Mark Toole is head of function at Telent and an IoL Fellow. He was shortlisted for Institute Advocate of the Year 2025.
How did you come to be doing the job you are doing today?
I’ve been part of Telent, within the M Group, for more than 17 years and have held six different roles. I started out as a traffic-light trainee and have progressed to my current position as head of function. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had great leadership around me throughout my career – leaders who have mentored, coached and believed in me, helping me grow both professionally and personally.
“For me, leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about the impact we make, the values we uphold, and the legacy we leave behind”
What is the highlight of your working week?
Going into the office for some face-to-face contact and, of course, the decent coffee machine!
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you like to do?
It depends on if I needed to earn or not?! If I didn’t, in addition to the 22 countries I’ve already visited, I’d travel the world and volunteer more – for more than a decade now I have had extensive volunteering experience supporting young people of all ages from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is an important part of my purpose and something I am very passionate about.
If you could offer a piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be?
Stay curious, learn to pause before reacting, and take risks. For me, curiosity drives growth and learning. Reflection helps you to make wiser decisions and build stronger relationships. Taking risks keeps you moving forward (sometimes a step back before two steps forward) and ensures you don’t suffer from wondering ‘what if’ … .
What is one fact about yourself that most people would be surprised to know?
I’m a keen sportsman and have even done a bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown, in New Zealand: 141 feet is a long way down!
How do you feel to be nominated for the Institute Advocate of the Year 2025 award?
For me, leadership isn’t about titles or roles. It’s about the impact we make, the values we uphold, and the legacy we leave behind. I’m incredibly proud and genuinely humbled to have been shortlisted. As an IoL Fellow, I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with and support great leadership – via the IoL’s mentoring programme, its fantastic Leadership Project Grant scheme, and judging the Leadership Book of the Year 2025. I have always seen this support as playing my part in ‘inspiring great leadership – everywhere’, but to be recognised as an advocate is something special.
The IOL Excellence Awards take place on 14 November at Hilton London Bankside. Read more about Institute Advocate of the Year finalists.
