Three of our partners have kindly agreed to be interviewed to give you an insight into their roles, interests and how they’ve coped with lockdown. Our first interview is with Martin Johnson.
About Martin’s role
What does your role as partner entail?
I have a number of responsibilities including staff management and training. My role though is fundamentally client facing, I spend at least 60% of my time talking to and meeting with my clients. I really enjoy the people side of the work, and the advisory elements are the most rewarding.
As a partner of the business, I’m involved with running the offices and planning for the future. Shaping strategy is both challenging and exciting, especially in current times.
What do you look forward to most when you start work each day?
Meeting people - staff, clients, professional contacts, and new introductions. I like to help people if I can, and if that’s been achieved it’s a satisfying day.
How have the events of the last year changed your way of working?
Much more working from home initially, and much reduced face to face contact which has been a shame. Zoom and Teams compensate but aren’t as satisfying, productive or enjoyable; better than nothing though! Hopefully, a return to normal is on the cards.
Outside of work
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Sport is one of my preferred pastimes, watching not participating any more. Football, rugby, and cricket are favourites and I’m a keen supporter of SAFC, Newcastle Falcons, and Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
I also like reading, gardening, watching films (although at home at the moment rather than cinema) and going to the theatre. I am interested in politics, economics, and current affairs so am a keen follower of BBC News!
What are your top tips for a relaxing day?
Since lockdown I’ve found a good walk is very relaxing, as is gardening, listening to music, and reading a good book. The last two are even better with a cold G & T, or a glass of Malbec!
Favourites
What is your favourite song and what do you like about it?
I like a wide range of popular music and some classical. I was lucky at Uni to have a flat mate who probably bought at least one record a day and let the rest of us tape them!! We also bought LPs (remember them?) but not so voraciously. The majority of my favourite music is from the 70s and 80s. Thank goodness for Spotify now.
A favourite song, among many, is Three Little Birds by Bob Marley for its positive vibe. Good at any time of day!
And your favourite food?
I probably like too many foods too much, hence have battles with my waistline. Indian is one of my favourite cuisines.
And finally…
If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I would like to travel more and see more of the historical, interesting, and exotic parts of the world. But we have family in Australia, and they are in a beautiful area north of Sydney, so it would have to be there as we don’t see them enough.
.png)
.jpg)
