JD brings together technical depth, natural curiosity, and a love of variety in everything he does. Originally from France, he moved to the UK in 2002 and never looked back. In this interview, he shares his journey from studying telecom engineering to becoming a consultant, and why a quiet coastal town in the corner of France will always be his favourite place.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Telecoms, and how did that lead you to FarrPoint?
I’ve always had a strong interest in new technologies and engineering, which led me to study Telecom Engineering in Brittany, France. I began my career in Research and Development, working primarily in the defence sector before moving into telecoms. Over time, I found myself drawn more to the practical applications of technology and its impact on users, rather than staying solely in a research-focused role. That shift led me into consultancy, where I could work more directly with clients. Eventually, that path brought me to FarrPoint, where I could combine my technical background with strategic, real-world problem-solving.
How has the connectivity landscape in the UK (or globally) changed since you started in this field?
When I was a student, I remember sitting on a bus in Paris during a traffic jam, and someone pulled out a mobile phone, speaking loudly and clearly showing off that he had one. At the time, most of us did not know anyone with a mobile phone; they were a novelty. My first experience with the internet was the classic AOL dial-up tone while in my teens, and I got my first mobile phone at 23, which I used to leave at home for nights out due to the size of its antenna, to the annoyance of my friends.
Back then, fibre was something used mainly for subsea cables and national trunk routes, not for everyday connectivity. Since I started working in the field, I’ve seen a huge transformation. One of my first fibre broadband projects was in Singapore working with the local regulator (the iDA) on the technical specification for the National Broadband Network, which was all about fibre to anywhere. From there, I witnessed the rapid expansion of fibre networks, both locally and globally. Mobile connectivity and the devices themselves have evolved dramatically. The pace and scale of change in terms of connectivity, bandwidth and usage, have been incredible. Now my kids panic at the idea of leaving the house without their mobile phone!
What skill or mindset do you think is most important in your role?
There are quite a few, but one of the most important ones is curiosity. In consultancy, you're constantly exposed to a wide range of topics and different clients, which keeps the work exciting and varied. Being curious helps you stay engaged and open to learning. With technology evolving so quickly, having a mindset of continuous learning is essential to stay ahead and provide real value. Attention to detail is also key, especially when working on complex technical projects to reach the best solutions.
If you weren’t in this line of work, what career would you want to pursue?
That’s a tough one, as there are plenty of paths I could have taken. I’ve always been interested in medicine, so becoming a doctor would have been appealing. I also enjoy working with my hands, so something more manual like woodworking would have suited me. And I’ve always loved travelling, so perhaps something that allowed me to explore the world. There are many possibilities I would have enjoyed.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people at FarrPoint might not know?
Less than 2 years ago I decided to learn to scuba dive in Scotland. It never occurred to me before that I would end up looking forward to getting up before 6 am on a Saturday morning to go diving in the sea all year round!
What do you find the most interesting part of your job at FarrPoint?
The best part of my job is the variety. I get to work with different clients on a wide range of projects, which means no two days are ever the same. There’s always something new to learn or tackle, so it never feels repetitive. That constant change keeps things interesting and makes the work really engaging, ensuring there’s no daily grind or chances to get bored.
Where is your favourite place in the world, and why?
It has to be Brittany, where my grandparents lived and where I spent many holidays as a child. I still go back often, and now I take my own kids there. My parents still live in the area, so it’s a place that’s always been part of my life. The French have a saying, “Madeleine de Proust,” which refers to something that acts as a powerful memory trigger. That’s what Brittany is for me. It’s a beautiful place with a lovely coastline, but more than that, it’s the personal connection and memories that make it so special.
How would you describe yourself in one word? What would it be and why?
That’s a tough question, but if I had to pick one word, it might be open-minded. I love trying new things, whether it’s discovering a new sport, exploring different ideas, or diving into unfamiliar activities. I’d say I’m a bit adventurous, though not in an extreme way. It’s more about embracing change and enjoying the excitement of novelty.
Who would you like to nominate for the next interview?
Chrissie Muir
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