Level Up Your Business
The Secret to 7-Figure Success
It was a pleasure to be a guest on Debra Blackman's Podcast. We talked about the importance of coaching, and how I combine all of my business experience together with my B.U.I.L.D Framework™ to support female founders to grow fearlessly, their way.
You can listen to the full podcast (published on Podbead on 27th July 25) here
Why did I become a Business Coach?
Both my parents were teachers, and I was planning to teach myself, so at the age of 18, I went to university. I did my first teaching practice and was put in a class of thirty 12 year olds from the local council estates. There was very little opportunity to teach them anything; it was more about crowd control!. It put me off teaching completely, so I dropped out of university and started doing casual work in hospitality.
My early days in hospitality gave me many opportunities to learn the skills needed to manage people and build teams; even if I was making a lot of it up as I went along! I always used a more coaching style when it came to leading teams and I found I got the best out of people by doing this.
My first big break came when I was taken on by an international business to set up a business unit from scratch which I built to $10 m with a team of ten. It was during that time that I actually got some leadership training for the first time - fortunately I had been doing a lot right already - my gut instincts were good. I went on to co-found my own business which grew to £8m turnover with a team of 25.
Leadership Skills
How do I transform these skills to other people's business?
Every business is different and will have unique challenges around motivating and building teams. I support business owners to take a step back and understand the team dynamics within their business. It starts with having a clear vision and a culture in your business and communicating that with your team.
It is important to understand that not everyone is motivated in the same way as you are. Having 1-2-1 meetings is essential in order to find out more about their motivations and ambitions as well as their skills set. Team building events are a great way to encourage good communication with everyone playing to their strengths as well as learning new skills.
Having difficult conversations with employees
Why is mircro management so common in small businesses?
Micro management is very common in small businesses and is often due to a lack of leadership experience and skills. Coaching can help a lot with this; as there are quite a few skills you can learn around effective communication, motivation and delegation.
Business owners can find it hard to have difficult conversations with members of their team but it is important not to put off difficult conversations. By having an open discussion you can gain understanding of their perspective and offer help by asking what support they need; whether that is pairing up with another member of the team or having some external training.
Setting achievable and measurable objectives is essential, as is recognition. Knowing their motivations is so important. Giving them recognition and the opportunity to shine may work well for some, but not for others who may be more interested in something that has nothing to do with work such as giving them more flexibility. Remember it is important to know the whole person - not just the one that goes to work.
Business Coach for Female Entrepreneurs
Why do I support women especially?
I believe there should be more women in leadership roles in general; to even up the balance between men and women. However, I recognise that a senior role in a big corporation can be very challenging for women who are balancing a career with family commitments.
Running your own business however, means that you make the rules. However, many women fall into the trap of playing small thinking this will be easier in terms of work/life balance. However, by growing their business they will be able to grow a team and step back from the day to day operations and have time with family or other commitments.
Women generally take less risk and because of this get less funding for business growth. This is where working with a coach can make a huge difference, supporting them with structure and giving them the skills as well as the belief to grow their business to the next level.
Building a business that is saleable ensures that you have an exit strategy if you choose to sell but also gives you choices as the business is no longer reliant on you for the day to day business operations. You will have a business that you love and the flexibility to do only those parts of it that fill you with joy.
What is the B.U.I.L.D Framework™?
The B.U.I.L.D Framework™ helps you take back control with a clear strategy, smart systems and a plan that works so you can start running your business with confidence and calm.
The 5 stages are:
1️⃣ Blueprint for Growth
You will become clear on your vision and values. By reviewing your business model; finances and goals you will be able to define a strategy for achieving the growth that you are looking for
2️⃣ Uncover the Power of Numbers
You will understand the power of your numbers and use budgeting; business forecasting and ratio analysis with confidence in order to make better decisions; predict trends and plan for future growth.
3️⃣ Integrate Systems and Processes
You will know how to implement systems and processes in your business as well as use automation in order to save time; reduce errors and increase efficiency without losing the personal touch.
4️⃣ Leverage your Team
You will build a team that is aligned to your vision & values and become an excellent leader of your people by your understanding of motivation, effective communication and delegation.
5️⃣ Develop a plan for the future
You will develop a future plan for your business through an effective marketing strategy and by building a leadership team so your business is no longer dependent on you so you can step back from operations.
You can listen to the full podcast (published on Podbead on 27th July 25) here
Register to receive my weekly email; The Resilient Founder where I'll be sharing honest reflections, lessons learned, and practical strategies from my own journey: co-founding and scaling an £8 million business… while navigating motherhood, financial challenges and self-doubt.
And if you are ready to take the next step, you will find my FREE Webinar will help you.
