John Abbott
Managing Partner at Laytons ETL
John Abbott, managing partner at City of London-based Laytons ETL, shares his passions and interests with The Brief
How do you like to start the day?
With a cup of tea followed by long walk with my golden retriever.
What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?
My grandmother clock. I bought it while on a long weekend in the Cotswolds. It was an impulse purchase. It has been restored and looks and sounds wonderful.
Who is your closest colleague?
There are too many contenders for me to be able to choose.
Do you have a favourite family heirloom?
Not so much an heirloom, but I would say my father’s watch collection that I inherited.
What’s your favourite song of all time?
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John.
What’s your favourite play?
The Mouse Trap.
Who’s your favourite movie star?
Dame Judi Dench.
What’s your favourite book?
Wild Swans by Jung Chang.
What book are you reading right now?
The Honourable School Boy by John Le Carré.
What book do you wish you had written?
To Kill a Mockingbird.
What’s the greatest invention of all time?
The jet engine. The world is a much smaller place because of it.
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
I wish I could still play rugby (some people will say I never could!)
Who inspires you in business?
Walt Disney. He started with nothing and created one of the most famous and successful enterprises. As Disney said, “Dream, Believe, Dare, Do.”
In the office do you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?
I generally wear a suit and tie in the office.
Where do you go to relax?
I walk the coastal paths near where I live.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Canada, especially The Rockies.
Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?
My bank card (you never know when it may be needed).
What’s the best part of your job?
My colleagues.
How do you unwind after work?
Either watch TV or read a book. In the summer I may potter in the garden in the evenings.
Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?
My 12 string Fender acoustic guitar.
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