John Sarson
Director, Buro Four
John Sarson is an accomplished professional with decades of experience in the construction industry. Having started his career in South Africa, where he owned a construction business, John’s journey has spanned diverse roles and global contexts, including his work with Westminster Council and prominent consultancies in the UK. Since 2005, John has contributed to several flagship construction projects across London, including the renowned Chelsea Barracks development, where he led and mentored a young team over seven years, cultivating their technical skills and confidence.
John’s mentoring philosophy is rooted in his belief that construction is a people-oriented business. While technical skills can be learned, he emphasises the importance of fostering collaboration, building confidence, and aligning teams to achieve common goals. Drawing on his wealth of experience, he helps mentees navigate challenges like managing team dynamics, overcoming ego-driven conflicts, and creating an environment where everyone works towards shared success.
As a mentor, John focuses on helping individuals gain clarity and direction in their careers. He works with mentees to craft actionable five-year plans, breaking these into achievable milestones while remaining adaptable to life’s inevitable changes. His guidance enables mentees to not only enhance their technical expertise but also grow in confidence, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful, lasting relationships in the industry.
