Leor Franks
Chief commercial officer at Kingsley Napley LLP
The chief commercial officer at the London firm Kingsley Napley shares his passions and interests with The Brief.
How do you like to start the day?
On weekdays, I listen to the Today programme on BBC Radio 4. On days in the office, I enjoy the free breakfast in our staff canteen, Lennies – usually the pancakes with honey.
What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?
In my home office, it’s the under-desk treadmill beneath my standing desk.
Who is your closest colleague?
Our head of communications, Michael Rosen. We’ve worked together at several firms and once went on a student surfing trip in the late 90s!
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
My late father was a tailor by trade. I have a pair of his steel tailoring scissors he gave me as a child on my desk at home. Forty years on, they still cut through anything!
What’s your favourite song of all time?
Bon Jovi, Livin’ on a Prayer. It’s the reason colleagues avoid giving me the mic at a karaoke evening!
What’s your favourite play?
I’m not a big fan of plays, to be honest!
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Tom Cruise – most of his films, especially the action movies. Just not Vanilla Sky.
What’s your favourite book?
The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
What book are you reading right now?
Ditch The Billable Hour by Sean Jardine
What book do you wish you had written?
See above
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
On-demand TV – being able to watch literally anything at the touch of a button.
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
Ski jumping – I enjoy skiing, but I neither have the technique nor the confidence to do the jumps!
Who inspires you in business?
My first boss, David Hurst, who is a serial founder, charity trustee, and community leader as a Deputy Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Essex.
In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
I went “Full Santa” for the team Christmas event this year, so I guess I have to say dress up in that context!
Where do you go to relax?
The beach – ideally a long empty stretch of white sand. Doesn’t really matter where, though preferably over 25 degrees.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Bhutan – amazing scenery. I’ve been to Nepal and Tibet, so have seen some of the Himalayas but, from what I’ve heard of Bhutan, “I ain't seen nothing yet”.
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
Apple Watch with mobile connection. When I’m out on a long beach walk, I don’t actually need the phone.
What’s the best part of your job?
Partner coaching – I co-run a coaching programme for colleagues with our former senior partner Jane Kier. We’ve had a third of the partnership through it – people really engage, and you can see the changes that result with many.
How do you unwind after work?
That on-demand TV I mentioned with an ice-cold zero beer. Ideally watching a political thriller series with my wife. Or, failing that, some daft science fiction, but she’ll be watching something else in that case!
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
Lindt chocolate balls, especially the salted caramel, dipped in a milky coffee. You can’t beat that!
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