John Symons - Testimonials

EXECUTIVE

MENTOR

JOHN SYMONS

Testimonials

Mentoring

⤽One of the challenges in being a CFO is having someone independent to challenge my thinking. John has been an ideal partner for me in exploring issues and challenges that are part of my day to day responsibilities. He brings to the table excellent financial and strategic experience, and really importantly is a great listener. I very much enjoy our ⤽whiteboard⤝ discussions⤝.

MICHAEL WEDGWOOD - Chief Financial Officer, Bunnings

⤽I have worked with John during the past 12 months have enjoyed working with someone who not only understands the challenges facing the finance (and broader) function but who also enables me to be frank and open in conversation due to the independence he holds.

It is sometimes difficult to be open with your direct line manager or peer where you want to ensure they have confidence in your capability or who are unable to add value due to their lack of understanding of the finance function. Having John as a mentor has allowed me to develop professionally, challenge my thinking with regards to problem solving and all in confidence.⤝

NAOMI WEBBER - GM Finance, Jeanswest

I found my time working with John both challenging and motivating which helped me to gain different perspective on my leadership style and how that style was seen by other in my organisation. The fact that he was not from within my organisation was refreshing as we had no history nor any work objective clouding our conversations which meant we could get to the core of the issues quickly and focus on the solution.

NICHOLAS DISS - General Manager Finance & Administration, CPA Australia

Finance Leadership

John typifies what I believe a great finance leader is all about. He is a first class professional, is a very experienced individual with real impact, he builds and leads first class teams and he works well, and in an inclusive manner, with his peers locally and globally. He is creative at generating ideas and then rigorously implementing the agreed plans through to closure and delivery of the benefits. John could always be relied upon to deliver what he promised, or what he was asked for, but often he delivered more.

JAMES DEWAR, CFO - Global Retail Business, BP

John is a highly professional person, with great positive energy, ethics and interest in the development of others. As a Finance Executive (Head of Accounting & Control) and in previous roles John's judgement and insight was recognised internationally in BP. I would not hesitate to recommend John both for his professional experience and his interest and track record in developing and mentoring others.

REBECCA MCGRATH - CFO, BP

Conferences & Seminars

John provides insights into their real life practical experience (rather than just focusing on theories like most presenters).

John Symons was very entertaining and thought provoking. He challenged accepted accounting/finance practices and emphasised adding value should be our focus.

John Symons was brilliant. He made everyone feel comfortable, encouraged participation, was interested in everyone's opinion and was very inspiring. The kind of boss/manager we would all like to have.

John Symons - Very effective way of bringing the practical experience to the table is very engaging and not afraid to put a few controversial ideas out there.