Meet the team: Debbie Gooding

What is your role at Affinity?

I am a Team Leader in the Isle of Man yachting team. My role primarily deals with setting up yacht and aviation structures but I also have a few of the more traditional “CSP” clients.

What aspects do you love about your job and the company?

I love the variety of the role. One day you can be assisting someone with purchasing a yacht and the next day I can be dealing with an investment portfolio. It is ever changing and keeps me busy.

Everyone at Affinity is very approachable and there is a vast variety of knowledge between all the staff so if you have any queries they are always answered. There is always support for further development as well which is why I have just started my Superyacht Management Diploma.

How has your career progressed so far and how long have you been with us at Affinity?

I have worked in Corporate Services for 15 years starting as a trainee accountant but realising very quickly that accounts were not for me! I have been exposed to many types of structures and assets during that time but specifically yachts, aircraft and property. I am a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners which has cemented my love of working on trusts, especially the more complicated ones!  I’ve worked at Affinity for 15 months, starting in the first lockdown which although successful, was definitely an experience.  

Can you tell us a little more about your life at home?

I live with my husband Matt and our 7 month old Labrador Ozzy. With Ozzy being so young and hitting the “teenage” dog age the house is a little crazy but fun!   

What are your interests and hobbies?

I love singing and can regularly be seen on the Gaiety Theatre stage in productions and singing in the annual music festival! I’m a classical singer though so you will never see me on the karaoke on a night out! I also love sewing and whilst I gain confidence, regularly make outfits for my 3 year old nephew. Hopefully one day I’ll be confident enough to make things for myself!

Finally, could you tell us something not many people may know about you?

I am a qualified judge for Rally Obedience. This is a dog obedience discipline that I actually competed in at Crufts in 2019 with my previous dog. We didn’t do very well.. he got stage fright! I can judge the beginner levels and hopefully will move up to the more advance levels with more experience!