From Kitchen to Cultural Leadership: Getting to the Next Page
Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you achieve it.
My journey from the kitchen to cultural leadership has been shaped by lessons learned early and woven into my professional ethos: balance, resilience, and the power of meaningful experiences.
As a wee boy , its said I was always looking to get to the next page (a colouring book analogy relayed by my beloved mum) and it rings true, teachers would say in my school reports “Jamie likes to run before he can walk.”
Yeah I admit it and this part of my personality has not been without its pitfalls, but looking backwards its driven me forward and ultimately the teams around me and the organisations I’ve been privileged to work with.
The Foundation: Culinary Roots
A long long time ago my story began in the kitchen.
As a young chef, I learned the value of teamwork, precision, and creativity. Working in some of the UK’s top hotels and restaurants taught me that every detail matters—whether it’s the composition of a dish, the way a team collaborates under pressure, or the warm welcome we gave our guests.
These early years instilled a methodical approach and a strong work ethic—traits I’ve carried into every role.
Entrepreneurship and Leadership
After co-founding my own business, we scaled during the recession, proving that disruption and innovation could thrive in tough times. Later, as Operations Director at Heritage Portfolio, I led large teams through mergers and expansions, prioritising culture retention and creative problem-solving.
These experiences taught me that leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering others to shine.
Cultural Heritage and Visitor Experience
Currently, as Executive Director at National Museums Liverpool, I oversee Visitor Experience, Commercial and Operations alongside multi-site management.
My goal? To create memorable experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Whether developing catering offers, merchandising exhibitions, or defining visitor journeys, I ensure we focus on strategic adaptability and a visitor-first approach.
Lessons from the Heart
My 2025 mantra? “Humility not Hubris.”
This means balancing ambition with humility, fostering collaboration, and staying grounded in purpose. Whether advising organisations like The Reader, chairing Beamish Museum’s Trading Board, or mentoring teams, Im continuously striving to make that positive impact.
Looking Ahead
Success isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. (Cheesy? Maybe. But true.)
You have to enjoy what you’re doing—or what’s the point?
Moving forward, I aim to drive transformative change in the sector by prioritising:
Visitor-centric innovation
Sustainable commercial strategies
Inclusive community engagement
By leveraging strategic collaborations with stakeholders, institutions, and communities,
I aim to create dynamic, inclusive ecosystems that amplify cultural impact while fostering sustainable commercial growth.
This approach will prioritise innovation at scale—integrating good data application for enhanced visitor engagement, aligning commercial strategies with environmental responsibility, and ensuring venues remain vibrant hubs for diverse audiences.
In Closing
I remain steadfast to nurture venue centric organisations as dynamic, inclusive hubs where diverse communities gather, grow, and thrive. At their core, these businesses must balance financial resilience with environmental stewardship, ensuring they remain accessible to all while leaving a lighter footprint on the planet.
And above all, experience is at the heart of everything I do.
Jamiejohn: Here’s to a bright future, deeply rooted in our rich past. 🌟
#CulturalLeadership #HeritageInnovation #VisitorExperience #LeadershipJourney #SustainableCulturalSector
