An interview with Richard Wood

Company: Touchstone Renard Limited
Location: London, England
Position: Director of HR & Business Services

Where did you learn the basics of running a business?
I have spent almost all of my working life in the public sector working in local government. For the final 10 years of my public sector life, I worked direct to the Chief Executive in helping to manage what I would describe as a highly complex, multi-million pound business added to which was the complicating factor of having to manage the Political interface. Dealing with local politicians is, shall we say, interesting.

Whom did you work with before becoming a consultant?
Most recently for Waverley Borough Council in Surrey
Previously with the Inner London Education Authority
Prior to that with the Greater London Council and its Leader Ken Livingston

What will you do in ten years?
Within that period, take an active role in supporting Touchstone Renard to grow its business and increase turnover by > 50 % and then, finally, retire.

What kind of people do you like to work with?
Committed, knowledgeable people who have a high level of integrity. But above all else, a good sense of fun is absolutely critical.

Is there someone whom you would describe as intelligent?
Stephen Fry

After working many years as a consultant you managed many projects. Are there really special ones among them?
I have worked as a consultant for, in a lifetime, a metaphoric ‘5 minutes’. In my previous employment, I lead and directly managed the implementation of a ‘regime change’ at the top of the organisation without any bad press and without any ‘casualties’.

Why is your company a member of IMCN?
To network, to share thoughts and ideas and to help each other to succeed.