Jason has dedicated 25 years of his career to the technology sector, gaining a diverse range of experiences on the global stage.
He began in IT Services and quickly assumed leadership roles, including Transformation Management, and overseeing the infrastructure business at ATOS, where he handled multi-million-pound SI and Outsourcing deals. His journey continued at KPMG, where he took on the role of CIO for a FTSE 30 company, driving a significant transformation while also building KPMG’s technology consulting offerings.
With experience spanning public and private sectors, Jason has led billion-dollar technology transformations. He also founded an insurtech business, which rapidly expanded to operate in over 10 countries and secured major deals with global insurance giants, including Lloyds of London. Most recently, he served as CEO for professional services and insurtech companies, and currently, he holds the position of non-executive chairman for a data product company, contributing to its growth and scalability.
1. What values are most important to you as a leader?
As a leader, I find it crucial to align my personal values with my leadership style. The three values I hold in highest regard are ethical conduct in its broadest sense, empowerment, and empathetic listening coupled with unwavering support. I make it a point to ensure that our actions are ethically sound, and my principles play a pivotal role in upholding these values.
2. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
While I could list numerous influential business figures and colleagues who have inspired me throughout my career, the person who has had the most profound impact on me is my father. He emigrated to the UK, had to forge his own path, and instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of caring for people and the community. It wasn’t just what he did but how he did it that left a lasting impression. He was always there to help those in need, a valuable life lesson that transcends into all aspects of leadership. One of his best pieces of advice was, “Consider how you would feel in that position?” It’s a question that resonates in many situations.
3. Best piece of advice you have been given?
The most valuable advice I ever received was simple: be authentic. Early in my career, I observed many individuals adopting different personas at work and in their personal lives, almost as if there were distinct professional and personal selves. A senior board member, whom I greatly respected, told me to always be true to myself. I’ve carried that advice with me to this day, enabling me to lead authentically, uphold my values, and most importantly, speak out when things are amiss.
4. What would you tell your younger self?
If I could offer guidance to my younger self, it would be to relax. In my youth, I often wanted everything to happen instantly. With experience, both in my professional and personal life, and as a family man, I’ve learned the value of patience and reflection. Taking time has yielded far better results, even though not everything goes as planned.
5. What has been your most important or profound lesson as a leader?
The most crucial leadership lesson I’ve learned is to flag issues as early as possible and not fear admitting mistakes. While it may sound simple, many struggle to put it into practice. As a leader, transparency and honesty are imperative. It’s perfectly fine to make a mistake; what matters is acknowledging it and seeking help when needed. Working through challenges with support is far more effective than attempting to solve everything alone. It’s a lesson leaders often forget but should always keep in mind.
