Building a Career Through Trust and Culture with Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct
April 1, 2025
In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct. They explore Will's 15-year journey from management trainee to senior leader, the unique culture that's kept him at Timpson, and how embracing opportunities and taking risks have shaped his career growth in the retail service industry.
In this episode of Careers Unwrapped, host Mark Fawcett is joined by Will Lankston, Managing Director of Timpson Direct.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to thrive in an empowering workplace culture built on trust and kindness
- Why saying "yes" to challenging opportunities accelerates career progression
- The power of personality-based hiring and why cultural fit matters more than technical skills
- How to navigate from entry-level to leadership while staying with one company
- Why taking calculated risks early in your career creates long-term opportunities
- The importance of embracing change and innovation in retail service management
- How upside-down management puts front-line workers at the heart of business success
- Why authenticity and willingness to learn outweigh traditional career expectations
Will Lankston is the Managing Director of Timpson Direct within the Timpson Group, where he has built a remarkable 15-year career starting as a management trainee. Rising through various leadership roles, he has been instrumental in expanding the company's diverse service offerings, including vending operations and international franchising. With expertise in retail and service management, Will embodies Timpson's unique culture of trust, kindness, and empowerment through "upside-down management." In this episode, Will shares valuable insights on career development, organizational culture, and business innovation, providing practical guidance for young professionals looking to build successful careers. His journey from shop floor to senior leadership, combined with his experience in implementing cultural change and driving business growth, offers compelling lessons for those interested in retail management and corporate leadership.
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