Jean-Pierre Noël’s background is in international HR, and he has 15 years’ board level experience inside FTSE 50 multinationals. He now pursues a portfolio career that primarily involves running his own reward consulting and talent development company specialising in executive pay. He also conducts HR research studies on behalf of PwC and the Purposeful Company. He is an MBA tutor at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and a Meyler Campbell trained Business Coach.
Tell us about your journey with Pilotlight. What drew you to us?
I was drawn to Pilotlight while working in a senior HR role for a global hotel group. A personal development objective was to strengthen my impact and influence with the company’s board and top leadership team. At the same time, I was starting to consider a future portfolio career that might include NED work and business coaching. I was attracted to Pilotlight as a way to build experience, skills, and capabilities relevant to these goals. The Pilotlight 360 programme also presented an opportunity to expand my network and give back in a way that wasn’t simply about donating money.
How long have you been a Pilotlighter?
I have been a Pilotlighter since 2013 and to date have completed nine projects covering a wide range of great causes including support to older people, young care leavers, people who are long-term unemployed and refugees. My first project was with a mental health charity requiring help with developing their business plan and strategy for sustainable growth. My current project is with an adoption charity that is considering expanding their service offering to fostering and is looking for support with evaluating whether this is the right route to take.
How would you describe your experience so far?
The experience has been educational and rewarding.
Educational because I have learnt a great deal about the third sector generally as well as discrete areas such as the UK’s care system and the work of Law Centres.
Rewarding because it involves tackling a challenging business issue and partnering with a talented team of individuals I may never have met in the ordinary course of events – this includes the charity leaders and their boards, the Pilotlight Project Managers and my fellow Pilotlighters who all bring perspectives from a wide range of backgrounds and specialisms.
What motivates you through the Pilotlight 360 project journey?
I am motivated by the important cause the charity I am working with is concerned with, and the positive impact on their service users. This is particularly brought to life during the ‘site visit’ which usually takes place early on in the project. You visit the charity’s headquarters in person, meet the wider team and hear first-hand the experiences of the people using their services. The journey won’t be without its bumps – there may be some difficult conversations along the way and there will certainly be plenty of constructive challenge. However, everyone is there with positive intent, the environment is safe, and there is a shared goal to serve the charity’s best interests.
What impact has Pilotlight had on you, both personally and professionally?
From a personal perspective, I have made a number of new friends and connections through Pilotlight, and the experience has greatly enhanced my general knowledge in several areas.
Professionally, the experience did help support my original personal development goals, and as I work on new projects, I continue to build my coaching and mentoring skills. The knowledge and experience I have gained has also been relevant to social entrepreneurship projects I have supported students with as an MBA tutor.
Describe Pilotlight 360 in 3 words.
Inspirational – Educational – Rewarding.
"I was attracted to Pilotlight as a way to build experience, skills, and capabilities. The Pilotlight 360 programme also presented an opportunity to expand my network and give back in a way that wasn’t simply about donating money."