James Burn, Founding Partner, People and Culture
With more than four decades experience in building businesses, including over 25 years helping to lead and shape BrandActive, I’ve learned the value of keeping calm, building trust, and following through. Colleagues and clients know they can count on me to do what I say I will, and to bring focus, steadiness and deep experience to the table, particularly when stakes are high and circumstances are challenging.
The more complex or turbulent the situation, the calmer and more focused I become. I lean on my experience to find solutions that are smart, practical and proven, without unnecessary over-complication. My approach is simple: do great work with great people and have a great time doing it. Trust is at the heart of everything good, whether that’s guiding a client, mentoring a colleague, or building relationships that last. And when things get challenging, “keep calm and carry on!”.
Some of the work I’m proudest of is to do with shaping BrandActive itself: building a highly specialized consulting business that is compassionate commercial endeavour, serving some of the biggest and most impressive businesses in the world. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and meeting new people. With a deep passion for the arts I have supported and collected for many decades. I also love playing tennis, swimming and reading, with a particular interest in philosophy and biography.
