Richard John – Associate Trainer, specialises in sales, marketing & management & more recently presentation creativity & the use of competences in training & development.

How long have you been a trainer?

Off & on for 20 years; it’s been a varying part of my career.

What did you do before?

I worked for Rover & then Allied Dunbar in various marketing roles, and was heavily involved in creating exhibitions, events & “live marketing” activities.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

An Astronaut – I was facinated by the moon landings (that ages me!)

What is your favourite restaurant?

I love good steak restaurants like Gauchos – challenging when you’re married to a vegetarian

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

“You will never please all the delegates all the time, because you don’t know what else is going on in their lives!”

If you were stuck on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?

Wife, iPod & scuba gear!

What are you most proud of?

Gosh, that’s profound. I  think I’d settle for a tombstone which said “Great trainer, great businessman, great friend, wonderful husband & incredible lover!”

Describe your most embarassing moment

Slipping a disc in front of a group of delegates & being carried out on a stretcher. I was given gas to help with the pain & insisted on singing “I’m a little teapot” as I was being carried out past the group.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?

Sadly, I love my home in Lincolnshire, but a little pied a terre in South West France wouldn’t go amiss, too

What really annoys you?

Cruelty, people who drop litter, people who text when they walk, racism & bigotry, the inexplicable reoccurrence of Dale Winton on TV

In your opinion, what makes a good trainer?

Huge enthusiasm for helping people grow, & a willingness to know that all delegates will have something to offer

What is exciting you in the realm of learning & development currently?

The development of CPD in the events industry & my own research into the new areas of (i) meetings architechture and (ii) experimental learning

Hobbies?

I love travel, and my work in events allows me to visit fabulous places. I also seem to be the Phoenix roving consultant, with projects delivered in Dubai, Oman & Saudi Arabia.

I write for a number of business magazines, so I’m working on both fiction & non-fiction books at the moment. I’m also restoring an old Triumph Stag (the money pit) & try to find time to learn French & the Guitar!