What is a typical day for you like at Concentric?
I’m fortunate to be able to say that I don’t have typical days at Concentric. My primary role in the company is to lead our consulting business and this typically means a lot of diverse tasking. In just the past few weeks I’ve personally consulted in Washington State, California, Texas, Florida and Costa Rica, grappling with security challenges for residences, a superyacht, medical facilities, a jungle compound, and an anti-child trafficking operation. When I’m not consulting I lead our Green Team, which these days is mostly about carbon accounting as we pursue a goal of producing net zero emissions by the end of 2025. They say “change is as good as rest”—so I’m feeling well rested!
How long have you been at Concentric and what part of your job do you find most fulfilling?
I’m fast approaching the 10-year point as a Concentric employee—longer if you include the 6-months I did first as a part-time consultant. The thing that I find most fulfilling about my job is brainstorming with colleagues as we embark upon new strategic consulting engagements. The same people who say “change is as good as a rest” also say that “there are no bad ideas in a brainstorm”—which is lucky for me.
What is your educational and professional background before joining Concentric?
I have a Master’s degree in International Security from King’s College London, but no Bachelor’s degree because I joined the British Marines at 18. I spent 20-years in total between the marines and UK Special Forces, with my military time culminating as a squadron commander in the SBS (SEALs equivalent—although slightly better). My civilian career began with a couple of years as the Regional Intelligence Director for a British multinational. I was based in Singapore but working all over Asia. From there I moved to Texas and spent 6-years security consulting for oil & gas clients before heading north to Seattle and finding Concentric.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I have an unshakeable gym habit from my military days and also like trail running, cross-country and downhill skiing. When not exercising I try to enjoy managing 4 teenagers, 4 dogs, 4 cats and too many chickens.
What are you most looking forward to over the next year?
My two daughters were adopted from Brazil in 2015 and we’re taking them back to Rio de Janeiro for a reunion at their orphanage in March. Also looking forward to all the unforeseen security problems our client’s will throw at us next year!
