In Conversation with John Clarke

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
That’s easy. Having a perfect pint of Guinness and catching up with close friends!!

2. What’s your favourite holiday memory?
Before any kids arrived…… definitely travelling the entire coastline of Croatia from North to South with my wife. Amazing country and people.

3. What are you reading? Would you recommend it?
Michael Dell – Play Nice but Win. Yes, definitely. It was recommended to me by a client who worked directly for Michael Dell.

4. Which talent would you most like to have?
The talent to be a senior Dublin footballer.

5. What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement to date?
Working in Ethos for the last 12 years and being given the trust and opportunity to grow into a Director level position has been the greatest achievement of my career to date…With our new company strategy for going Global and working alongside Colin Quinn with our highly valued team of engineers in Global-Tech, I expect there to be some more great achievements to come in the next few years….

6. What practice area do you specialise in and why does it matter?
Our Global Tech group specialise in the delivery of fast-paced large-scale Tech fit-outs and Mission Critical projects in Ireland and across Europe. We are continuously introducing new ideas and Innovations for clients as they want something unique, sustainable, and healthy for their end-users.

The days of delivering the traditional MEP design are a thing of the past, we are moving into the realm of Digital Transformation and using IoT platforms to deliver Smarter buildings for clients. We have identified a clear synergy between MEP/Sustainability/Smart Buildings which is the future but it has to be by small steps so we are always on the Leading Edge at all times.

7. What is the quality you most admire in a leader?
Keeping calm when the pressure is on and being part of the Team in solving problems. Being a leader also requires the ability to explain complex engineering problems in a simple non-technical way so informed decisions can be made by the client.

8. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever been given?
From a very valued Ethos leader "always be honest no matter what the situation"
From a very valued business growth specialist - "The client's perception of the value you bring and your strengths and weaknesses plus their key future needs (collaboration/innovation) should be front and centre of any strategy you develop going forward"

9. Name your favourite building (international only + why?)

The Edge Building in Amsterdam. From thermal energy storage wells connected to an aquifer to smart data gathering, this building represents a different level of sustainability and engineering expertise.

10. Tell us something not many people know about you.
I have just come through the other end of the property market and moved into our new family home in Castleknock. Not an easy achievement with 3 young kids and a very difficult property market!!