A Journey from Modesty to Success

People often ask me, “How did you become a business coach?” It’s a question that takes me back to my early life, where the seeds of my entrepreneurial journey were sown.
This story is not just about my personal growth but also about the lessons learned along the way that have made me a successful business coach.
Early Life and Influences
I grew up in a working-class family, where both of my parents had regular jobs in education and the emergency services. The neighbourhood I grew up in was far from affluent. However, I attended a school where I was surrounded by kids from well-off families.
At school, I had both rich and less privileged friends, akin to the “rich dad, poor dad” scenario described in the famous book. The divide between these two worlds puzzled me as a child. While my family was not on the poverty line, I couldn’t grasp why some people were wealthy, while others struggled. This disparity left me with a sense of unease and a determination to understand and bridge the gap.
Gratitude for Perspective
Looking back, I’m eternally grateful for having experienced both extremes of life. It provided me with a unique perspective and a drive to succeed. It was during this time that I made a conscious decision at a very young age: I wanted to be successful and achieve financial prosperity like the other kids at my school.
However, the challenge I faced was that I had no idea how to achieve this ambition. But one thing was clear – I was ready to work hard to make it happen.
My journey started at the age of 13 when I took my first job at Fishwick Hall Golf Club. While the name might sound posh, it was situated in one of the most economically deprived areas of Preston. I worked on Sundays, washing pots for a meager £3.30 per hour, which amounted to £9.90 at the end of each shift.
Tips were given by patrons, but they all went into the “end of year night out jar,” which I couldn’t access because I was too young.
Corporate Success
After completing my education, I embarked on a corporate career. I excelled in my job by being straightforward and delivering on my promises. My career trajectory started in pre-contract management, where I honed sales skills and learned how to win major construction projects. In a short time, I was entrusted with overseeing 48 prisons and numerous projects.
While working in the corporate world, I began to realise that I was still not achieving the wealth I desired. It struck me that the parents of the wealthy kids I had envied didn’t work in the businesses; they owned them.
My frustration with how businesses were run and my natural inclination to improve operations led me to a new dream: becoming a business consultant.
Transition to Business Ownership
My next logical step was to gain firsthand experience by owning my own business. I spent months studying and learning everything I could about business ownership. I considered three approaches: starting a business, buying a business, or purchasing a franchise. I chose the franchise route as it offered a ready-made solution to learn the ropes of business ownership.
Discovery of ActionCOACH
My journey took a significant turn when I stumbled upon ActionCOACH, a franchise opportunity that offered a comprehensive system for business coaching and growth. This revelation marked a pivotal moment in my life, as I saw the potential to not only run my own business but also coach others and help them succeed.
Despite my youth, I convinced ActionCOACH to give me a chance, and they supported my entry into the coaching world. Fast forward a decade, and I’ve coached hundreds of businesses, won numerous awards, worked with a wide range of clients, and achieved remarkable success.
My journey has allowed me to make a meaningful impact on business owners’ lives, and I’m just getting started.
My journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a successful business coach was marked by determination, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. It’s a story of personal growth, the realisation of a dream, and the fulfilment of a new aspiration.
As a business coach, I am now committed to helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and create successful businesses.
If you’re seeking guidance on business coaching or interested in my services as a business coach, feel free to get in touch.
Your success story could be the next one I help create.