Blog Series NWBLT Career Stories with Jonathan Murphy
The North West is a fantastic place to pursue a purposeful and fulfilling career. As part of our blog series, shining a spotlight on NWBLT members career journeys’, today we hear from Jonathan Murphy, NWBLT Deputy Chair and CEO of Assura.
Tell us a little bit about your current role?
I am currently CEO of Assura plc, which is a FTSE 250 listed healthcare property business. We design, build and manage healthcare facilities for the NHS and other providers with a particular focus on social impact and sustainability. Our portfolio covers all of the UK and we have just made our first few investments in Ireland. I am also Deputy Chair of the North West Business Leadership Team.
How did your career start? What are you most proud of?
I started my career as a trainee accountant at PwC in their Manchester office and as an English literature graduate. Those early years passing my accountancy exams were extremely tough. Working long hours, travelling, and dealing with (really numerate!) professional exams was very challenging. The professional training and experience were invaluable though and my PwC training has definitely been the bedrock of my career.
I was really proud of passing those exams and also in achieving an MBA a few years later, but the thing I am most proud of is being made CEO of Assura and given the opportunity to change the business into a purpose led business aiming to deliver for all of our stakeholders.
Why did you decide to build your career in the North West?
Personal and family reasons were the original driver. My wife and I transferred with PwC to Bangkok and then we had two years in Barcelona. Returning to the UK with a young family it was a natural step for us to move back to be nearer to our families.
Do you think working in the North West is different to working elsewhere?
Our business is national and so I work all over the UK. The differences I see in the North West are around a common commitment to responsible business, a passion to make a difference to our region and a refreshing lack of ego from business leaders. It’s definitely distinctive and hugely attractive as a place to live and work. Its also what attracted me to the NWBLT, which embodies those values, and continues to drive for even greater progress for our region.
What’s the greatest challenge that you have faced in your career or as a leader?
The transition to CEO has definitely been the biggest challenge of my career, especially as it was brought about by the tragic loss of my mentor, the former CEO, Graham Roberts. The shift in focus from CFO was much greater than I anticipated and was all about strategic thinking, communication and leadership for all levels of the organisation. It was a real challenge, but definitely the best thing that ever happened in my career.
As a business leader, what skills, values and behaviours are you looking for to support your organisation to continue to be successful?
We are a business that prides itself on having as our primary goal to be a leader in social impact and sustainability. So, developing that commitment to all of our stakeholders while also retaining a focus on commercial success is a key challenge for our teams – it’s not an easy balance to strike!
What advice would you give to those thinking about their first career steps?
Be bold, try new things and take some risks. Nothing is set in stone in a modern career path so you can afford to try a few different avenues.