In our final episode of Unfinished Business, we hear from John Dodd, the Director of Satellite Maritime Safety at Inmarsat, responsible for the global safety of 1.9 million seafarers. His expertise, honed over a career spanning more than 25 years, has solidified Inmarsat’s reputation as a pioneer in maritime safety.
‘Unfinished Business’ is the Henley Personal Development podcast. Hosted by Dr Chris Dalton, each episode is an invitation to join a conversation with an inspiring leader as they reflect on their lives, careers, and self-awareness. This is the personal side of management learning, which is a lifelong and emergent journey toward sustainable health and well-being for individuals, organisations, and wider community.
Many of those featured have graduated from Henley Business School’s top-ranked Executive MBA programme, and they represent a diverse set of nationalities, industries, job functions, and outlooks. What they have in common is a love of learning and passion for growth.
What barriers prevent us from reaching our full potential? How can fostering a healthy work-life balance enhance leadership? What role does personal growth play in driving organisational success? How can we contribute to a healthier community and environment? Join Chris and his guests as they tackle these questions, and more, as they navigate their unfinished business.
Dr Chris Dalton is Associate Professor of Management Learning and module convener for Personal Development at Henley Business School. He is also the recipient of a University Teaching Fellowship (2022-23).
Chris joined Henley Business School in 2005 and was Programme Director for the Distance/Flexible Learning MBA until 2010. He teaches on the Henley Business School MBA and DBA.
His research is focused on the use of reflection in personal development in post-experience management education. His first book,The Every Day MBA, was published at the beginning of 2015 and his second,Brilliant Strategy for Business, in 2016. In 2019, he publishedMBA Day By Day. His latest book,The Integrated Leader: a Foundation for Lifelong Management Learning, was released in 2021.
John Dodd
John Dodd (Henley MBA Alumnus) is an industry leader in Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS), he oversees the current satellite safety services, develops and implements new satellite capabilities, and represents the organisation in regulatory forums such as the International Maritime Organisation (U.N.), World Meteorological Organisation, and International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO).
His career background ranges from an extensive career in UK Armed Forces to a motorbike stuntman. John’s journey also includes a pivotal chapter at Henley Business School, where he completed the Senior Leaders Apprenticeship and his MBA in 2023.
He is an advocate for personal development within the workplace and industry. Completing his MBA at Henley Business School, and receiving Outstanding Apprentice of the Year 2022, he as subsequently been awarded an Honour Doctor of Maritime Studies by SOLENT University Southampton in 2024.
Notably, his implementation of a new safety system at Inmarsat led to a staggering 400% increase in the use of search and rescue services by global authorities, underscoring his innovative approach and unwavering dedication. In 2023, he and his team also won the prestigious International Maritime Rescue Federation Award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue. These awards are recognition of John’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in maritime safety.
