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How important is a highly attractive, high functioning spouse?

Jun 29 2009

Following the eulogy to the fragrant Diane Jenkins in the weekend Telegraph, it’s worth revisiting the contribution that Diane has allegedly made to the career of husband Roger Jenkins, the executive chairman of Barclays Investment Banking and Investment Management for the Middle East.

Diane, a Bosnian who met Jenkins while at City University, is rumoured to have had a role in endearing Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor al-Thani to him. The Sheikh, who manages the Qatari sovereign wealth fund, bought a 15% stake in Barclays earlier this year, enabling the bank to reject an investment from the British government.

Although Diane is something of a socialite, the Jenkinses, the Sheikh and his wife apparently enjoy quiet nights in eating lamb and pasta for four at home.

Now that client relationships are resurgent, are alpha spouses mandatory for success in banking? Or can you still get by with someone who reheats ready meals and thinks Botox is a character from Asterix?

Comments (32)

An alpha male beast wouldn't be partnered with a hippo...or vice versa. A tiger needs a tigeress.

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Comments (32)

  • My wife makes a mean spaghetti on toast and only brushes her hair every few days. She hasn't proven a hindrance yet.

    Not choosy 29 Jun 2009

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  • Its extremely important. Your spouse or choice of partner reflect your status within society. If your happy being 3rd rate so be it...some of us are not!!

    ZLTE017 29 Jun 2009

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  • ZlTE017 - Sorry to break the news, but no matter how appealing your wife, you will still seem third rate if you can't spell 'you're.'

    Choosy 29 Jun 2009

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  • However, if you are looking to sleep your way to the top or bed top business ladies in order to secure deal flow then any form of spouse (alpha or not) may well prove a hindrance.

    Steve 29 Jun 2009

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  • ZlTE017-Once again he is back with his ridiculous comments

    Bored 29 Jun 2009

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  • ZLTE017-Your hand does not count as a partner

    bc 29 Jun 2009

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  • Choosy, if you are going to correct someone, it's usually best to make damn sure that you're (you are) right - otherwise you look like a prat

    Carol Vorderman 29 Jun 2009

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  • Carol - I am not belittling your IQ my dear, but if you look closely you will see two instances of your/you're in the post in question.

    Choosy 29 Jun 2009

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  • but Carol - paying heed to your own advice is usually best practice. Anyway,  since when does your partner have any bearing on your career prospects? Leave them at home I say!

    Male Chauvinist 29 Jun 2009

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  • Carol - Well that backfired on you, didnt it miss clever clogs? hahaha. looks like someone else is the prat after all

    Choosy you legend 29 Jun 2009

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