When asked which personality traits have best served him in his career, Mike France of online luxury watch brand Christopher Ward responds: “Drive, energy, competitiveness and curiosity.”
Indeed, these qualities are evident in pretty much everything he undertakes. In the past year he has not only become a Padi certified diver and maintained his unbeaten record in racket ball, but he has also continued to push and expand his business.
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that France took up racket ball at the same time as founding Christopher Ward back in 2005. The company has enjoyed a similar streak of success.
In the last 12 months alone it has seen international business grow significantly, and it has launched a new brand proposition, including a new website, magazine and logo to marry the English and Swiss aspects of the company.
In line with this growth, the Christopher Ward team has also expanded, and France is particularly pleased to have been able to bring in some of the best young watch design talent available. “Good people make the difference, and you need to keep raising the bar in that regard,” he says.
France draws much inspiration from people – especially underdogs, who rose from humble beginnings to achieve great success. “People like Ralph Lauren, JK Rowling and Dhirubhai Ambani,” he suggests. “And who isn’t impressed by what the Leicester City team have accomplished this year?
“These people are a reminder that you can achieve great things against all odds. As an Evertonian, I have to believe this.”
Continuing in this vein, for the years ahead France has but one goal: “To keep growing.”
IMAGE: Kalory.co.uk
