When I was younger, I felt ambivalent about the business world. It didn’t fit with my identity or my perception of what was important in life.  Early on in my career, however, I saw first-hand how certain products and services could improve people’s lives. But it was when I went on to set up my first social enterprise that I started to appreciate that a business is simply a solution to a problem for a particular group of customers. This inspired and excited me, and ‘doing business differently’ started to take on a new meaning for me.

I believe that micro and small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Frequently borne of the vision of one person or partnership, these enterprises are often founded on strong ethics, rather than focusing solely on profit. I work with entrepreneurs that genuinely wish to put people and planet at the heart of what they do. I want to be a part of that, using my coaching and mentoring skills to improve society and how we do business.

Authenticity Is The Key

My work closely supports business owners in bringing their authentic selves to their work, and help them feel comfortable in their professional identity and business brand. For this, I deliver coaching, mentoring and training which is accessible and free of jargon. My approach is empathetic and, where appropriate, I challenge clients’ preconceptions to help them to find the best solution.

How I Became a Business Leader

Before setting up my own coaching and mentoring business in 2008 I was involved in running businesses for over 20 years, mainly in the retail and healthcare industries

I worked with large organisations such as Neal’s Yard Remedies and Planet Organic as well as many smaller companies, and was the Executive Director of a charity for several years. I founded and developed a number of social enterprises including a cross-party think tank and in 2016 I helped set up a not-for-profit peer to peer business support network.

As part of my commitment to supporting independent business, I have also worked alongside local policy makers and was an advisor for an APPG on micro business. Throughout my career within the business and social enterprise world, from customer-facing roles to senior management, to becoming a CEO and running my own businesses I have gained valuable insight into the issues which business owners face. I write about many of these in my blog which was voted one of the Top 100 Business Coach Blogs. I am also an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine. You can read all my articles here.

As an associate of ETC Training and Consultancy I have access to the best help and support for micro and small business offering tailored business advice and practical help.

When I’m not busy working with entrepreneurs, I like to spend my downtime walking near my home in Devon, hanging out with horses, or tramping over Dartmoor with my family and our dog Woody.