Testimonials

"John is the single most profound demonstration of authentic leadership…”

“Personally, I am so grateful to have had [John] as a mentor…”

"John initiated the audacious task of building the Sydney office of Squire Patton Boggs from scratch.  The notion was clearly nuts! Some people are happy to achieve the art of the possible: John takes on and implements the art of the impossible."  

"He builds, refines and fosters a culture that is second to none”

“Brilliant teacher…”

“He has been a leader not only in Australia, but over the balance of the world as well”

“John Poulsen is the single most profound demonstration of authentic leadership I’ve had the opportunity to come across.   He embodies decades of selfless and reflective leadership and continues to mentor me as I try to grasp a style of leadership that often sees young people embody regressive and fear based styles of leadership in a shortsighted attempt to building power.  Through countless meetings, I’ve come to appreciate that true power lies in tapping into the discretionary energy of others and that sometimes the best leaders lead from behind. “

“Thank you so much for this Afternoon session John, I came home and had to deal with a quite challenging situation with one of my housemates, and thanks to your session this afternoon I approached it a totally different way - and I have no doubt the outcome was much better because of it, so thank you very much ! You are the stone that ripples in the ocean❤️”

“John brings tremendous learning experience and a desire to help, genuine concern and provides excellent feedback. He is authentic Anna great person to work with”. P Jaffries

”John walks his talk and is genuine in all he does. This is his key strength.” Director Finance company

“ Highly professional and well regarded. Authentic and genuinely engaged in finding better outcomes stroke solutions in partnership. An inspiring leader and a delight to work with. Melissa Perry, CEO Communicare

“John thank you for sharing with me your wisdom about values and purpose. Your questions, coaching and mentoring have been a great value to me in gradually seeing and exploring my future with new insights and fresh perspectives.” Peter Connaughton

“I would like to thank you very much for a truly marvellous session today.   Without sounding hyperbolic, your one hour session was most likely the most valuable hour in my career to date.”  Partner, Dentons Sydney

”John Poulsen has been incredibly important in his mentoring to my development in a very difficult and challenging phase of life, to the point that I wouldn't like to think about not having had that guidance. He uses completely genuine compassion to gain your full trust, and then has adopted the Barrett Values Centre model to get to understand what makes you tick, where you fall down and what purpose is driving you forwards. I love it that John has been going on a journey of discovery himself, which actually makes him a brilliant teacher. He has been very frank and open about his own vulnerabilities which adds to his authenticity.” Director, Structured Finance organisation

"Effective leadership involves - at its foundation - trust.  John earned the trust of his colleagues in Perth in 2011 and many who have joined us since in Darwin, Sydney and Perth since then.  And John enjoys the trust and admiration of partners around the globe.  He has been a leader not only in Australia, but over the balance of our world as well.  This can be said about very few others.  John earned this admiration by understanding and living [the values] of what it means to be a partner.  This is among the highest accolades that can be given to anyone." - Jim Maiwurm, former Global Chair and CEO of Squire Patton Boggs

  "We have benefited from [his] tireless efforts to create opportunities for us and, more significantly, build, refine and foster a culture that is second to none – where we are encouraged to treat one another with respect, feel valued, supported and safe.  [John's] selflessness and dedication to the wellbeing of [his] staff is inspirational. You make those of us working and hoping to progress want to reach higher, do better and achieve more. I owe you a debt of gratitude for this opportunity… I am without doubt the happiest I have been in my whole life." –Lawyer at Squire Patton Boggs

"…you have changed a lot of people's lives with your wit, commitment, strength, encouragement and wisdom."

“I just wanted to say thanks… for being a mentor, sponsor and friend …you have changed a lot of people's lives with your wit, commitment, strength, encouragement and wisdom. I hope I look back at the some stage and can say I achieved a fraction of what you have.”

"What [John has] created will continue to go from strength to strength… boy will [he] be missed."

“I admire what [John has] achieved in Australia, how [his] influence and personality have kept that business going and progressing in the right direction and how without [John] we could simply never have achieved what we have achieved.  What [John has] created will continue to go from strength to strength and boy oh boy will [he] be missed.” – From Global Squire Patton Boggs Partners

"He is a diversity & inclusion champion advocating for more family friendly workplace cultures."

“John Poulsen [was] the Managing Partner of Squire Patton Boggs, Australia. Formerly Managing Partner at Minter Ellison, Perth, John is (among other initiatives) spearheading discussion around a national regulatory view of autonomous vehicles and is passionate about fostering a purpose-led workplace culture. John is most definitely not "just a lawyer", he is a creative polymath and expansive thinker with a big heart. He is a diversity & inclusion champion advocating for more family friendly workplace cultures. He is a purveyor of the growth mindset and all round top bloke!” -From a Global Squire Patton Boggs Partner

"He leads with passion...and will deliver outstanding results for individuals and organisations."

"John has the magic that captures people's hearts."

"I met John when he was the State President of The Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and then a few years later started working for him.  I experienced him leading a firm through a merger and significant growth - opening an office in Sydney and Darwin.  He leads with passion and is a driver of cultural change in organisations.  The merger with SPB happened because of cultural fit.  I am delighted to see John launching People Passion Performance and he will deliver outstanding results for organisations and individuals.  Congrats John for following your Passion." - Paula Rogers, State Director CEDA

"John Poulsen both hosted the final session of the CEDA Copland Leadership Program and presented to 45 participants over five years.  The final session is about engaging participants to be courageous, to make a difference in society and your own re-imagined futures demonstrating leadership.  It is an emotional climax for the participants, and the speaker needs that special touch.  John has that magic that captures the hearts of people.  His shared stories about leaders having the foresight and being able to make tough decisions to grow a business and join a global market are real, and my own connection with John is testimony of this.  He insights leadership both corporately and as the citizens operating in tough dynamic environments.  His model of success is a great model to share. and one that in our society, where we need values driven leadership with purpose resulting in profit.  People connect on an authentic level and are inspired to take action." Diana Vitasovic, CEDA Copeland Leadership Program March 2018