John Dwyer left school at age fourteen and started as an apprentice saddle maker. While working in leather, John became interested in computers. He taught himself basic programming on early computers and helped computerize the factory. This growing interest led to a new direction in technology.
John joined the tech industry in the early 1980s. He spent eighteen years at Microsoft. During this time, he held leadership roles and lived in various countries, gaining valuable global business experience.
John worked at Nokia and later at Amazon Web Services, where he spent eight years. His roles involved strategic leadership and managing teams across Europe, the United States, Asia, and the Middle East.
After returning to Australia in 2014, John gained certifications in coaching and neuro-linguistic programming. He focused on people development and mentoring, helping others find their strengths and achieve personal growth.
John values musical theatre and community involvement. He and his family participate in local theatre. His wife directs, and two daughters work in the field, making creativity and performance an important part of his life.
Recently, John decided to leave corporate roles to spend more time with family and explore new interests. He now focuses on helping others, studying LGBTQ+ coaching, and developing projects blending his skills and passions. A certified NLP Master Practitioner & Trainer, John’s top skills include infrastructure operations, physical security, business process optimisation, training, public speaking and workshop facilitation. He has his own venture ‘Living my Best Life’
https://jdsjournal.buzzsprout.com/
*****
We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes.
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here – https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: “Broken” by Colin Lillie
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
We believe every story matters. Every scar has something to say. And every person quietly finding their way through deserves to be heard.
🏷️ Topics we cover: resilience, disability, trauma recovery, mental health, transformation, lived experience, chronic illness, neurodiversity, grief, identity, community, caregiving, refugee stories, animal therapy, ageing, older Australians, wellbeing, invisible illness, inclusion, personal growth, hope, rebuilding, human connection, Australian stories
📺 Series on this channel:
– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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