Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ Podcast

Episode 84

Jon French – Leaders need to be comfortable being uncomfortable

SUMMARY

Jon French is a Managing Director of Android Global Business at Google UK – one of the world’s most influential technology ecosystems, with billions of users worldwide across smartphones and connected devices.

He has more than 25 years of experience in telecoms, consumer electronics and software, and has held senior leadership roles at global brands Nokia, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft and Beats Electronics.

During his career he has worked at the centre of some of technology’s biggest moments, including helping launch the world’s first Android smartphones.

In Episode 84 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders Podcast, Jon tells Honorary Visiting Professor Mike Sassi why, despite a career spent at the cutting edge of technology, he believes human skills still matter more than ever.

He discusses leadership through uncertainty, adapting to continuous change and why emotional intelligence, relationship-building and the ability to connect with people increasingly separate successful leaders from the rest.

Jon says: “In my career, it’s softer skills that have led to any success I’ve had.”

INTRODUCTION

• Jon French is a Managing Director of Android Global Business at Google UK

• In 1997 he began building a career in mobile tech when he joined Nokia, entering the industry during the early expansion of mobile comms.

• He joined Samsung in 2003. During his five years there, Samsung grew from three per cent market share to 33 per cent, overtaking Nokia as the UK's leading phone brand.

• In 2008 Jon received Samsung's prestigious Chairman's Platinum Award, recognising outstanding sales and marketing performance across the wider Samsung Group.

• He moved to HTC in 2008 and played a leading role in launching the world's first Android smartphones, working closely with Google.

• Jon went on to hold senior leadership positions across major global technology businesses including Microsoft and Beats Electronics.

• Today, as an MD of Android Global Business at Google UK Jon helps lead international business strategy, partnerships and commercial performance across one of the world's most influential technology platforms.

LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from Jon French

1. Effective leaders become comfortable operating in uncertainty.

"I always put myself in uncomfortable positions. Leaders need to not know what's going to happen… then not let that be a source of worry, but rather a source of excitement and energy."

2. Growth often comes from taking risks and backing yourself.

"I've never been afraid to back myself. I've never been afraid to take that challenge… It’s the bungee jump equivalent. If you're able to throw yourself into it, then actually you're probably going to enjoy the ride."

3. Great leaders balance long-term vision with delivering the next step.

"Don't look too far in the future. Yes, have a plan. But don't forget you're on a path to get there. If you look too far in the future, you forget the next step on the path."

4. Success should not lead to complacency.

"When you've had your moment and done very well, get back to work as soon as possible. Because if you let yourself become too distracted by praise or success, then you'll take your foot off the gas."

5. Leadership depends on emotional intelligence and human connection.

"Leadership is about connecting with people and conveying a message in a way that resonates. Softer skills are the number one thing that's led to any success that I've had."

6. Leaders need to be honest about their weaknesses.

"When you're open with yourself and can say, 'I'm not great at that’ … that's the most powerful transformation."

7. Maintaining the status quo is often a greater risk than changing.

"If you stand still, then you move backwards."

RELATED LINKS

Find out more about Jon French on his LinkedIn pages
Jon French delivered a Business Leaders Lecture at Nottingham Business School
Read more about Jon French in this news item from Mobile News

If you enjoyed this episode of the NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with MD of Global Android at Google UK Jon French, listen to previous episodes with…

• The CEO of Boots UK Anthony Hemmerdinger

• The co-founder of the Amazing If… company Sarah Ellis

• Entrepreneur and CEO of £1bn international software firm Ideagen, Ben Dorks

• The founder of the Lonely Girls Club Holly Cooke