About John
Business owners from time to time need support. Its tough to start a new venture and then to develop and grow a business. And it is only human to struggle at times with our own confidence and skills. But do not despair, get help!
I am not an ordinary coach. My approach is to listen, observe and understand your situation from the inside out. I will take into account your wishes with the sole aim of helping you succeed. I see myself as a guide, a mentor, working side by side with you, to help build your confidence in yourself and your business.
My role will vary depending on your needs but is likely to hover between a coach, sounding board and a mentor. We will agree between us how best to work together to ensure your needs are met. I am clear minded, thoughtful and supportive. I prefer informal relaxed discussions where we can give ourselves the time to reflect and explore.
I can bring an intelligent and experienced perspective on the success factors you will need to make your business a success. My primary aim is to help you think through the issues and support you in resolving them.
Together we can address specific issues or look at the wider business. I work on the basis that you are the expert in what you do and my job is to help you maximise its’ affect and help you fill in any gaps. The following are typical subjects we may discuss;
Start up, improving efficiency, identifying priorities, risk, planning growth, branding, funding and/or investment, team building, staff performance, accommodation, change management, online presence, customer development, sustainability.
On a more personal basis I am also able to provide assistance to individuals who wish to progress in the work place, be it as a business leader or as an employee; building confidence, managing difficult relationships or dealing with a skills gap.
All client contact is Strictly Confidential. I am able to provide an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) if required.
Experience
My background is Environmental Design Consultancy (involving Architecture, Interiors, Engineering and Construction). I have 35 years of project and design leadership experience working with small and corporate organisations in many sectors such as Science & Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Petrol Chemical, Central and Local Government, Financial, Developers, Communications, Media and Digital.
I have held many senior leadership roles responsible for delivering change to company culture and working environment for large and small organisations (from 10 to 600+ employees). I was responsible for delivering flexible working before the term was invented, employing new communication technologies into the workplace and inventing new management thinking to accommodate the inevitable cultural changes. I have direct experience in working closely with every facet of the commercial world; the owner/client, the user, stake holders, specialists and consultants.
I have been a Director of a number of Architectural and Design practices so I understand the pressures of running a business in a changing national and global climate. I have worked in Europe, Mexico and the Middle East.
Coaching style
I like to work in a relaxed environment on a 1 to 1 basis if possible because I have seen this achieve the best results. However, if necessary I am also happy to use online methods, which can save time. My approach is thorough and supportive.
My preference is to meet with you at your workplace in order further my understanding of your business and how you work. If for whatever reason this is not possible we can arrange what works for you.