testimonials

Coaching has been a fascinating experience. Coaching sessions with John were invigorating, enjoyable, challenging and, above all, immensely rewarding; they were never dull! From my experience, coaching requires a significant degree of trust and confidence between the participants, something that John established very early on, and something that I have deeply appreciated.

I have been greatly impressed at the depth of John’s understanding of human behaviour and, importantly, his ability to pass on his knowledge in a positive, understandable way. John is a very effective coach and undoubtedly one of his strengths is his understanding of the issues and pressures faced in real business and commercial environments, which means that 'homework' has always been practical and applicable day to day.

Senior Associate, now Partner
Leading Scottish Law Firm

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The smartest decision Reliance made was to engage Shona to run our project! She proved to be both a top class communicator and facilitator who continually managed to get the very best out of all our people, no matter what the circumstances. She was always very professional in everything she did. Timings and costings were accurate, despite our not infrequent attempts to change the specifications. Her attention to detail was legendary, as was her ability to apply "Prince" with a very deft light touch. She delivered above and beyond expectation, and nothing was ever too much trouble. There were no surprises! Everyone enjoyed working with "the Scottish lady" without whom Reliance would never have succeeded so successfully within the exacting time and cost constraints. We all agreed she was a joy to work with and a powerful inspiration to us all, in her own unassuming way. She delivered what it said on the tin!

Iain Kennedy, Director of People Innovation, Reliance Group UK

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John worked with me to create commercial solutions tailored to business needs which made an impact and delivered results. John and I have worked on a range of commercial solutions from performance management to management development. John has used his commercial experience across a range of disciplines to stretch and challenge me to increase my expertise and that of my team and the firm as a whole.

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Derek Cummings

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I'm pleased to recommend Shona Kent as a former colleague at Marks and Spencer. Shona was project manager during our integration of the Shared Service centres in Recruitment, a model which still stands today, some five years on. She also undertook the position of Head of Graduate Recruitment at M&S, and has also worked for me as an HR business partner in the field. What can I say about Shona's strengths? She has great relationships, formed through her engaging and inquisitive nature. She combines this with intelligent technical knowledge. I'd recommend her for her diligence, high productivity and commitment to the client. I would have her in my team again - any day.

Catherine Muirden, Head of HR, Retail Banking, Barclays

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I have always found John to be professional, considerate, and more importantly highly effective in managing client relationships. His vision and commercialism enable him to have high impact in the business sector and his appreciation of the role of "people" in achieving objectives is refreshing.

Alan Crozier, Managing Director, Q4 consulting limited

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I have worked with Shona on developing a new performance management methodology and creating a management development programme for inexperienced managers. Shona worked with me to create solutions tailored to the needs of the business. Shona took time to understand myself and the business. The solutions that Shona has come up with have been highly regarded by demanding clients and through Shona's support have helped build the capability of the existing HR team. Her top qualities are that she is: personable, an expert and high on integrity. I would highly recommend Shona.

Derek Cummings, HR & Development Director, Burness LLP

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John is a true motivator who has the ability to energise his team and deliver excellent results. His realistic and positive attitude to business is a breath of fresh air.

Brian Nicolson, Owner, reflexblue limited

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WCN has worked with Shona over the last 5 years implementing e-recruitment solutions at M&S and SNH. Shona ranks as one of most professional people we have worked with over the last 10 years. Working with Shona is both a pleasure and a learning experience. She understands the foundations for a successful project and she is particularly good in ensuring a strong vision and business case are in place, the organisation is bought-in and there is a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. I could not recommend her more highly.

Charles Hipps, Managing Director, World Careers Network PLC

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John worked with me as a personal coach to support my development for career progression within Marks & Spencer. I've also been a delegate on Management Development course's he has facilitated within M&S. I found his style particulary motivating. He also has a strong commercial background and therefore demonstrates being driven to provide value and results. I would absolutely recommend him.

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

Joss Farrow

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Used John to support development of senior management team in a public sector organisation undergoing a rapid change programme - good balance of support and challenge, ensuring delivery of results while supporting the needs of individual. In depth understanding of management behaviour, coaching techniques and facilitation skills was to the fore as I subsequently engaged him as one-to-one career coach. Would recommend him unhesitatingly for similar roles/tasks in future.

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

Alasdair Bovaird

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John and I have worked together on various projects over the last few years and I have always been overwhelemed at Johns personal and enthuisiastic approach to everything. John's depth of knowledge in his field is outstanding and his desire and drive to deliver results is outstanding..... and he does deliver! John is a great motivator and his influence and support has had an extremely positive influence on my business. John's number is the first i dial everytime I need a business solution.

Stuart Evans, Sales Manager, Fusion Meetings & Events

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John is a pragmatic, action based, outcome driven individual. He has a great ability to make the complex very simple and find creative solutions to problems. He has an open, engaging and inspirational communication style which allows him to integrate into new client businesses quickly. This leads to him achieving better business results for client companies.

Rosemary Taylor, Owner, Vivvid limited