I'm a Performance Improvement Coach with extensive Lean/Six Sigma implementation and coaching experience. I've provided technical support, created and delivered training programmes and coached at all levels in companies such as Tata, Transport for London, Eaton Aeropspace, BA, Ricoh, Superdrug, National Grid and very many SME's. Since 2007, I have run my own Consulting and Coaching Company, working directly with clients and also as an associate to larger consulting firms such as Unleash & Engage, Project 7, Unipart Expert Practices, SA Partners, 100% Effective, The Highland Group, and also a number of smaller training companies.
I started my company to provide me with the opportunity to work with a more diverse range of organisations and individuals than I could while working with one employer. It provides me with greater flexibility and choice in what I provide clients and how I can deliver it. Each and every client is given what they need, when they need it.
I was inspired by chatting to individuals who had taken the same step and whose aims and values were/are similar to my own.
The difficulty of marketing and winning work while busy working with clients still provides a challenge. This has been and continues to be even more difficult in winning work when I have lots of time!
One of the best things about being my own boss is working with an enormously diverse range of clients. For me it's all about "results-oriented", "person-centric" and "collaborative coaching" styles of working, delivering sustainable improvement "with people" not "to people". My NLP qualification and Executive Coaching furthers my ability to lead demonstrable culture change within my clients' workplace.
My advice to others would be to understand your strengths and what you really love to do. Always “give it 100%” and create a network of people who can provide information, tips and support both when you feel you need it and when you don’t. Listen hard, talk less and “stay green”, learning something every day and never becoming complacent.