ABOUT JOHN
I advise from operational experience, strengthened by professional expertise.
For much of the last thirty years, I’ve led and supported people in demanding environments where pressure is constant, responsibility is significant and the quality of judgement matters.
EXPERIENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
When responsibility carries consequence.
I’ve led specialist teams, worked alongside the Special Forces, stepped up to Warship Captaincy and commanded the United Kingdom’s largest Bomb Disposal and Diving Squadron. I also led counterterrorism support for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Those experiences taught me the value of clear thinking, trusted communication and sound judgement when information is incomplete, expectations are evolving and decisions carry real consequence.
They also deepened my understanding of the personal weight that can accompany responsibility, change and uncertainty.
EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
Experience shaped by complexity and consequence.
RECOGNITION
MILITARY OPERATIONS
Standing Joint Commander (UK)‘s Commendation
Commended for “outstanding leadership and contribution” in planning and delivering the maritime bomb disposal response supporting the wider London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games security operation.
British Armed Forces - Operation OLYMPICS
After graduating from Cardiff University and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, I served in leadership, operational and strategic appointments in the United Kingdom and overseas.
My work crossed specialist operations, military command, professional training and international research and development. It required me to lead across different professions, cultures and circumstances, often adapting quickly without losing clarity of purpose.
That breadth of experience continues to inform how I work today: providing perspective, sound judgement and a practical understanding of people to situations shaped by complexity, pressure and significant responsibility.
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Commanding Officer’s Commendation
Commended for “outstanding personal contribution” to international experimental research, decompression table development and work supporting the Canadian Special Forces.
Royal Canadian Navy / CFEME Toronto.
FROM EXPERIENCE TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Operational experience informed my work. Professional practice refined it.
My operational experience taught me that technical expertise and authority are not always enough. People also need space to reflect, question assumptions and consider how their decisions, communication and behaviour affect those around them.
That understanding led me to undertake advanced professional development as an Executive and Leadership Coach, Mentor, and ultimately an elected Fellow of the Institute of Leadership.
Coaching remains an important part of how I work, but it sits alongside counsel, challenge and independent perspective. The approach is shaped by the needs of the individual rather than by a fixed coaching formula.
HOW CLIENTS EXPERIENCE MY WORK
Calm perspective. Confidential space. Considered challenge.
Clients describe me as approachable, authentic and grounded. They value my ability to listen carefully, bring calm perspective, ask thoughtful and direct questions and create a confidential space in which difficult matters can be considered openly.
My experience informs the work, but the value of the relationship lies in the quality of thinking, challenge and support I provide today.
THOUGHTFUL
I listen carefully, understand the wider context and avoid rushing towards an answer.
DIRECT
I ask direct, sometimes difficult questions without judgment or a predetermined agenda.
GROUNDED
I remain focused on the realities of your circumstances and what will serve you best.
The relationship is shaped around what will help you think more clearly, strengthen your judgement and move forward with greater confidence.
WHO I SUPPORT
Differing circumstances. Same clear thinking.
01
Private Advisory
My work spans private individuals and principals, senior executives and emerging leaders, Captains and senior maritime professionals, and leaders operating in professional sport and high-pressure environments.
Some clients are preparing for a more consequential role. Others are already carrying significant responsibility and need an independent place to think. Some are navigating transition, scrutiny, organisational change or a decision whose implications extend well beyond the immediate issue.
In every case, the work is confidential, individual and grounded in the client’s real circumstances.
Confidential counsel and independent perspective for private individuals and principals.
02
Perform Under Pressure
Advanced development and individual support for senior executives and senior leaders in professional sport.
03
Coaching for Captains®
Command readiness and one to one support for Captains, senior officers and those preparing to step up.
CLIENT PERSPECTIVES
"At the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic John stepped in to support us, quickly grasped the challenges faced and, by objectively challenging our perceptions, enabled us to reframe our thinking, regain trust and return to operations swiftly.”
Ian Gardiner Head of Quality, MHI VestasSTART A CONVERSATION
A private conversation is often the best place to begin.
You are welcome to get in touch to discuss your circumstances, the perspective or support you’re seeking, and whether I may be the right person to help.
Any enquiry will be treated with absolute discretion. Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information at this stage: a brief outline is sufficient.