Wish I Knew . . .

#87 John Ashworth - Transformation Guru / Finding your path / Key mentors / Comedy

Gary Nowak

Career Background:

  • Finance transformation expert most recently with:
     
    • BT in London 
  • Prior to that:
     
    • SVP Finance Operations with Smith and Nephew 
    • VP Finance Transformation and systems with Pearson

Highlights

  • Not knowing how to do his first job and getting promoted
  • Compensating with a Porsche
  • Taking a year off  prior to University
  • Coming from humble stock
  • Degree in English, but switching to accounting for a job
  • Having verbal agility and emotional intelligence have served John well
  • The Gap Year discussion
  • Growing into Leadership
  • Advice on public speaking
  • Talking stand up comedy
  • Why he chose his first employer
  • Being stubborn and getting accounting credentials
  • Watching Dad and loving what he saw
  • Getting out of accounting at the right time
  • Coming down to Shared Services where we eventually met
  • Logistics eats strategy for lunch everyday
  • Great story about a US Major General that changed his life
  • Crafting his own career path, MAGIC
  • Finding his stride for 3 to 5 years in shared services, being so happy
  • Great approach to conflict resolution
  • Wonderful mentors that shaped his career
  • Mentoring - Migrant Leaders
  • What young people want these days
  • Wonderful advice that fits everyone, so powerful
  • Never been to a McDonald's
  • Translation
     
    • Canteen = Lunch Room
  •  
    • Cud = Fat
  •  
    • Lager = Beer
  •  

Want to be a guest? Email me at gpnowak@gmail.com!