Deputy Chair & Head of the Public Services Practice at Saxton Bampfylde
Jonathan Morgan is Deputy Chair & Head of the Public Services Practice at Saxton Bampfylde, a values-led Executive Search and Leadership Advisory firm.
Jonathan heads up the Regulation and Government Affairs Practice, advising on strategic board-level appointments across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
Championing the mission statement at Saxton Bampfylde, Jonathan believes the business is here to change the world through progressing leaders in interesting and important organisations.
When #OOO, Jonathan is an avid cyclist, and dedicates his time as a mentor for the OnBoard Programme, which works with people from under-represented backgrounds seeking board roles.
"Our mission statement says that the business is here to change the world through changing leaders in interesting and important organisations."
M.INT –What does a 'positive working culture' look like in your organisation?
JM –Saxton Bampfylde is an employee-owned business, and part of our mission is to create an environment wherein all members of our community can grow to their fullest extent emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. A positive working culture needs to create the conditions that enable that, including respect for each other as individuals – valuing each other for who we are; openness and honesty – even when that is difficult; and a belief both in working hard and also in being able to have fun together!
M.INT –What are you looking forward to in 2024?
JM –I'm really excited about the work we are doing as a business to look at each aspect of how we deliver our service to clients and candidates, making sure that we do that in the most sustainable possible way – whether that be our commitment to becoming net zero by 2025; building and appreciating the diversity of ourselves and our clients; or developing initiatives to increase social mobility.
M.INT –What are you currently reading/listening to?
JM –I am just coming to the end of Faith, Hope and Carnage, which is a series of conversations with the musician, Nick Cave. It's an amazingly honest and raw look into the human soul. You know it is going to be something special when Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, says it was his book of the year. It's not exactly a light read, but it is well worth making the effort.
M.INT –What would you describe as the most rewarding aspect of your current role?
JM –The most rewarding part about my role is being able to make a difference to society, organisations and individuals through the appointments that my colleagues and I advise on. Our mission statement says that the business is here to change the world through changing leaders in interesting and important organisations. We are in a hugely privileged and responsible position through our ability to make that a reality through doing brilliant, creative work.
M.INT –What advice would you give a new colleague/employee on their first day?
JM –I would advise them to be curious about everything, and to understand that their colleagues are invested in their success.
