Charlie Blakemore has recently joined the growing Intercity Technology team as chief operating officer, after working with the board as non-executive director for two and a half years.
Charlie will be working to streamline and enhance the delivery of projects to both enterprise and SME customers, ensuring that our first-class service is provided as efficiently as possible. He will also be working closely with our HR department to optimise our recruitment and retention processes as the business grows.
We sat down with him to find out a bit more…
Who is your role model?
My Dad. He passed away when I was quite young, but I still try to live out the lessons he taught me. He was a hard-working, thoughtful and caring man who also enjoyed a laugh and a joke too and I’ve done my best to uphold these values throughout my life so far.
What is the toughest job you’ve ever had?
The toughest job, but one equally as rewarding, was when I was COO of the Maritime Naval Ships Business leading the transformation of the UK shipyards up in Glasgow, Scotland. We were building two aircraft carriers at the same time as modernising the business and the ways of working. It also coincided with the Scottish Referendum! What made it the toughest job was that I away from my family for three years, Monday to Friday. I would get back down to see my family at the weekends, but I always wanted more time with my two girls.
What are your three biggest accomplishments?
- Without a doubt my two daughters. I’m so proud of the people they have become already. Like every parent, they mean the world to me.
- I have worked in senior executive and board-level roles for the past 20 years in BAE in
all sectors including land, maritime and air and have helped deliver better business performance in each sector. Throughout my career and amongst some challenging environments, I have developed long-term friendships and that also means a lot to me.
- Managing a semi-professional team, Chasetown Football Club, and leading them to the third round of the FA Cup in 2007 – the lowest-ranked team to make it to this stage in footballing history. The FA Cup has been running for over 125 years and this record still exists!
What characteristics do you believe every leader should possess?
Honesty, integrity, humility, determination to succeed and the ability to motivate and inspire.
What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?
Be yourself and have confidence in your own capabilities. Always remember that people make things happen. Take the time to recognise people’s strengths and try to get the best out of everyone. Be challenging, but also be fair
