John Varney

John Varney is founder and lead facilitator at High Trenhouse, Centre for Management Creativity, based in the UK.

John had a first career in architecture, culminating in his own small practice in Surrey. His personal leadership developed when, as an alpinist, he introduced many novices to the mountains. Influenced by the philosopher, J.G. Bennett, and inspired by the creativity of the Bauhaus, he decided to pursue his vision of developing human potential through experiential learning. He sold his house and set up High Trenhouse as a learning project in 1976. He reconstituted the project in 1989 as The Centre for Management Creativity, which has grown into a multi-facetted company with a reputation for getting results.

John is consultant and facilitator to community groups and management teams of major organisations. He also coaches individuals 1 to 1. His work embraces inter-company collaboration, strategy innovation, teamwork, authentic leadership, thinking methodology and creativity through team and personal coaching. He is a pioneer in the application of visual thinking methods to enhance education and organisational effectiveness.

He lives with his wife, Bernadette, at High Trenhouse in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is a keen gardener, loves practical projects and likes living close to nature.