Jean Tomlin OBE

‘Jean has a marvelous story to tell as the inspiration behind the London 2012Games Maker volunteer programme, and it is one she tells with great panache and verve. As the former Chief Executive of Volunteering England, who worked closely with LOCOG throughout the run-up to the Games, I have seen Jean perform up close and personal in a variety of settings, from large national conferences to smaller workshops and master-classes. She was the key-note speaker at the National Volunteering Convention in Newcastle in the lead up to the Games and delegates commented enthusiastically on her relaxed, without-notes, speaking style and her obvious passion and enthusiasm for the cause. The Games Makers were the unexpected highlight of the Games and promise to transform public attitudes towards volunteering in society. As the face of the Games Makers, and drawing on a wealth of experience in leadership and human resource management across the corporate, public and voluntary sectors, Jean would be a major draw at any national or international event keen to learn more about the success of London 2012 and the lessons for the future’.

‘Jean recently spoke at an event for senior leaders in charities organised and hosted by the National Trust. The event focused on sharing learning from the 2012 Games Maker programme. The clarity of Jean’s thinking and professional presentation coupled with the warmth and honesty of her personal style ensured the session was a great success. Attendees commented on how informative and inspiring they found the session and I know that we all left feeling energised and excited about the challenges and opportunities we face as leaders of volunteering.’

‘As HRD of LOCOG, Jean Tomlin has a story to tell like very few others. A story of building a vision, attracting talent, maintaining engagement, delivering on results on the ultimate project, the Olympic Games London 2012 – and she tells it brilliantly. Jean has an engaging presentation style which holds the audience and literally raises the hairs on the back of the neck. At the Executive Grapevine 2013 talent conference Jean took an audience of over 400 back to the summer of 2012 reigniting the memories, pride and passions of that extraordinary event. She is an excellent public speaker who through her impactful and inspiring style carries on the mission of “inspiring a generation”.’