Reflecting on Years with nFocus
In late 2005, Ross and Dan were looking for a non-executive adviser to help guide nFocus through its next stage of growth. Recommended by the Institute of Directors (IoD) for my experience in founding, growing, and advising software and service companies, I was introduced to them, and so began a journey that would span nearly two decades.
In 2003, I decided to sell my original company and seen others through buy-outs or AIM market-listing. I wanted to do something different. Partly motivated by having discovered a bit of a talent for singing (through a bet in a pub with my brother) and wanted to take that further, and did so as a semi-professional singer, with some success, and I particularly liked helping good causes.
However, I did not want to waste my business experience, and was keen to help others with it, so joined the IoD non-executive Director network.
From our first meeting, I liked Ross and Dan immediately, and liked their ambition to develop and build the financial strength and security of nFocus, for the benefit of their families, whilst doing a great job for clients, and offering excellent employment to good people. They asked me to join them as an adviser, and in April 2006 I was duly appointed as a part-time Non-Executive Director.
Building a Stronger, More Resilient Business
The company grew gradually, some years better than others, as for all companies but, also because in the early days we relied upon a small number of large clients, with little assurance of long-term business. Fortunately, the company’s excellent work and client relations helped to keep them with us.
We took on more people, and a key appointment was Chris Edge as Finance & Commercial Manager, subsequently Director. He added great value to the business. I also recall a young Ryan James coming for an interview for a Sales & Marketing role. Another great appointment, from which he much later became Managing Director.
Strong leadership with innovative marketing and sales activities helped us to widen and diversify the client base, and they along with good financial control helped to increase the company’s security and resilience. Throughout, I have always been impressed by the professionalism of its members.
A Journey Marked by Friendship and Growth
I have valued each of Ross, Dan, Chris and Ryan as great, supportive and very talented colleagues, and most of all as the dear friends they all are now, along with family members.
Over the years, I have much enjoyed contact with many nFocus team members. Though my ability to meet newer employees in person became limited as I took on caregiving responsibilities for my wife, I remained connected through, Eve’s newsletters.
A while back, my fellow directors told me that they valued my wisdom. However, I had to tell them it was mostly an accumulation of past failures and mistakes, with a few successes here and there. I think bringing that knowledge to the company’s decision-making has been helpful and probably most at difficult times. I have enjoyed working with them at all times, whether good or difficult.
Farewell, But Not Goodbye
I was pleased when nFocus agreed to join the 2i Group as it struck me as an excellent step forward for all concerned, and I feel sure it will be a good platform for future success.
Of course, I will miss working with them, but we shall keep in contact, and I am busy as a carer, as well as taking up some new musical activities and continuing sporting activities especially as a keen squash player, albeit with mixed results!
I shall be glad to hear regular news of the company and its people, and of course would be pleased to give my help if it should ever be needed. Meanwhile, my best wishes to all for great success.
Let’s hear from our team members as they express their gratitude and best wishes:
Ross Lister later reflected on their time working together, saying: “John was the perfect non-executive director, certainly the best fit that nFocus could have hoped for. Experienced, knowledgeable, and patient. He had an uncanny knack of bringing clarity to any situation I was struggling with. A brilliant bloke who taught me a great deal.”
Chris Edge, nFocus Financial Manager, reflected on the impact of John’s mentorship: “John’s role as a long-standing Board member has been invaluable to the growth of the company and where the company is today. His vision for strategic growth and his ability to navigate complex situations with calm decisiveness has been a consistent strength he has brought to the Board.
He has fostered a positive and productive board culture, encouraging open communication in meetings and collaboration amongst the executive, whilst always promoting challenging thinking. John is a true asset to our organisation, always prioritising long-term growth and the best interests of all stakeholders. He has inspired others with his thinking “outside of the box” attitude and has always been very approachable and open to diverse perspectives.
On a personnel level he has been a valuable mentor and role model over the many years I have known him and I enjoyed our time together discussing a wide breath of topics.”
