“I have probably learned the most by taking roles, for which I didn’t always feel fully qualified” John Goddard, former HSBC Global Private Banking & Wealth COO, current board advisor and consultant.

Growing up in the countryside, playing a lot of rugby and attending the village schools, my upbringing was idyllic but relatively sheltered. My horizons were broadened at Cardiff University where I studied History and Politics. I experienced an epiphany when I backpacked with friends at the end of my second year – chatting around the campfire I realised everyone had a career plan while I had no idea. This travel experience made me realise that I wanted to see more of the world. Midland Bank had recently been acquired by HSBC and the international career opportunities influenced my decision to take up a place on its graduate programme.

Early on I made it known to departmental heads that I would like to work abroad and, looking back, these rather bold conversations set the direction of my future career. I would advise anyone who knows what they want, to be brave and tell those around you. You never know what opportunities might follow and, in my case, soon after completing the graduate programme, I was offered an opportunity to work in Dubai.

On reflection, I have probably learned the most by taking roles for which I didn’t always feel fully qualified. When I went to Dubai in 2000, I was a young man who was relatively inexperienced, but I was given opportunities I wouldn’t have been offered at that stage, if I had stayed in the UK. Dubai was smaller than it is now and was developing fast.  I had a lot of fun, but most importantly, this role was also a great accelerator for my career.

Over almost three decades I worked my way up from retail banking executive to become COO of the Global Private Banking & Wealth business. I have been based in seven countries and territories including China, Hong Kong and Korea – as well as Poland, where I met and married my wife. Living overseas gives you a fresh perspective on world events and I appreciate that I have been able to learn from different cultures. I was living in China when they hosted the Beijing Olympics and I was in the Middle East during 9/11 which was eye-opening.

Moving around the world can be hard on family life so I am extremely grateful to my wife who gave up her career as a pharmacist to come with me to Shanghai. She has moved with me to five different countries, and we had our first child in Korea and two more in Hong Kong. I think it is easier to be the working member of the household because you are immersed in your new role, working hard, and meeting new people. In contrast the supporting partner is dealing with the realities of living in a new country – which my wife has done repeatedly. It takes a special kind person, and my career would not have been possible without her support.

A lot has changed in the banking industry over three decades, with the rise of technology, changes in working practices and workplace norms. HSBC has changed hugely in recent years with a big focus on taking a lead in the ESG space and encouraging diversity in the workplace, supporting hybrid working and enabling work-life balance.  The organisation has made great strides in all these areas and there are now many more females in senior positions.

I joined the IoD three years ago, conscious that I wanted to broaden my network nationally and internationally and meet like-minded people from different industries. As I consider a more plural career, including NED opportunities, I am increasingly of the mind that UK board directors need a recognised qualification to ensure they have the relevant skills and understand their responsibilities.

I appreciate the many benefits of IoD membership both in Jersey where I live, and when I meet people in London, when I often use 116 Pall Mall. I am working my way through all the director qualifications and have completed the Certificate and Diploma Qualifications with my sights set on Chartered Director.