Celebrating 25 Years of JQA

JQA is 25 years old

Celebrating 25 Years of JQA: A Journey of Purpose, Courage, and Human Impact

JQA is 25 years old

Written by Megan McEnery

Business and Client Director, BA (Hons), MA, PGCE, CAT

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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.

John Queripel stoking a steam engine, JQA founder.
Hard work, risk, and reinvention. John Queripel’s journey from steam engines to global boardrooms shaped the values that define JQA today.

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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Empowered Leadership in a Changing World

Business leader guiding colleagues through change, reflecting empowered leadership.
Business leader guiding colleagues through change, reflecting empowered leadership.

Written by Megan McEnery

Business and Client Director, BA (Hons), MA, PGCE, CAT

Empowered Leadership in a Changing World: How Executive Assessment and Development Enable Growth in a BANI Environment

Change is accelerating and with it, the opportunity to reshape how we lead. For our clients, we understand that success requires more than reacting to disruption. It means empowering people to navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose.


At JQA, we partner with organisations to build empowered leadership through our executive assessment and leadership development solutions. We help businesses unlock the potential of their leaders to grow, adapt, and thrive in the face of new and evolving challenges.

Illustration of the BANI framework showing icons for Brittle (broken chain), Anxious (tangled thoughts), Non-linear (maze), and Incomprehensible (question mark head).
From chaos to competence: Unlocking leadership potential through psychological insight and strategic clarity

From VUCA to BANI: Understanding a New Leadership Landscape

The world of work continues to evolve rapidly. What was once described as VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) is now being reframed as BANI (brittle, anxious, non-linear, incomprehensible). The BANI framework, introduced by futurist Jamais Cascio, offers leaders a way to understand the brittle, anxious, nonlinear, and incomprehensible dynamics shaping today’s world. His book on this subject is due to be released in October 2025.

In a February 2025 article for Forbes titled Forget VUCA. The World Is BANI Now, Kevin Kruse shares how the BANI framework captures the more nuanced, interconnected challenges leaders are experiencing today: from fast-moving change to growing pressure and complexity. With the right mindset and support, these are not just obstacles, they are an invitation for transformative leadership.

In a BANI world, leaders who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and strategically agile are not only more effective, but they also create stability, inspire confidence, and drive meaningful progress.

“Our leadership solutions are designed to help you navigate change with purpose and strength.”

Empowering Leadership Potential: JQA’s Strategic Approach

At JQA, we believe leadership is not a fixed trait. It is a capability that can be measured, developed, and continually strengthened. Our role is to empower individuals and organisations with the insight, clarity, and tools to lead with confidence in any environment.

1. Clarity in Complexity

Through robust executive assessment, we help leaders more deeply understand how they think, make decisions, and lead in complex scenarios. This empowers more informed, confident leadership, even when the path forward is not immediately clear.

2. Emotional Agility and Wellbeing

Our development programmes focus on emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and resilience. Leaders learn to navigate pressure constructively, enabling them to support not just business performance but also the wellbeing of their teams.

3. Authentic, Values-Led Leadership

With tools like 360-degree feedback and coaching, we help leaders build strong self-awareness and lead with authenticity. When leaders understand themselves and their impact, they inspire trust and create lasting alignment across the organisation.

4. Adaptability and Innovation

Today’s environment rewards curiosity and forward-thinking. We empower leaders to challenge assumptions, embrace change, and foster cultures of innovation so businesses remain proactive and prepared for what is next.

Why Empowered Leadership Matters

Empowered leaders drive individual performance, and they build empowered teams. These teams are more engaged, collaborative, and capable of making informed decisions under pressure. Over time, this culture of empowerment extends across the organisation, creating a ripple effect that strengthens overall resilience and adaptability.


Organisations that invest in leadership development are better positioned to:
• Make well-informed decisions, even in dynamic environments
• Build cultures of trust, engagement, and accountability
• Support long-term employee wellbeing and retention
• Encourage innovation that drives sustainable progress
• Strengthen team-level agility and collaboration


When leaders are empowered, teams become more capable, and the entire organisation becomes more resilient and future ready.

Final Thoughts: Empowerment

At JQA, our mission is to empower individuals and organisations with the capabilities they need to lead what is next. We provide the insight, development, and guidance to help leaders grow with confidence.


Whether you are facing transformation, scaling for growth, or simply preparing for the future, our leadership solutions are designed to help you navigate change with purpose and strength.
Empowered leadership is not just about managing complexity; it is about unlocking potential within leaders, teams, and across the organisation.


If your organisation is looking to future-proof its leadership, invest in growth, and cultivate a thriving, adaptable culture, we invite you to explore how JQA can support your journey.

Would you like to find out more?

Integrity: What You Do When No One Is Watching

Written by Jo Larkam

Chartered Psychologist, AFBPsS, HCPC Registered Psychologist, RCDP and JQA Lead Associate

Of all the values we talk about, integrity is often the quietest. It doesn’t always grab attention, but when it’s missing, the consequences are loud.

In recent years, we’ve seen leaders lose trust in a matter of days. Sometimes it’s a headline-making mistake. Other times, it’s a slow erosion, one compromise at a time. As a psychologist, and as part of a values-led business, I’ve been thinking about what integrity really means and why it matters so much.

At JQA, integrity isn’t just a principle. It’s a practice. We embed it into how we work with clients, how we engage with candidates, and how we hold ourselves to account. For me personally, it’s also anchored in the professional codes I’ve committed to through the British Psychological Society and the Career Development Institute. These frameworks don’t just guide what I do, they remind me why I do it.

At JQA, integrity isn’t just a principle. It’s a practice.

Building trust, not just testing it

Nowhere is integrity more relevant than in our Executive Assessment work. These are in-depth conversations, designed not just to evaluate what someone has done, but to explore what really drives them. What are they motivated by? How do they respond when the pressure mounts? What values do they operate from, and when might those values be tested?

When a public figure falls from grace, we often ask ourselves: Could that risk have been seen earlier?

While no assessment can predict the future, what we do aim to uncover are the pressures, patterns and personality traits that could signal risk. Not in isolation, but in the context of a team, a role, and an environment. We bring rigour, insight and a human lens to help our clients make confident, informed decisions.

“It’s also anchored in the professional codes I’ve committed to through the British Psychological Society and the Career Development Institute”

Integrity shows up in the small things

We often think of integrity as something tested in big moments — a major crisis, a values clash, a public reckoning. But the truth is, it shows up in the everyday. It’s how you behave when no one’s watching. How you give feedback. Whether you keep your word. Whether your values still hold when the pressure’s on.

At JQA, we see integrity in how we write proposals, how we talk about candidates, and how we handle sensitive information. We challenge each other, ask the hard questions, and hold space for honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s also in the trust we’ve built over time. Some of our client relationships have lasted decades, not because of flash or spin, but because we’ve earned their trust. They know we’ll do the right thing for the individuals we assess, and we’ll speak honestly about what’s right for their business. Our insights support real decision-making and are delivered with care, transparency and professional respect.

It’s one of the real privileges of working with JQA — following individuals through their careers, and being there at key moments when they’re hired, promoted, or seeking support. That kind of trust can’t be faked. It’s earned, one conversation at a time.

A value that shapes culture and leadership

When integrity is present in a leadership culture, it shows. People feel safe to speak up. Decisions are made transparently. And when things go wrong, as they sometimes do, there’s a clear foundation for how to respond. Integrity doesn’t prevent challenge, but it gives you a way to navigate it with clarity and respect.

If you’re thinking about what integrity looks like in your leadership team, or how to assess for it meaningfully in your next hire, we’d love to help. In a world that sometimes moves too fast and cuts too many corners, integrity is what keeps us grounded.

It may be the quietest value, but it speaks volumes.