Celebrating 25 Years of JQA: A Journey of Purpose, Courage, and Human Impact
Written by Megan McEnery
Business and Client Director, BA (Hons), MA, PGCE, CAT
Twenty-five years ago, a journey that began with a leap of faith across continents laid the foundation for what is now a respected and enduring consultancy in the fields of executive assessment, leadership development, and coaching. The story of JQA is deeply interwoven with that of its founder, John Queripel, a seasoned professional who arrived in the UK on 2 January 2000, driven by both personal convictions and professional ambition.
Having built a 25-year career in education, mining, and banking across South Africa, John made the difficult decision to relocate to the UK. Motivated by concerns for personal safety and a desire to secure a world-class education for his two children, he left behind familiarity and status for the unknown.
Despite his experience and multiple degrees, he found himself starting anew at the bottom of the corporate ladder. Joining a consultancy firm that had ambitions to build a Human Capital practice, he quickly realised the venture was floundering. With no pipeline of work and no access to state support as a visa holder, the situation was precarious. But in adversity lay the seed of opportunity.
A phone call to a former HR colleague in South Africa led to a major contract supporting SAB Miller’s global operations; a turning point that proved he could deliver results, even under pressure and for an underperforming consultancy. And so, the conclusion became clear: if I could deliver this kind of value for others, I could build something of my own that would serve clients and offer long-term value.
“I hope you take this as a compliment, but you’ll always be an honorary Yorkshireman in my mind, John – calling a spade a spade, but always with a kind heart and good intentions. Those are character traits to be greatly valued, and we Associates are lucky that we’ll still have access to them going forward.”– Pippa Burr, Associate
From Humble Beginnings to Global Reach
JQA was born out of that clarity and courage; a business that began as a boutique consultancy, supported behind the scenes by John’s steadfast wife, Di, who brought both strength and stability through the early years. Together, they built the foundations of what would become a trusted, values-led firm, delivering high-impact leadership assessment and development services.
Initially partnering with organisations with South African roots and global reach – such as Anglo American, Barlow Rand, and SAB Miller – the company quickly gained a reputation for quality, insight, and integrity. Over time, JQA’s client base and service offering expanded across industries, geographies, and leadership levels.
A New Era of Leadership
Today, the business that John founded has evolved into a thriving consultancy with a truly global footprint. Leadership has transitioned to a dynamic team of three Directors, supported by two Lead Associates – seasoned Occupational and Business Psychologists – who bring deep insight and continuity to JQA’s mission.
At the heart of JQA is a highly capable administration and resourcing team, whose dedication ensures exceptional project management and delivery for every client. They also support a stalwart network of 30+ Associates (business and occupational psychologists, development consultants, and qualified coaches) based across multiple regions, offering services in English, Spanish, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, and French. A testament to JQA’s international capability and cultural fluency.
Long-standing client relationships (including a 25-year partnership with Anglo American) and recent engagements with global players like Newmont Mining demonstrate the enduring impact of JQA’s approach: matching the right people to the right roles with expertise, rigour, an ethical approach, integrity, and care.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
John’s professional contributions are widely recognised, but his impact has extended far beyond the world of business psychology. His commitment to community and social justice has been a quiet but powerful thread throughout his career.
In 2013, John became a foundational trustee of In2Out, a charity supporting young men in their late teens as they transition out of custody. He used his psychological expertise to shape their mentoring approach, helping to identify and address key triggers for reoffending. His influence has been deeply valued by the charity, its funders, and its partners – including HMYOI Wetherby and other statutory agencies.
“John’s generous and faithful nature towards those with challenging back-stories has been evident throughout. His belief in the potential for growth and transformation – in people, not just organisations – has inspired everyone connected to the charity.”
Reflections from the JQA Community
John’s legacy is not only organisational, but deeply personal. His generosity, humour, insight, and loyalty have left lasting impressions on those who worked with him.
“Two themes stand out for me in John’s work. First, his astonishing memory — a veritable walking database! … Second, John’s loyalty. Clients have benefited from his unwavering dedication, but we also see it in his support of South African charities and his commitment to his Associates.”
— Joy Palfery, Associate
“I hope you take this as a compliment, but you’ll always be an honorary Yorkshireman in my mind, John – calling a spade a spade, but always with a kind heart and good intentions. Those are character traits to be greatly valued, and we Associates are lucky that we’ll still have access to them going forward.”
— Pippa Burr, Associate
“I can’t believe that it’s nearly four years since I joined the JQA Associate Pool – how time flies when you’re having fun! I have greatly valued the inclusivity, generosity, and family feel of the business since day one, and am so delighted and honoured to be part of its future – building on your successes and helping to navigate and chart a course for an exciting new phase.”
— Catriona Hearth, Lead Associate
“I first started working with you and JQA in Spring 2021, and I never imagined that within three years I’d be invited to join the Associate group to help take the leadership forward in 2024. Thank you for welcoming me into the JQA family. From the start, it felt like quality, integrity, flexibility, and trust in my expertise really mattered.”
— Jo Larkam, Lead Associate
“It’s an honour to carry this business forward. We are committed to building on the foundation you have laid – shaped by your vision, resilience, and dedication. With deep appreciation for all that JQA stands for, we look ahead with optimism and purpose to the next chapter.”
— Megan McEnery, Director
Looking Back with Pride, Looking Ahead with Purpose
At its core, JQA remains grounded in the same principles that sparked its creation – a belief in human potential, and a deep respect for the power of assessment and development to transform lives and organisations.
John has always championed insight, personal responsibility, and psychological depth as the keys to lasting success, especially in leadership. His legacy is not only a successful business, but a culture of trust, scientific rigour, best practice, community, and generosity; values that will guide JQA confidently into its next 25 years.
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