Testimonials
“Coaching for CEO’s and leaders across all organizations is common and with the role of Cruise Ship Captain broadening, and becoming more executive in nature, this program has highlighted not only the need, but the benefits of having a Coach.
I have benefited greatly from the sessions. Equipping us with tools and techniques, and supported by personal examples, John’s service has helped to support our development, sustainability and wellbeing to better ourselves, both personally and professionally.
I have really enjoyed working with John and appreciate greatly his guidance, perspectives and support, which have helped to channel my thoughts and open my mind to other ways of addressing stress and challenges which we, as Captains, face daily.
I have also really benefited from the sessions for personal reasons, as I learn to sustain the focus on achieving a balanced lifestyle of work, rest and family time for the years to come.
In short, the benefits of having a Coach to support to support Captains could not be understated.”
Captain Robert Canby, P&O Cruises, UK
“John uses his expertise, insights and experience to support me in my role as Captain and the leader of a large and diverse team.
Our sessions are enlightening and informative experiences that offer a golden opportunity to discuss, recap and reflect upon challenges, develop new skills and explore alternative routes to achieve sustainable success.
Operating objectively, and outside of the hierarchy of the company, his coaching skills and personal experience enable him to challenge conventions, mental models and traditional thinking of a situation and I trust him to hold up a mirror to open up my understanding of behaviours and support my professional development.
It’s been a pleasure to work with John. I have benefited from his blend of coaching, mentoring and professional experience that have helped me to lead the team onto a more proactive, productive and positive path.”
Captain James Brown, P&O Cruises, UK
“Over the last year I have had the privilege to work with John who’s proven to be a skilled coach and mentor with great listening skills.
He’s helped me to develop a more strategic mindset, build upon my sense of leadership and use of the command chain, while equipping me with tools that see me get the best from my command team.
I believe that John will not only be a great benefit for Captains, but also Deputy Captains, Chief Engineers and Hotel Directors.
It’s been a pleasure to work with him.”
Captain Carmine Siviero, MSC Cruise Lines, Italy.
“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, Cunard Lines, UK.
“Not only does John demonstrate evident experience but 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. This has been freeing, allowing me to perform at my very best when absolutely needed.”
Captain Chris Pugh, MSC Cruise Lines, Italy.
“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.
He has been a pleasure to work with.”
Captain Gabriele Russo, MSC Cruise Lines, Italy.
“John is a skilled coach who has equipped me with the tools and techniques to counter challenges and perform at my best.
In turn, he’s enabled me to get the best from my team.”
Captain Gianluca Longhin, MSC Cruise Lines, Italy.
“John is a skilful Coach who has 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.”
Captain Aureliano Mazzella, Cunard Lines, UK.
“As Captains, it may seem that we possess all of the pieces of the leadership puzzle. Sometimes we feel we do, but sometimes we don’t.
With support from 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.”
Captain Nicola Gravante, MSC Cruise Lines, Italy.
“John is an amazing listener.
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, MSC Cruise Lines, Italy.
“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, MHI Vestas, UK.
“I’ve known John for many years as a professional Coach serving Captains and colleagues in the Maritime and Superyacht Industry. I called upon John’s service during the outbreak of the pandemic while managing a complex high value project in the Middle East.
John helped me navigate a series of leadership challenges in a well structured programme and equipped me with the tools, techniques and mindset that enabled me to sustain operations throughout a most professionally and personally challenging period. John’s leadership and coaching capabilities are evident in his ability to appreciate, understand and support, and I would have no hesitation recommending him to those Captains seeking swift results to dynamic challenges.”
Harry Windsor, FRINA Project Manager and Naval Architect, Monaco.
“The planning and execution required to support the Olympics and Paralympics, London 2012, has been described as the most complex military/civilian operation since World War II. It was made much easier, however, by the proactive nature, tireless commitment and strong leadership shown by John during this 3 year period.
I worked with him on a near daily basis, especially in the many months of planning that led up to the Games. I found him to be an extremely proficient project and programme manager, who had the full support of both his seniors and juniors.
He is extremely engaging and has absolute leadership abilities and was rightly awarded for his efforts with the highest military commendation.”
Ryan Wallace, Director of Operations, Zoox, San Francisco.
“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.
“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 & Sustainability, Transport for London, London, UK.