Ian brings a wealth of experience leading complex programmes and building high-performing teams. He is passionate about creating collaborative environments where people feel heard, enabling teams to solve problems effectively and deliver meaningful results.
What are your ‘must haves’ to start the working day?
I like to start the day with a dog walk and then a cup of tea. It starts the day for life I live, not just the work I choose to do. There’s not much chat from the dogs and is a chance to reflect before the day begins in earnest.
What’s your proudest work achievement to date?
Building a team at AIRBUS to deliver a major security system overseas. It was a diverse team of multinational engineers who came together to help UK MOD deliver on time in difficult circumstances. We made it fun because we worked on the problem together from bid to delivery which gave a real sense of comradery and achievement.
What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people discover their own answers. It can take longer, but it sticks so much better. Everyone loves a plan, everyone likes to contribute, they often just need a forum in which to speak – and be genuinely listened to. Consequently, I love meeting the people that genuinely make things happen.
What does your typical working day look like?
It can vary depending on if I am visiting clients’ offices, or if I am back at base in SVGC. I try and focus on getting as much meeting time in the mornings, and focus on the work at hand in the afternoons. It is not a science but it means clients get the best of me and the lap top has to be second to that
When you hit a wall workwise, what do you do to help overcome the hurdle?
Stop and check what a more experienced version of me would do, ask someone else if it is good – then do that.