“I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside John for the last year and can wholeheartedly recommend him to newly promoted Masters and Senior Officers.
Using a blend of coaching, mentoring and objective advice I’ve developed an “Eagle eye” and strategic perspective that has proven to be vital in making the transition to Captaincy as well as developing my team.
A skilful Coach he’s enabled me to explore pathways and unveil solutions to a variety of situations, using perspectives from his own experience along the way.
Having an alternative perspective offers senior mariners with an opportunity to secure their sustainability, sustain their performance and widen their gaze, ready for the challenges of Command.”
“Working with John has been nothing short of an immense benefit and support.
Not only can he help you develop a road map to realise your aspirations, professional goals, or to navigate personal life challenges, but he is a great listener whose supportive nature has helped me to work through stresses and concerns.
Easy going in nature, John’s first hand experience of command and leadership is evident, while his insights and perspective have added value and enriched the experience.
Equipping me with tools and techniques, he has helped me to build mechanisms and strategies to fend-off challenges, and ultimately, enabled me to perform at my best. ”
— CAPTAIN DAVE HUDSON - MASTER MARINER AND CAPTAIN, CUNARD LINES, UK
“Over the last year John has been of tremendous help, supporting me as I’ve made the transition to the role of Captain.
He has helped shift my mindset from “Survive” to “Thrive” while opening my mind with fresh approaches and perspectives on leadership, especially when in Command at sea. The result has lifted my eyes to the horizon to develop a more strategic perspective, while reminding me of the value to empower and entrust the team to manage the details.
Not only has this approach enabled my team to flourish and nurture their talents, but it has helped me to sustain my ability to perform throughout, leaving me better placed to respond to challenges with confidence, clarity, energy and focus.
Lastly, he has helped me to see that in my role as a Captain that I’m not necessarily at the peak of my career, but at the beginning of a whole new journey.
While his experience speaks for itself, his support has been invaluable and I can wholeheartedly recommend John’s expertise as a Coach.
His vast experience has helped me to open my mind, explore different perspectives and find that extra way to resolve issues to particular situations. And with his support over the last year I was able to work at my best while keeping stress levels under control.
I can truly recommend him to both newly promoted and more senior Masters and Senior Officers. ”
— CAPTAIN LORENZO SAPETTI - MASTER MARINER AND CAPTAIN, MSC CRUISES LINES, ITALY.
“Over the last year I have had the privilege of working with John whom quickly became an asset for my professional development in my role as Master.
Not only does John demonstrate evident experience but his through his coaching expertise he shows tact and an ability to listen, and through it all, remained a neutral figure and sounding board.
The skills and techniques shared have helped me on the journey towards becoming the “conductor of the orchestra,” more sustainable in my pace and objective in my day-to-day role. The has been freeing, allowing me to perform at my very best when absolutely needed.
John is a real gentleman and consummate professional and would without doubt recommend him to Staff Captains and Masters – both newly promoted and experienced in rank – there will be benefits of his coaching across the board.”
— captain Chris pugh - master mariner and captain, Msc cruises, italy.
“Having had regular sessions with John I have felt a positive impact on my ability to balance the demands of vessel captaincy, management of the senior leadership team, while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
As Captains it may seem that we possess all of the pieces of the leadership puzzle. Sometimes we feel like we do, but sometimes we don’t. With support from a Coach like John I’ve found ways to dig deeper, using my mind, and my team, to find and fit them back together, when otherwise they may have felt lost.
John was there for me when I needed it most and I will remember those calls with a high level of gratitude.
He has reminded me that Captaincy is a journey and not a destination, and equally, that life is a marathon and not a sprint.”
“John is a skilled Coach whom has equipped me with tools and techniques to counter challenges and perform at my best, and in turn, he’s enabled me to get the best from my team.
WIth a positive presence and great listening skills his insights have added value and enriched the overall experience.
He is a pleasure to work with and I can strongly recommend John to Cruise and Maritime focussed Companies whom are looking to develop their Deputy / Staff Captains, Captains and senior maritime leaders.”
“I’ve known John for many years as a Coach serving Captains and colleagues in the Superyacht Industry and sought his service during the outbreak of the pandemic.
John’s leadership and coaching capabilities are evident in his ability to appreciate, understand and support, and have no hesitation recommending him to those Captains seeking swift results to dynamic challenges and pressing priorities.”
— Harry Windsor FRINA, Senior Project Manager and Naval Architect, Monaco.
“At the beginning of the Covid pandemic crisis we called upon John to provide a blend of close support and objective advice.
Using an appreciative approach, he quickly grasped the challenges we faced, and by objectively challenging our perceptions enabled us to reframe our thinking. Through his support we were able to swiftly assess our risk while also finding fresh opportunity.
I can highly recommend John for his expertise as a Special Advisor who brings real-world experience and delivers sustainable results.”
— Ian Gardiner - Head of Global Manufacturing Quality, MHI Vestas, NCE at Vestas, UK.
“John delivered a superb level of service to us.
Adding value at every step his coaching, mentoring and considered counsel has helped myself and the Managing Director to optimise the capability of our team.
I wholeheartedly endorse John for his sense of commitment, drive and focus; his level of experience and professional expertise should not be underestimated.”
— Bernard Olesinski – Chairman and Founder, Olesinski Superyachts Ltd, Cowes, UK.
“A dynamic partner John played a key role at the UK’s Defence Academy supporting developing Coaching skills within the staff of our flagship leadership program and promoting continuous improvement.
Innovative and energetic, John employed initiative and drive to get things done, yet always remained personable and approachable. I would welcome an opportunity to work with John again. ”
— Dave Crome – Head of Learning & Development at UK Defence Academy, Shrivenham, UK.
“The planning and execution required to support the Olympic Games and Paralympics, London 2012, has been described as the most complex military/civilian security operation since World War II. It was however made much easier by the proactive nature, tireless commitment and strong leadership shown by John.
He is extremely engaging, has absolute leadership abilities, and was rightly awarded for his efforts with the highest military commendation.”
— Ryan Wallace – Director, Zoox Fleet Operations, San Francisco, USA.
“John’s blend of coaching and insights have enabled me to openly explore a number of areas from decision making and departmental issues to long term career planning.
Equipping me with new tools and techniques John’s support has extremely valuable and continues to inform my thinking.”
— Michael Shanks - Head of Environment and Sustainability, Balfour Beatty, London, UK.