In the last 523 days, I’ve had many hours of solitary contemplation and have done some deep mind thinking on my personal brand. I have drilled down on the question: what does it mean to be Martin Lukes? One answer would be to say that until wrongfully convicted, I was CEO of one of the most storied global companies in the world – a-b global. I was the winner of untold awards and had a lower golf handicap than Jack Welch.
But those who know me well will say that I have never been one who cared about titles or prizes. I always said that what sorts people out is their innermost authenticity. And when you are in the prison space, this is even more true. In here there is the ultimate flat hierarchy. Lord Black and my illiterate cell mate, Pablo, are peers in the eyes of the wardens and in the eyes of our Lord.
In the corporate world I was known first and foremost as a thought leader. And so it has been in prison. Indeed, within these walls I have been extending my reputation as something of a prison prophet.
Early on in my sentence I found the way of the Lord. I have taken out many key learnings from Jesus Christ who has been my mentor during my time here.
Born: Basingstoke, 1961
Educated at Cranleigh and Hull University, where I graduated with a 2:2 in geography.
1987 – Joined marketing department of A&B
1998-2003 – Marketing director a-b global
Jan -March 2003 Chief of staff to Barry Malone, CEO
2003 -05 Named director of special projects, a-b global (UK)
2005-06 appointed Chief Personal Ethics Champion
October 2006- Appointed Chief Great Leader (UK)
December 2007 Appointed CEO of a-b global.
January 2008 – Wrongly convicted of insider trading. Sentenced to 2 years and 3 months’ imprisonment at FCI Coleman, Florida.
Awards: BT Award for Individual Contribution to Diversity (Runner UP) 2002
GE Award for Sustainable Footprint – Silver medal 2005
Publications: Martin Lukes, Who Moved My BlackBerry? (Amazon link)
In the personal space, I am married to my beloved ladywife Sherril, with whom I have three gorgeous triplets: Martina, Tiger and Edelweiss. I also have a son Max and a daughter Carly from a previous marriage.
My interests include prayer, mind thinking, running, weights training, bible studies, and helping other co-convicts live their dreams.