Every Monday we profile one of our Members. This week in we are joined by Proprietor 238, Mr John Drysdale.
Who are you?
I am John Drysdale a local businessman, I run a successful training and development company as well as being part of a global coaching and business consulting company.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement was our company winning a major regional contract to deliver leadership skills for small businesses to create growth. I am proud to have worked with many of the businesses from this city who are now leaders in their field and well known local names. We actually held our graduation events in The Athenaeum library and our programme sponsors were blown away, probably my proudest moment.
Can you give one interesting fact about yourself?
I’m a musician and took up the saxophone about 10 years ago, achieving my Grade 5 in Jazz Alto Sax. I missed out the lower grades going straight in at this level. It was quite terrifying!
What brought you to The Athenaeum?
A friend and I had often talked about it. On my 50th birthday my wife took me for lunch to … The Athenaeum. There I was presented with an envelope which contained confirmation I was now a proprietor. She had secretly arranged for Ken Pye to propose me and that was it. A nice surprise.
Is there anything you would change about the Athenaeum?
We’ve run a few business events in the institution and people are always impressed and want to know more. I wonder if we could do more of this and attract a diverse audience from the business community.
Do you have any Athenaeum memories or stories that you wish to share?
A couple of years ago, I was approached to deliver The Immortal Memory at the Burn’s Supper, which is a real honour for any Scot. It was a truly memorable evening with some great performances. I have fond memories of our President, the late Sir David Maddison, being very complimentary and supportive of my speech and I have a photograph of us looking resplendent that evening. (For those who are interested the speech can be found here: https://www.noguru.net/immortal-memory-robert-burns-805.html
What would you say to anyone considering joining the Club?
I would say that it is an excellent place to raise your personal standing. People are hugely impressed to meet you in the unique surroundings and want to see round the institution. It’s a great way to build relationships and offer something to people you value. ‘Shall we meet at The Athenaeum?’ always creates a positive reaction.