For our first employee spotlight, meet Ian Jenkins!
How long have you worked at Walpole Partnership?
Since January 2018, and my first working day involved jumping on a tram to Nottingham, a train to London, a plane to Moscow and taking a taxi to a hotel in the middle of nowhere to meet my new colleague. It made for an interesting first day!
What’s your role at Walpole Partnership?
I head up the Delivery function and am responsible for ensuring projects are successfully transitioned from sales to delivery and successfully planned/implemented for our customers. I do my utmost to assure that projects are delivered on time, within the customer budget to the right quality with all of the necessary due-diligence and project controls. My colleagues would hopefully describe me as ‘firm but fair’ amongst many other things no doubt!
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always aspired to be a professional sportsman – a footballer, a golfer, a motorcycle racing champion. My competitive nature will reside with me until my dying day!
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Apart from my kids, my greatest achievement arguably is to retain my sense of humour and balance after life has thrown some very trying situations my way! Nothing prepares you for the loss of beloved family members, so learning to cope with that must be high on my list too.
What do you do in your spare time?
Since rock concerts have been reduced during the pandemic, these days I mostly play golf, being a member of a local club (Norwood Park Golf club). I play off a single figure handicap, so practice makes perfect (that’s my excuse for playing every weekend and spending time on the range during the week!). When at home, I have a gorgeous French Bulldog called Ernie who I love to spend time with.
What one skill would you love to have or learn to do?
I wish I could play the guitar or the drums. Never had the patience to learn a musical instrument but maybe when I retire, I can find the time to practice regularly and learn one of them.
If you could time travel, where would you go?
I would go back to anytime where my dad was present. Lost him unexpectedly during lockdown after being unable to see him in person for seven weeks. Evidence enough that life just throws you a curveball sometimes! What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger, right?
What one thing really annoys you?
Apart from losing at any sporting activity, I would say disloyalty. I pride myself on how trustworthy I can be, and my word is my bond. People that commit to things and then let people down without a significant reason frustrates me immensely.
What is your favourite film of all time?
I am an enormous film buff and regular cinema go-er so a tough question for me as I love all Marvel/DC films, horror and sci-fi/action/comedy genre films. ‘The Crow’ with Brandon Lee must be the one if I can only have one.
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet every time! I just love a cheesecake or banoffee pie!
Click here to find out who else is on the Walpole Partnership team.
