Arbiter Elegantiarum: Charles MacPherson

Who is a role model that you have looked to in cultivating your sense of style? What would you consider to be their “secret ingredient”?

Firstly, I must acknowledge my Grandmother, Mother and Father who were all enormous influences on me. Outside of my immediate family, I believe it was my second employers Messrs Barette and Pearce who taught me style at a commercial hospitality level that to this day is still my measuring stick both personally and professionally. It all comes down to two things; first “attention to detail” and second “scale”. With both of these items suitably addressed, everything else falls into place no matter what your style!

Who is a role model that you have looked to in cultivating a life of substance? What would you consider to be their “secret ingredient”?

Two people in particular come to mind. First is Maya Angelou who I respect as someone who is cultured, influential, intelligent, smart, fun and a “bon vivant”. Professionally, Leticia Baldridge comes to mind. She is someone who is fearless while dealing with world leaders as she demonstrates that self confidence and kindness can help to overcome challenges and difficulty in the world of diplomacy!

If you could go beyond a company's marketing chatter, what would you really like to know about them when you are deciding on a business deal? How do you gauge their level of style and substance?

There are so many amazing companies out there. From a list of my favourite companies I would love to peak behind the magic curtain of Apple Computers. I want to know how they determine function, elegance, style and train their employees to this standard. For me I marvel at their consistency and believe that it presents a model more companies should strive to achieve!

What is the most important piece of advice that you would offer College Grads entering today's job market? How can they put their best foot forward? How can they take advantage of volunteer opportunities to cultivate business contacts?

         1. Be yourself

         2. Never impede your thirst for knowledge

         3. Do not fear graciousness and manners; they have allowed me a fabulous life

 
If you could change one thing about your style, what would it be? When you consider your priorities, is there anything that you would change if you had more time or resources?

I don’t think I would change anything about my style. Is that pretentious of me? Perhaps I could learn to do a better job of editing … remember “less is more” and I sometimes fail at that particular lesson.