Dan Boucher, our Managing Director!
Firstly, congratulations Dan, how does it feel to be sitting here as the new Managing Director?
It’s a great feeling. I re-joined the company in November 2022 having had a previous stint with the company 10 years ago, where we enjoyed some great success. When the opportunity came up to take on the Managing Director role, I just had to go for it. I saw so much untapped potential and I am very excited at what I believe we can achieve! It’s such a great job and I’ve enjoyed every second so far.
How would your friends describe you?
I love sport so they’d probably say I’m super competitive! I’m pretty calm and I’m loyal to good, honest people. So I’d like to think they’d say I’m a good supportive friend who’ll be good in a crisis. I also like a good joke and I think it’s vital to not take yourself too seriously so hopefully they’d say I’m fairly funny too…maybe.
What’s the most important thing about leading a team?
That’s a tough one! I’d say fairness is key, being clear, open and honest with your plans and working with the individual, be that a Director, Manager or Consultant. It’s time consuming making the effort to really get to know what makes someone tick but so so worth it when you see them achieve success. Also, importantly, it’s not about you and your ego, so listen to others!
Where is your next holiday?
Menorca. Lovely island, great food. Going with some friends in August, doing the family thing with a villa. Heaven!
What sports teams do you follow?
I’m an avid AFC Wimbledon fan. I’m also a tennis nut and former cricketer. I have a huge amount of respect for the dedication shown by tennis players such as Murray, Federer, Djokovic and Nadal. I also support Surrey county cricket club although they rejected me as a 16 year old. Everything happens for a reason though!
What’s most important to you?
My family. I am lucky to have a beautiful daughter who keeps me on my toes and a very patient wife, who is my go to when I am coming up with my crazy ideas late at night. She also works in recruitment, which helps (sometimes!).
Thoughts on the current state of the education system?
Big big question. From the perspective of a parent with a daughter in Year 4, the dedication of the staff at her school is unreal. I am now good friends with some of her former teachers. Even though I’ve been working with schools for 20 years now, I’m still shocked at the workloads, poor pay and conditions. Something needs to change as there has been very little innovation for years. It’s all been about cutting costs and hitting targets for the last decade. With my business hat on, I’m proud at the part we play supporting so many schools, but even with the number of agencies supporting through this crisis there is still a shortage of staff entering and record numbers leaving, so the recruitment strategy from the DFE is all wrong. It has just been glossed over for years. You can’t expect the best people to continue working to breaking point for a salary that never increases.
What’s the best day you’ve ever had in your career?
Wow that’s a tough one! I’ll say coming back to Vision Teaching for brownie points!
What do you think of the competition?
I think competition is good. I never trash talk other companies, it’s about us being the best we can possibly be. I am always impressed by the innovation our industry shows in dealing with problems and I’m proud to be a part of it. I have lots of contacts who share market insights and I do likewise as, in the end I believe we all genuinely want to do a good job for schools.
You in three words.
Positive. Optimistic. Approachable.
…….That’s longer than 5 minutes!!!
