Tribute to Henk Potts

On stage, Henk was mesmerising. On the road, his quick wit and pastel attire were vivid. On radio & podcast, his dulcet tones hypnotising. Hearing about Henk’s passing while waiting to board a flight at Southampton airport for a client event in Guernsey was both bleak and somehow fitting. As frequent travel companion over the years, however onerous, journeys with him were adventures. Typically they started finding him in the BA lounge where his annually well-earned Gold status had gained access for junior colleagues. Throughout the trip, he entertained us with wry, running commentary observing absurdities of travel and world news. He was willing to make time for a good conversation especially alongside a good wine, whiskey, G&T or beer. While he sought out tasty food in any locale, after an event, could be convinced to have a late-night, street kebab. He’d been to every far-flung location and venue where we served clients. I saw him greeted with enthusiasm of an old friend by colleagues and clients alike, even if it had been years since he last been there. I admired his walking explorations, whether late at night after full day of meetings or early before their start, squeezing out time to experience the places and not just travel through them. Even with his joy for the road and the show, his family was always a priority and at fore of his mind. He eagerly picked up calls, whether to make a decision about kitchen renovations with Jonie or hearing about school day or sports from Henry & Emilia. His love for them was evident when he shared updates. When road-weary, thoughts of getting back home carried him along. He also always carried his aged folding suit bag, Gold Card attached, well beyond its useful years. Or his back injury would have made it sensible. And generally refused help to carry it. His stubbornness mixed with his positivity that he was fine to carry it, made it difficult to take it from him. As multitude of tributes attest, many have enjoyed his market views for both their wit and insight. Behind the scenes, though, his ease and fluidity was built on huge effort and time to perfect his craft. His dedication driven by devotion to the markets and desire to educate & entertain. For me, and others on our team, his passion was impressive, inspiring, and educational. Without a single note to hand, he wove scores of mundane economic figures into entertaining stories that even non-investors in the audience followed. His energy speedily conveyed you from market to market around the world. Following him on stage was a terrifying prospect. His cheeky disregard of his allocated time was notorious at our events. Sometimes he would explicitly add five minutes to a frequent opening line of “I’ve only been given…15, 20, 30… minutes to guide you through the turmoil of the global economy and financial markets.” And then might overrun… But like a Homer returned as a market strategist, with the audience enthralled, no one ever tried to shuffle him off. Our thoughts are with your wife and children. Hopefully the collective remembrances and stories show how much he was admired and appreciated. We’ll miss you Henk. But we’ll carry many happy memories and your maxim “I wish you every success in the trading day ahead.”