John Warrior joined BIE as a Consultant in the Value Chain & Procurement Practice in 2022 and was recently promoted to Associate Director. We sat down with John to learn his methods for continued success and his passion for helping people progress in their career. He also shares his secret fictional desire to claim the Iron Throne one day!
What’s your philosophy in life and work?
I’ve always tried to live by “if you’re going to do something, do it right”. This isn’t necessarily about being perfect, it’s simply about giving it 100%.
What’s your greatest source of job satisfaction?
Building long term relationships and furthering my experience over the months and years.
What’s the secret of your career success?
There are two core principles that I have tried to adapt throughout my career:
1. Master the basics: I've discovered from experience that if you master the basics, success will build from there.
2. Treat people how you would like to be treated: We work in a people business and changing roles is big life event. It is important not to forget this, and to remember how you have liked to be treated during your own job changes.
What have you learnt along the way?
One of the biggest lessons I have learnt is that quality is better than quantity, in both life and in work.
What are your career highlights or ‘defining moments’?
My career highlight to date was placing someone I’d been working with for over 5 years into a job with her ‘dream company’ and to see the true joy that this brought.
Which achievement are you most proud of?
Becoming a Mental Health Ambassador at BIE. I am proud to have worked with colleagues to promote and deliver varied strategies of help for mental health in our workplace.
Describe your professional style
Personal yet professional. I'm open and honest which helps me to build strong bonds with both clients and candidates, so they will trust my professional approach and opinions.
What do you feel most passionately about?
Equality – I am very passionate about finding ways to drive and influence equality. It's my belief that for a successful society and economy, equality needs to be at its core.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard/been given?
Trust your instincts.
What top tip would you give to people looking to move up in their career?
Back yourself and be pro-active. Never be afraid to leave your comfort zone.
How would you sum up the BIE culture?
BIE has an exceptionally collaborative and open culture, where you are you given the trust and freedom to thrive whilst having support of the wider business to develop and grow. Everyone is driven to help, leaving no big egos or company politics at play.
Describe your onboarding experience at BIE
Despite joining the team during a lockdown, my onboarding process was smooth. Meet and greets were set up with most of the business, helping me to feel instantly welcomed and part of the team.
If given a chance, who would you be for a day?
Ryan Reynolds – being a football club owner and a super-hero…… that’s the dream!
What fictional world or place would you like to visit and why?
Westeros... To see if I could claim the Iron Throne.
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