Ikon Training
Staff Q&A, James Crown, Training Director
May 19th, 2023
3 mins
Q: What is your role at IKON Training?
A: I’m the Training Director. In this role, I oversee the design and implementation of training programs for our learners. I work closely with our team to identify training needs, develop relevant content, and ensure our courses are practical and impactful. I also collaborate with external organisations to provide tailored training solutions that meet requirements.
Q: Name something surprising about you that people might not know
A: Besides my work at IKON Training, I coach my daughters under 12 girls’ football team! It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to share my passion for sport and contribute to the development and growth of young athletes. Coaching allows me to apply my training and mentoring skills in a different context and positively impact the lives of these talented young players.
Q: What’s your favourite part of your job?
A: My favourite part of being the Training and Development Manager is the opportunity to meet, engage, and provide training solutions to individuals and organisations in need. It’s rewarding to witness the transformation and growth of learners as they acquire new knowledge and skills. Knowing that our training plays a role in keeping people safe and fostering professional development brings me immense satisfaction and motivates me to continuously improve our programs.
Q: What do you do when you get into the office?
A: When I arrive at the office, my first stop is usually the kitchen to make coffee! My little ritual helps me kickstart the day with energy and focus. Once I have my cup of coffee, I check my emails and prioritise tasks for the day. I often meet with our training team to discuss ongoing projects, review progress, and ensure that everything is on track.
Q: Who has inspired your career path most in your life?
A: While there isn’t one specific person who has been my sole inspiration, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many incredible individuals throughout my work career. From experienced trainers to dedicated colleagues, each person has contributed to my professional growth uniquely. I’ve learned valuable lessons, gained insights, and adopted effective strategies by observing and working alongside them. Like all good trainers, I believe in constantly learning from others and incorporating best practices into my work.
Q: What’s one professional skill you’ve nailed?
A: One professional skill that I’ve worked hard to master is empathy. Over the years, through my experience in the field and delivering training, I’ve developed a solid ability to understand and connect with the feelings and perspectives of my colleagues and learners. Empathy allows me to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and encouraged to actively engage in the training process. It also enables me to tailor training programs to meet different learners’ specific needs and challenges, fostering a more impactful and meaningful learning experience.
Q: Are you most productive in the morning, the afternoon, or at night?
A: I’m definitely a mid-morning person regarding productivity… after my cup of coffee, of course! I feel most energised and focused in the morning, allowing me to tackle complex tasks and engage in creative thinking.
Q: What motivates you?
A: My family is a major driving force for me. I’m fueled by the desire to create a better future for my wife and two daughters. Knowing that my work at IKON Training contributes to the safety and professional development of individuals and organisations adds even more motivation to my work.
Q: What would it be if you had to choose a different career?
A: If I had to choose a different career, I would have loved to be involved in professional football in some capacity, perhaps as a coach. While my dream of becoming a pro player didn’t pan out, I still find joy in coaching and being part of the football world.
Thank you to James Crown for taking the time to participate in our Q&A session!
We genuinely appreciate your active listening skills and your support to everyone in the office.
Your ability to lend an ear and offer guidance makes you a valuable asset. With your exceptional qualities, maybe a career as a therapist would have been a great alternative path for you!
Once again, thank you for sharing your experiences and being a fantastic team member.
Connect with James on LinkedIn
Meet the rest of the team!