Emma meets Menzies’ restructuring partner John Cullen
John Cullen, the restructuring and insolvency partner at Menzies, sat down to discuss the firm’s long‑standing involvement with Finance Awards Wales, an event that spotlights top finance talent across the region.
Community support and award sponsorship
When asked why the firm returns to the ceremony each year, Cullen stressed the importance of a thriving local network. “It’s really important to me that the strong community in Wales continues to thrive,” he said, adding that active participation is the only way to give back.
He noted that sponsoring the Excellence in DEI of the Year award aligns with a broader risk‑mitigation strategy. “Approaching new challenges with a diverse team reduces blind spots,” he explained, describing inclusive hiring as a business imperative rather than a feel‑good add‑on.
The conversation turned to the practical impact of such recognition. For finance professionals on the ground, the awards provide a platform to showcase innovative practices and inspire peers. When a colleague sees a peer’s success story, it can spark the adoption of new methods that improve efficiency and client service.
Cullen recalled a memorable moment strolling down St Mary Street in Cardiff with a partner from another region. The busy lunch crowd highlighted how tightly knit the scene is, a reminder that personal connections often drive professional collaboration.
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Beyond the visibility that comes with sponsorship, Cullen emphasized that the real value lies in the conversations that happen behind the scenes. He described how sharing both successes and missteps through the awards creates a repository of learning that other firms can draw from, accelerating the overall maturity of the finance community.
He also highlighted that each nomination becomes a story that travels beyond the ceremony floor. Those narratives, he said, act as a catalyst for “paying it forward,” encouraging winners to mentor newcomers and to replicate approaches that have already proven effective.
When asked about the qualities he looks for in this year’s DEI entries, Cullen admitted a personal motive: he wants to identify initiatives that his own firm can adopt. He sees the award as a scouting tool, allowing Menzies to import fresh ideas and test them against its own processes, thereby continuously raising its own standards.
Future outlook and business priorities
Looking ahead to 2026, Cullen said the priority is to deliver a full service model that supports businesses and individuals through both prosperity and downturns.
“I’m part of a business that gives me and my colleagues the chance to contribute something meaningful,” he reflected, noting that personal humility fuels his drive to design initiatives that benefit the broader sector.
