John is an experienced and proven trainer and consultant and has worked extensively with architects and their organisations since joining Colander in 2005. His expertise is in leadership and the behaviours of teams.
Background
John is a learning and development (L&D) professional with a strong background in operational management and leadership training. He holds an MSc in HR Management, is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), and has extensive experience delivering nationally accredited management qualifications as a tutor and assessor.
John’s career started in the Royal Air Force, where he spent 17 years in operational roles around the world, including with the Royal Marines. He gained significant leadership experience and later, became a Senior Instructor in the Department of Initial Officer Training at the RAF College, Cranwell. In this role, he trained, coached and assessed student officers across key areas of professional development, including leadership, management, teamwork, communication, presentation skills, navigation and tactical field skills. Supporting individuals to grow in confidence and capability inspired his move into a training career.
Since joining Colander in 2005, John has worked extensively with architects, designers, structural engineers and building consultants. His military background continues to inform his approach as a trainer, especially as the parallels with architecture are striking. Both involve talented, driven people working in complex, high-pressure environments, where teamwork and leadership are critical for success.
He specialises in leadership, management and organisational development, and also designs and delivers a wide variety of related programmes covering areas such as time management, appraisals, staff development, coaching, assertiveness and communication skills.
John is qualified to conduct psychometric personality assessments, and is a certified coach and practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). He has coached professionals at all levels, including partners and directors, helping them overcome workplace challenges and improve personal and professional effectiveness.
Alongside his work in the built environment sector, John has worked across a number of industries with clients such as the British Library, the NHS and the Forestry Commission. The breadth of his experience brings valuable outside perspectives to his work with Colander.
Between 2004 and 2012, John also worked as an associate with the Outward Bound Trust, where he designed and delivered outdoor experiential leadership and team development programmes for a wide range of public and private sector clients.
Outside of work, John is a pilot, instructor and safety officer at the Yorkshire Gliding Club. He flies frequently, including taking members of the public on air experience flights over the scenic and historic countryside of North Yorkshire. He also supports the club by delivering ground training sessions for new recruits.