I had a conventional start in life: economics degree, banking, management consultancy, MBA, etc – lots and lots of analysis, in an international environment.
A big change occurred when I learned to let go of thoughts and thinking – and be present. Suddenly, my intuition switched on like a searchlight. I discovered that I was able to observe my thoughts and emotions. I was also able to ‘read’ other people. Having long harboured a desire to work in executive search, I knew I was now ready.
Six months later, I was working with the late Dr John Viney, the Chairman – Europe of Heidrick & Struggles. He asked me to set up and run the CFO Practice. Soon I was working at board level in the FTSE 100. John and I also began investing in early-stage technology companies together.
I become a partner and my work naturally broadened out, to encompass searches for CEOs, chairs and other board members. Since joining August Leadership, I have worked on searches at board level and in the C-suite, primarily in financial services, technology and healthcare.
In the meantime, I’ve written three published books, with the aim of helping as many people as possible. The Power of Letting Go is selling much faster than the first two, and has recently been translated into Spanish.
John studied economics at Cambridge University and has an MBA from INSEAD, where he was awarded the Henry Ford II Prize. He began his career in banking and management consultancy, and has invested in a dozen high-growth companies, serving on the boards of two of them. John is a partner with August Leadership where he recruits senior executives and board members. He has lived and worked in France, Belgium and the USA. John speaks French, German and Spanish. He is the author of How To Be Headhunted, Brand You and The Power of Letting Go.