by: Jürgen Knees

Jennifer Houghten: Thriving in Business on the Isle of Man Where Speed Sets the Pace

In the real world she would rather have studied medicine.

Jennifer made a terrific career. Her education is a CPA and currently she´s a Director of a few companies. Jennifer recently set up two new companies as an Entrepreneur within the online gaming sector, and is fortunate to share her story with us.

Awarded:

“Isle of Man Business Person of the Year” in 2015; the first woman to win this award.
“International Director of the Year” by the Institute of Directors, Isle of Man Branch, in 2016.
Appointed Chair of the Institute of Directors, Isle of Man Branch, in 2017.

My goal:

To successfully direct companies within the regulated industry and lead with the principles of good corporate governance.

On Top of this:

Jennifer speaks four Languages: English, Swedish, German and French.

Interview with Jennifer

Class of 1977 (68-77 at BAHS)

BAHS: What is your best childhood memory?
JH: Spending time at our summer house in Sweden.

BAHS: How did you and Jay meet?
JH: At a society dinner on the Isle of Man. I thought he was my client… we ended up dating instead!

BAHS: Which teacher in school made the most impact on you, and why?
JH: Ms. Degen, because I love music.

BAHS: What are you most proud of?
JH: The friends and family I’ve picked up along the wonderful path of life.

BAHS: What is your favorite music?
JH: ’70s soft rock.

BAHS: What inspired you to be successful in your job?
JH: Other inspirational professionals.

BAHS: Why did you choose your profession?
JH: Being a CPA is an international job, and online gaming is a thriving, regulated industry on the Isle of Man.

BAHS: How do you spend your free time?
JH: Running, hiking, skiing—really, any outdoor sport. Then I like chatting with close friends and family over dinner.

BAHS: If you had a chance for a “do-over” in life, what would you do differently?
JH: I would have become a doctor. But university was expensive, so I ended up with just a minor in biology.

BAHS: What role does sport play in your life?
JH: It keeps me calm and happy—it’s my daily dose of well-being!

BAHS: What was one of your most defining moments in life, or at BAHS?
JH: Spending 9 years at BAHS during the post-Cold War period (1968-1977).

BAHS: What age do you feel right now, and why?
JH: I feel 40—I’m wiser and a bit older than in my 20s and 30s, but still feel great.

BAHS: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
JH: New Zealand. I loved Australia but never made it to the Kiwis.

BAHS: If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
JH: My iPhone, my wedding ring, a casual outfit (jeans & fleece), sunglasses, and my daily dose of vitamins.

BAHS: What do you want your tombstone to say?
JH: “Smile and be happy.”

BAHS: Who do you most admire in life?
JH: I admire all my close friends and family for that little something that makes each of them unique.

BAHS: What are your top three favorite books and why?
JH:
a. Dune—I love sci-fi.
b. Agatha Christie novels—they have suspense.
c. The Hobbit—I enjoy fantasy.

BAHS: What is your strongest personal quality?
JH: Empathy.

BAHS: If you were president of the US, what would be the first thing you’d do?
JH: Reinstate the balance between the three branches of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial).

BAHS: What does a perfect day look like to you?
JH: It looks like today! 😊

Thank you!

Jennifer, thank you so much for taking the time for this Interview. It was a pleasure to learn more about you and exchange Interest´s. I’m sure your successstory can inspire others. It also was a plesure meeting you in person at the Bonn-Reunion in 2017. You contributed so many lovely pictures and suportet this Event with your presence.

One last question

BAHS: School reunions are a time to catch up with old friends and reminisce about days gone by. Besides the usual chatting and eating, fun activities can make a reunion extra special and help people enjoy each other’s company. 
What are your thought´s on this?

JH: Jay and I where still smiling after returning home from the last All BAHS High-School reunion in Bonn 2017. This was our first reunion and I feel so lucky to have met so many amazing new friends who all share special memories, and I look forward to experiencing new adventures together in this big wonderful world we live in!

Big hug to all Crusaders and extended family! 

Jennifer (Niemann) Houghton