Former UK Armed Forces Chief of Staff (of Joint Forces Command), now pursuing a second, portfolio, career at the nexus of Innovation, Strategy, and Leadership, in the Digital Age. Non-Executive Director, Advisor, Venture Partner, Mentor, and Executive Coach.
Delve into the core of my philosophy by exploring the detailed insight in my manifesto.
Over four decades, my professional journey has been shaped by the intrinsic fusion of Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership—a trinity indispensable in navigating complex endeavours.
Early Years and Military Career:
Commencing my career as a Politics, Philosophy, and Economics graduate from Oxford University, I unexpectedly found myself stationed near the Inner German Border during the Cold War. This marked the initiation of a remarkable military journey that spanned over 40 years, concluding as a 4-star General. Leading diverse organisations, both civilian and military, in varying capacities, I garnered a practitioner’s view of exemplary leadership, honing an acute understanding of fostering the right behaviours and mitigating the wrong ones.
Intersection with Strategy and Government:
My encounter with Strategy and Government took a pivotal turn mid-career as Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence, subsequently evolving through strategic roles such as Executive Director on the Army Board, Strategy Director on the Board of Defence Equipment and Support, and Executive Chair of the Joint Forces Command Board. Amidst a dynamically changing strategic landscape, I navigated and crafted new strategies, drawing parallels to the current challenges posed by the ever-evolving post COVID-19 landscape.
Strategic Insight:
In 2013, my perspective on Strategy crystallised during my participation in the London Business School Senior Executive Programme, where the work of Richard Rumelt, Professor of Business and Society at UCLA Anderson School of Management, left an indelible mark. This amalgamation of experiences and learning has culminated in a proven model for crafting and executing effective strategies.
Capability Development and Acquisition Expertise:
My later military career delved into capability development and acquisition, encompassing pivotal roles as a requirement setter, fleet manager, acquirer, logistician, and user. This multifaceted experience solidified my conviction in the imperative need for innovation within the defence sector, leading to the establishment of an innovation unit, the jHub.
Post-Military Ventures:
Having concluded my military service in 2019, I embarked on a portfolio career, engaging in diverse roles. Currently, I serve as a Venture Partner at NightDragon Security, a San Francisco-based Cybersecurity venture capital fund, an Advisor to Dataminr, a New York AI business, a Mentor in the Creative Destruction Labs accelerator program at Oxford’s Said Business School, and an External Member of the Council of Oxford University.
Why I Can Help You:
This rich tapestry of experiences fuels my belief that I can offer invaluable insights and guidance to Board or Senior Management Teams seeking successful innovation. If you are navigating the complexities of innovation, I invite you to get in touch today for a discussion. Take a moment to read my manifesto, to further understand my vision and beliefs.
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