More than 30 years as a business leader and consultant have given me significant direct experience of commercial disputes and of the complexities of managing large international teams. An empathetic and imaginative communicator, I quickly engender trust and facilitate difficult discussions from a position of calm authority. I have successfully dealt with many difficult people and organisational issues across the globe, often at times of rapid political, economic or business change.
Why Choose John as a mediator?
Outstanding, experienced negotiator – I am an astute professional with experience of leading large, high-performing teams and managing disputes at every commercial level, and across a range of sectors. I have run courses on negotiating and influencing skills for over 20 years.
Extensive international experience – Well-travelled and culturally aware, I have worked across central and eastern Europe, India and North America. I worked as HR Director for PwC in the Middle East, covering 12 countries and 2,700 people before and during the Arab Spring.
Efficient, thorough and commercially minded – Capable of carrying out detailed research and analysis where required, I am highly experienced at undertaking wide-ranging consultation followed by swift action, and understand the necessary balance of strategic and operational objectives.
Flexible – Based in central London, I travel nationally and internationally for work, and tailor my fees to individual mediations.
What others say
“He is intelligent, charming and wise, with a style which breeds confidence. John has real presence, with a sense of humour and positivity that immediately puts one at ease… He was authoritative, but kept a sense of proportion and calmed an explosive, emotional situation. All parties were happy with the outcome and commented on John's skill at enabling those involved to open up and express their views honestly.” MD, Recruitment Company
“I was Chairman of a children’s charity the CEO of which had recently died and a new CEO was grappling with some anomalies in the organisation. It was a classic HR issue relating to remuneration levels, poor performances and overstaffing but one the existing HR people were too squeamish to deal with. There was a legacy of indecision and reluctance to act. We asked John if he’d come in for a month or two to help us. He showed his mettle as a negotiator and dispute resolver. Quietly and calmly on a case by case basis he dealt with all the issues and they went away without recourse to tribunals and litigation. John had the difficult conversations fearlessly and the respondents seemed to have a mixture of gratitude and relief after talking with him. This was my first experience of seeing what I now realise was mediation in action. It was refreshing, quick, it was low cost and it was inspiring to see a master of it at work.” Richard Hall, Richard Hall Associates
“He was trusted by ‘both sides’ and never let his own feelings or wishes interfere with his role as mediator. Most who were involved in mediations where John was involved found it a process that enhanced their understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, which gave them a long-term personal benefit. I can think of no-one else I would rather have as a mediator in a dispute than John.” Partner, "Big 4" Professional Services Firm
“With rich corporate and personal experience to draw upon, John has that rare ability to see the big picture and deal with detail well. He is a highly effective communicator and has strong inter-personal skills, he cares and is thoughtful. With the highest level of integrity and the confidence to ask difficult questions when needed, he possesses all the key skills to be an exceptional mediator." Mike Taylor, MD, Accelerating Experience
"As a lead partner in one of the Big 4 accounting firms, I used John to great effect as a mediator of difficult, complex and sensitive people issues. His fund of experience in mediating mode has been invaluable to me and I commend his services without reservation." Lawrie Philpott, Philpott Black
Mediation video
It's difficult to bring the process of mediation to life in words and pictures, particularly for those who have no experience of the process. I also wanted to explore how mediation skills might be used to resolve a dispute before it explodes out of control. This video was shot in an Edinburgh kitchen and seeks to bring mediation to life, using workplace disputes as an example. I conclude with some comments from the wonderful Bob Hoskins.
Qualifications
CEDR accredited mediator
MBA specialising in Finance, City, University of London
MSc HR Management, LSE