How to grow as an asset management consultant

Hi, I'm John. I lead the Asset Management Practice at AtkinsRéalis, where I'm proud to work with a brilliant team of 75 consultant engineers. It's the most satisfying role I've had in my career – and that career has included a fair few twists, turns, and unexpected opportunities.

My path to leadership in infrastructure asset management

My first 'proper' job was in 1998 with London Underground, developing business cases for rolling stock and track investment programmes. They funded me through an MBA at Henley Management College. This tough three-year distance learning programme challenged me in all the right ways and proved invaluable later on.

How I became an asset management consultant?

I moved to a multinational technology company in 2006 – my first foray into management consulting. That opened the door to fantastic experiences across a range of sectors – nuclear, transportation, oil & gas, building services, and water utilities – as well as a number of projects overseas in both exotic and not-so-exotic locations.

In 2013, I joined an international technical professional services firm, where I was free to build up my own asset management team. Then, in 2020, I joined AtkinsRéalis during the height of the pandemic. I'd been recruited to expand our local highways market presence. But, I put my hand up for anything going – decarbonization, digitalization, you name it. A year later, I stepped into the role of Asset Management Practice Director.

A milestone that shaped my asset management career

One of the most significant milestones in my career was completing my MBA. My employer at the time sponsored half of the fees, but I had to invest several thousand pounds myself. I continued to work full-time while studying, which meant giving up most weekends for two years. It was demanding at times, but ultimately worth it. The MBA gave me valuable knowledge and opened up new opportunities to take on more senior roles. It was tough, but it taught me a lot about resilience, time management, and strategic thinking – skills central to how I lead today.

At AtkinsRéalis, I really value how seriously we invest in professional learning – with fully funded training, structured leadership pathways, and signature programmes designed to take you to the next level. There are limitless opportunities to keep progressing at every career stage, supported by a flexible culture that helps you maintain a healthy work/life balance.

How I developed as an asset management advisor?

A key moment for me was becoming more self-aware – really taking the time to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses and how I come across to others. By understanding my own personality traits, I've been able to shape a leadership style that feels authentic and confident. It's an ongoing journey, and I like to observe and emulate the good behaviors of other people.

As a natural introvert, I sometimes have to adapt my approach to influence and connect with people effectively. I've also invested in continuous learning, attending workshops, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. That mix of self-reflection and curiosity has helped me stay updated with industry trends and skills and become a well-rounded leader.

AtkinsRéalis gives you the space to grow, the support to lead, and the variety to keep things interesting. It's a place where you're encouraged to challenge yourself – and backed to succeed on your own terms. Explore leadership roles in asset management at AtkinsRéalis.