30 Seconds With John Ring

Who in the business world do you most admire?

Michael O'Leary. He calls it as it is and has been the driving force behind building one of Europe’s largest airlines. His clarity, conviction, and ability to execute at scale really stand out. It would be interesting if he entered the political arena as I think he could really implement meaningful change. 

What do you wish you knew before you started your career?

How cyclical the market can be. 

When I started out nearly 30 years ago, I underestimated the complexity of property. It’s not a guaranteed upward trajectory. It’s influenced by a wide range of economic, sector, structural, and asset-specific factors.

What is your career highlight to date?

Pre-2008, I was appointed retail branch manager for an SME-focused bank, during a period when traditional banking supports, such as overdrafts and cash services, were being withdrawn. It was a demanding but a hugely valuable learning curve.

More recently, I’m really enjoying my role at Onate. It’s great to be part of a flat-structured organisation with a team that genuinely has a “can-do” attitude.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing?

I was accepted into a Scottish university to study auctioneering so there’s a good chance I’d be wielding the gavel today if I’d taken that path.

What do you do to relax?

Sea swimming followed by a sauna. It’s one of the best ways to switch off. Once you’re in the water, you’re completely present - there’s no distractions.