John MacKel
With nearly 40 years experience working in Leadership Consultancy across various sectors, John can offer insight into personal, career or academic development through training and coaching.
Tell us about yur academic and career journey before you began working at The Graduate School?
I studied Psychology in London University from 1980 to 1983, then did Post Grad Study in London in Occupational Psychology. I began my career working as an Occupational Psychologist, then a Leadership Consultant. I Started my own Consulting Practice in 1992 and managed it with partners in various forms until 2019. I specialised in Strategy, Talent Development, Leadership Development and Personal Development.
What led you to pursue a career in higher education and student engagement and how had your previous academic or professional experience prepared you for it?
After selling my business I wanted to work with younger people at the start of their personal and professional journey and share my experience and insights on leadership, personal development, career, and life in general. I have nearly 40 years experience in developing people in a wide range of sectors and countries that I feel is valuable to PGT and PGR students through training and individual coaching.
When did you start working at The Graduate School and what is your role here?
I started 1st April 2019.I’m a PG Development Consultant. I love the direct contact with students and especially the moments when you see or hear them recognise a new insight about themselves.
The most challenging thing is staying fresh and up to date and keeping students engaged especially online. I can support students with challenges or concerns related to staying resilient, dealing with supervisors, staying focused and positive. I think my inputs on Emotional Resilience, Project Management, Personal Leadership, Reflection, and one to one coaching help directly.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
Take your time, be open to self-discovery, be kind to yourself and others, stay focused but find our balance. Also, be sure to stay aware of the one to One support on personal and professional development that is available from The Graduate School.
What’s one thing you can’t survive a working day without?
A daily walk and fresh air – it’s important to take personal time to be in the moment.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field to better serve students' needs?
I still work with private clients in industry and see their leadership and organisational challenges. I read and share insights and resources with other colleagues.
Do you have any favourite inspirational quotes or mantras that keep you motivated in your work?
Live Our Values Everyday. LOVE.
Do you think there are any unique challenges that students face today which are different to the challenges students faced in previous generations? What are they?
The pressure to succeed, cost of living, personal and societal expectations, isolation, debt, social media bombardment.
What's your favourite thing about Belfast that students should definitely check out?
There’s so much to be discovered in the local music scene, and in terms of the parks and river. Restaurant wise, I’m a big fan of Ravenous.
If you could switch roles with any student for a day, which program or course would you choose, and why?
Masters or PHd in music composition and performance. Music is what keeps me sane and a huge part of my personal and social life. I played bass guitar in a punk band back in the day, and now I listen to a wide range of music – classical, baroque, jazz, Indie, Ska, Punk, Irish Traditional and folk. World music, singer song writers. My go to music would be Joy Division, New Order, The Cure, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Cocteau Twins, Mazzy Star, The Specials, Fiddle Music and Bach Cello suites.
What's your favourite book or movie that you think every student should experience?
The Best of Myles by Flann O’Brien. First Things First by Steven Covey.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?
My wife, My Fiddle and My I tunes with everlasting battery.
Do you have a favourite travel destination or a memorable trip?
Annual trips to Rome and to teach at Brittany Winter School for Irish Music. Going to Barcelona last year with middle son and free backstage passes to see the Cure.