Navigating Finance and the English Channel: Michael Harris’s Dual Quest

Michael Harris, the Chief Financial Officer at GPS Capital Markets, has been instrumental in driving financial innovation and growth within the company. His leadership and strategic vision have played a big role in advancing GPS. This dedication was on full display during his recent swim across the English Channel with long-time friends Scott Thatcher and Zach Green. The trio completed the challenging swim in just 12 hours and 31 minutes.

Overcoming Challenges

The journey was not without its hurdles. “At the beginning, we faced strong wind and waves,” Michael said. “The captain said if it was any worse, he wouldn’t let us swim—it was our choice to leave then or finish what we started.” The conditions tested their limits, with cold waters pushing one of the swimmers to the verge of hypothermia and jellyfish adding an unexpected sting to the journey. One swimmer was even stung on the face, an experience they will likely not forget soon.

Lifelong Friendship and Teamwork

The trio first met in high school and have remained close friends ever since. Their bond has been strengthened by shared experiences and mutual support, which played a crucial role during their swim. They took one-hour turns in the water, supporting each other through the toughest parts of the journey, including five hours of swimming at night under a sky void of moonlight. “It was very dark,” Michael said. The encouragement and logistical support from their wives were also crucial in the lead-up to the swim and throughout the arduous journey. “Our wives were a huge help in getting us ready and keeping us in the water,” said Michael.

In addition to their Channel swim, the friends have completed swims from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge in California and in the Great Salt Lake and Bear Lake in Utah, where they reside, further showcasing their love for challenges and the outdoors.

An Inspirational Achievement

The Channel swim was a testament to their enduring friendship and shared passion for adventure. As they reached the French coast at 2:37 a.m., exhausted but elated, they knew they had accomplished something extraordinary together.

Their story is a reminder of the power of friendship and determination. By setting their sights on a common goal and supporting one another through every stroke, they achieved something many only dream of. Their journey across the Channel is not just a personal triumph but an inspiration to others to pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.

As Scott, Zach, and Michael return to their daily lives, they carry with them the memories of their adventure and the satisfaction of having conquered one of the world’s greatest challenges.

GPS Capital Markets provides corporate foreign exchange services to help companies manage foreign currency risk and execute foreign currency transactions.

Clients across the world trust GPS to minimize their FX risk and grow their international business by combining competitive exchange rates and our award-winning FXpert® platform with a host of tailored international financial solutions, including Intercompany Netting, Hedge Accounting, Balance Sheet Hedging, cross border payments, Data Analytics, and Cash Flow Hedging. For more information, book a call with one of our expert advisors.