60 Second Interview - John Lucy

Global HR Director, Simmons & Simmons

What was your first ever job?

A bank clerk for Barclays filing vouchers and statements before moving onto the dizzy heights of the counter service. After two years I saw the light and went to University to read Psychology.

What's the best place to go if you really want to find out what's going on in the office?

Definitely not the Partners' Lunch Room, probably the post room.

How did you get into recruitment/HR?

After graduating I'd been unemployed for a year and I was a candidate on a 3 day assessment centre run by British Aerospace when one of the assessors (who was a dead ringer for Ron Atkinson) asked me if I would like to be considered for a role in HR, rather than undertake the two year training programme that was on offer to the successful participants.

What do you do at weekends?

When not operating a taxi service for my 13 year old daughter, I try to relax and do various things (play sport; go swimming or to the cinema) with my 8 year old son. I really enjoy going to live sporting events and concerts - I've recently seen Natalie Merchant, Kathryn Williams and Jonsi.

What is your favourite restaurant?

Cambios in Guildford is a long standing favourite and Enoteca in Pietrasanta also holds special memories.

If you weren't in HR what would you have been?

I've genuinely no idea. The thought of being a Psychologist waned after a handful of visits to various mental institutions in and around Hull, although I did get to meet Mary Magdelene. I'd have loved to have been a sports journalist - flying round the world and getting paid to watch and report on football/rugby would have been perfect.

What is your favourite film?

Bladerunner from the past and 'A Prophet' from more recent times.

What was the first record you bought?

As much as I'd love to say something by Bob Dylan or David Bowie, it was in fact 'I'd like to teach the world to sing' by the New Seekers. I'm still working this through with my therapist.

What is the best thing about your job?

The development side of the role. Seeing the people that you've worked with on a 1:1 basis make partnership is extremely rewarding, as is building an HR team.

What is the toughest thing about your job?

Having to make decisions that will effect people's careers. Whilst I accept it comes with the job, it is something I never do lightly.

What was your biggest work/career mistake and what did you learn from it?

There are way too many to mention. One that does spring to mind, however, was during my early days in HR, I was conducting wage negotiations with the Trade Union reps in a factory in Glasgow and they were putting our 'final offer' to the workforce in the canteen. For some bizarre reason I decided to wander along to see how it was going. I was only about 3 steps into the canteen when I was spotted and sparked a mass walkout. I learned to be patient and keep my distance.

What book are you currently reading?

I commute for 3 hours per day, so I get through quite a few. Sanctuary by Ken Bruen is the latest.

What is your favourite children's book?

The Once & Future King by TH White

If you were stranded on a desert island, what two luxury items would you take with you?

As an only child, I'd be quite content with this arrangement providing I had an Ipad (so I could have all my music and books sorted) and a ball to play with.

Who would you least like to sit next door to at a dinner party?

Dennis Wise.