attendees?
I think it’s a chance to ask questions and hear other people’s questions on tax and residency matters.
8] What is the singl biggest Take Away info from one of your presentations?
That attendees get to hear it from a firm that does this type of international work professionally, rather than getting info in bits and pieces from friends or colleagues.
9] Is this just a ploy from your team or your family to get you out of town for a while? ;)
No. Before I had my young kids, I could stay a bit longer in each place. Now though, I try and get the work done and home as soon as I can!
Stay tuned to learn more about the other Partners at Trowbridge!