About me
Background
I have worked at the sharp end of business and technology for over four decades across many sectors and countries with organisations ranging from startups to intergovernmental institutions.
I am a former technologist with a background in astrophysics who today is focused on how organisations adapt to what is an increasingly complex world. To explore this, I founded a thinktank called the Adaptive Edge Initiative.
Some key points:
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Financial Times columnist for a decade on leadership matters.
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Lectured at MIT Sloan on leadership matters.
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Work with the University of Cambridge (Moller Institute) on leadership education.
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Trained in astrophysics and have worked in space science for the European Space Agency.
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Worked in over forty countries across the world across multiple sectors with many of the world’s most prominent brands.
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Engaged with former government leaders globally in the creation of a book focused on reimagining government.
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Written six books on strategic and societal matters.
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Worked with the European Commission, including authoring a book on the future of skills in Europe.
I have researched the practices of the most forward-thinking organisations and governments in respect of organisational and societal success. I have drawn upon anthropology, neuroscience, biology, technology and human performance to create a people-centred adaptive approach to thriving in a world where the future is increasingly unknowable.
Expertise
I help organisations in both the public and private sectors navigate an increasingly disruptive world. This ranges from:
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Awareness raising – eg. Public speaking.
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Exploration – eg. Workshops.
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Education – eg. Leadership development programmes.
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Implementation – eg. Advisory.
These are just examples of how I engage with my clients. How my capability is applied will be driven by the outcomes you are seeking.
Personal
As part of my professional focus on helping people thrive in the post-industrial world, I take an interest in human performance, particularly around movement.
I am a former track sprinter. I also have a background in martial arts (both hard and soft).
In more recent years, I have taken up parkour, which can be considered the martial art of skedaddling. It involves moving through a typically urban terrain whilst negotiating obstacles.
I also 'enjoy' ultradistance trail running, which can be regarded as a picnic on the move.
I actually enjoy modern jive dancing. To give you a sense of how good I am, my wife ranks dancing as my most effective martial art.