Ever felt like you've been promoted to being the boss without an instruction manual? You're not alone!
Many leaders at the helm of operational businesses (think 10s or 100s of employees) find themselves there through circumstance rather than design – the 'accidental' business leader.
You crush it in sales, operations or finance, then BAM you're promoted to run the whole lot. Or you start your own business doing something you are really good at or really interested in. You take on a member of staff, then another and another. It all goes well and then suddenly - you have lots of people, process and policy challenges to deal with.
You're now in the top role, you're the boss, juggling unfamiliar new challenges you’ve not handled before.
And chances are you're also now leading a business in the troublesome 'adolescent' stage. Transitioning from a startup child to a more structured, "adult" organisation. It can be a wild ride, full of growth spurts and, well, some growing pains.
Sound familiar? This site is for you!
This website and the 200+ thoughts, tips and tools are specifically aimed at Managing Directors, Chief Executives and CEOs, General Managers, Managing Partners and others leading operational businesses.
These insights are from the real world. Gained from my experience leading six businesses (with all the inevitable bumps along the road!), and more importantly facilitating over 800 meetings discussing business challenges with over 300 fellow business leaders.
They offer practical ideas to help you:
Bridge the gap: Learn how to transition from the "make it happen" mentality of the early days to the structured leadership required for sustained growth.
Lead with confidence: Even if you feel like you're winging it sometimes, I'll provide strategies to tackle common adolescent business challenges and build a strong foundation for the future.
Fuel your growth: Discover practical tools and frameworks to optimise your operations, empower your team, and achieve lasting success.
A survival guide for the growing business including;
Actionable thoughts, tips and tools to tackle the challenges of leading an operational business
Content tailored for busy executives: bite-sized videos for the visual learners and text for the readers
Save time and avoid dead ends. Learn from my (and others') mistakes! I share practical tips and tools on leadership, strategy, and growth - the kind of insights I wish I had known as a new leader.
Real-world experience, not just theory. I’ve led businesses of all sizes up to £50M revenues and 500 people: startups, scale-ups, listed, family, employee owned, and owner-managed ventures.
Don't waste time searching for the next "bright spark." Learn from someone who's been in the trenches. I understand the pressure of driving sales, marketing, and operations, ensuring everything is done quickly, effectively, and affordably whilst keeping everyone happy – suppliers, staff, customers, and investors.
