We hear from John Lockton, retired BearingPoint Partner, to find out what he's been up to since leaving BearingPoint and some memories he has from his time here.
For those who don't know you, please tell us a little about yourself
I am married to Sarah, have three sons, Tom, Edds and Will, and live in Hadstock near Cambridge. We now have three grandchildren – one of which to the relief of Sarah is a girl (we seem to only produce boys).
I support Manchester United (where I was brought up) and Harlequins Rugby Club (great shirt and fun playing style) – and of course England/GB (all sports).
Could you tell us about your time at BearingPoint?
I joined BearingPoint as the Operations Partner when LCP Consulting, a specialist international supply chain consultancy, was acquired in 2016. I retired at Christmas 2019, three years after the acquisition, and just before we all locked down for COVID – what timing!
Looking back on a varied career – I managed to get a degree in biological sciences before spending 3 years gaining a PhD researching epilepsy in Glasgow. Brains are fascinating things! Rather than stay in academia, I moved into industry being part of mixed disciplinary teams developing vision systems for industrial, media and medical applications – I did learn that intelligent robotic vision systems aren’t easy.
My next step was into information design and communications for technology products and change management for corporate IT systems as part of the Cambridge phenomenon. I learnt much about how to help people use and understand complex technology and deal with organisational changes.
Finally, I joined Prof Alan Braithwaite at LCP to spend 20 years growing a niche international supply chain consultancy by working with major organisations in many industries all round the world (25 countries and 200 companies come to mind). This was probably the most challenging and exciting period of my career.
Then into BearingPoint – and working across Europe with my new colleagues and clients.
What is a lasting memory from your time at BearingPoint?
In BearingPoint, my first annual Partner conference, I think in Berlin. Meeting and being welcomed by such an eclectic mix of experts from different countries and in many different disciplines was inspiring and not a little daunting. There was so much new talent to understand and bring to our clients!
Can you share an achievement/moment during your time at BearingPoint that you were particularly proud of?
Just as we were joining BearingPoint we won the Consulting Project of the Year for our work with Argos – a real wow for all our team as we triumphed over all the large consultancies. We had won categories before but never the ‘Big One’ and with a client team that had truly become friends. A very late night was had by all!
On a personal note, being invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party to ‘meet’ the Queen due to a recommendation by the MCA (Management Consulting Association) for getting the Chartered Management Consultant from idea to Privy Council approval. The tea and sandwiches are scrumptious – and the gardens fantastic.
Could you tell us about what you have been up to since leaving BearingPoint?
Well I have well and truly retired from consultancy – COVID lock down certainly helped with that!
I have always loved travelling, especially to see the wildlife, take photos and experience new cultures. So, over the last few years I have been to New Zealand, Canada, the Galapagos, Japan, Sri Lanka, Cost Rica – and soon off to Chile and Brazil.
I am now a Parish Councillor – something I said I would never do – and am a volunteer warden for Essex Wildlife Trust – something I said I would like to do!
When I retired I said I would become an ‘eco warrior’ – well not quite but I am leading a Sustainable Hadstock initiative to decrease carbon consumption and increase biodiversity in our area. Leading all volunteer teams certainly has its moments!
Finally, being a granddad can be challenging but is great fun. A new generation on its way!
Finally, is there anything else you would like to share with your fellow alumni or current employees?
As you know, consultancy done well is challenging, exhausting, frustrating and sometimes really tricky – both for you and your clients!
But in the end it is a great privilege to be allowed into someone else’s organisation to give help, advice and support – and you get to work with exceptional people and inspirational leaders.
Looking back it was (mostly) great fun! Enjoy.
John
