19 Mar “Spotlight” on John Loughlin
With the recent addition of John Loughlin joining our Operations Board following changes in senior leadership, we took the opportunity to engage in an insightful discussion about his career. As he steps into his new role as Operations Manager (International Construction), we delve into John’s professional journey and the experiences that have led him to this pivotal point in his career.
Tell us a bit about your career and what you’re bringing to your role:
My early days were with the MOD in the UK working on all kinds of unique buildings – all classified. I moved over to contracting on the early 2000 with MACE. This gave me an excellent grounding in construction process and procedure. I also had exposure to a huge range of projects ranging from research facilities to the London cable car, lucky enough to get some time in Europe.
You have a highly pressurised career – what would you say are the key strengths you bring to a team?
At this point in my life I am no longer chasing a career, its about doing projects that interest me, this translates into me wanting the team and project to be successful. I think I add value by letting the team grow into their roles but offering guidance and coaching, and the wisdom that comes with getting it wrong in the past. I have the scares to prove it.
What are the main challenges in the Mission Critical sector?
The speed we need to work at is incredible. Our clients have committed to their end users, we must deliver on that promise. Sometimes we haven’t all the information we would like but we need to press on regardless and make informed decisions based on what we do know.
What kind of skills does one need to have to enable a career in the Mission Critical sector that spans for 30 years?
Clear headed, be able to listen, bring a team together quickly, be decisive. At my level its less about the technical ability but more about direction and the soft skills. Must be really honest and transparent at all times.
Over the course of your career, what would you say was your most challenging project?
London cable car – design and build in one year. I was told it was career suicide, I put my hand up immediately.
Is there any cutting-edge technology which you are excited about, which will be at the forefront of the industry in the next few years?
Chip cooling caught my eye. Power and potentially water in one place….. that’s going to be fun. Am very interested in some of the work in the Nordics utilising abandoned mines for conversion to DCs.
Are there any skill/formulae/tech you learned in your formative years you still utilise today?
Ask questions, don’t be afraid to raise your hand. Equally, The old Russian proverb applies …. Trust but verify.
As you are always heavily involved in the final push to complete a project, what are your coping mechanisms to deal with the pressurised environment you live in?
The only way to cope is the team, if you have a solid team around you it can help the most impossible projects be bearable. Banter is the key. My white shirts are often then subject of a lot of leg pulling. Yes I know I look like a waiter!
What is it that you enjoy about working with the MiCiM team?
Great team, I am given enough free rein to feel autonomous but I also know the safety net of head office is always there in the background when needed.
After a busy working week, what do you do in your down time?
Food, music and Land Rovers….. is there anymore to life??
