Getting to know Marisa Firkins

As we continue to introduce you to our team, up next is our Managing Director Marisa Firkins…..

Who’s someone you really admire?

My late sister, Michelle. Michelle was extremely courageous in her fight against cancer. She died aged 49. I have her diary in my possession which details her brave thoughts within her last year. She just got on with life and grabbed every minute. Michelle was 5 years older then me and it really makes me feel grateful for everyday I have on this earth.

You are on death row (wrongly convicted of course), what would your last meal be?

I love, love, love Caribbean food so it would have to be a mixture of fried chicken, curry goat with rice and peas. Washed down with a rum punch.

What do you enjoy most about working for Safety Forward?

Being with my team. I love them dearly and they are all very different. I learn so much from each of them. It has been a turbulent year through COVID but we have come out the other side and are ready to embrace a busy year ahead. We also have some amazing clients and pride ourselves on our productive relationships. Without their loyalty we do not have a business.

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

I can’t really recall this as it would have been such a long time ago. However, I do remember back in 1981 finding a £5 note outside the gate of our family home when I was 11. As I grew up in a very religious household my Mom said you can do the right thing and “give it to the lord” or keep it to yourself. Guess what? I kept it and bought “The Hit Squad”.

What’s the best advice you have ever heard?

Before you marry him, listen to him chew. If you can stand the noise go ahead with the wedding.

What’s your favourite place you have ever visited?

It has to be Florence. I love architecture and buildings. I spent my time there constantly looking up saying “wow”. My second is Llama Island off Hong Kong. It was pure escapism from a hectic, condensed country.

What would your chosen super power be?

I wish I could time travel to the past. When I was a little girl my only worry was what to build next with my Lego.

What is your greatest achievement within work and personnel life?

I’m fortunate that I have so much to be proud of. On a personal level, I have an amazing daughter who has been my rock through some personal challenges, including a long illness her Dad suffered. She kept me sane through this, even though she was very young. Her childhood was turned upside down for a few years but she has turned out to be a resilient and independent individual. I can’t describe how proud of her I am. My greatest achievement in my worklife is going from a great career with the National Crime Agency to setting up Safety Forward. I was completely naive and didn’t have a clue what I was doing! However, I must have done something right because the business has really grown and we have a great future ahead.

What makes your blood boil?

Disloyalty and big ego’s. In the past, if a friend or work colleague is disloyal I find this very hard to handle. I have to remind myself that no matter what you do for some people they will only have their own personal gain at heart. On the subject of ego’s, no one should ever pull rank or think they are mightier than another. One of the best sayings I ever heard was “Egotism is an anaesthetic which nature gives us to deaden the pain of being a fool”. This is so true.

What’s something you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?

Watch a Euro final with England in it of course!