How SMEs can use AI to improve operations: a practical guide
We hear a lot of big claims about AI. It will replace jobs, transform industries, reinvent everything. But when you’re actually running a business, the real questions are much simpler: In a recent session [hosted by the ABM] with fellow mentors and business owners, we explored exactly that: practical ways to use AI to improve operational […]
Why September might be the real New Year for business leaders
January tends to steal the spotlight when it comes to resolutions and fresh starts. The turn of the calendar brings a rush of motivation, gym memberships spike, and business plans get dusted off. But what if we’ve been overlooking a far better time to reset? For many of us, especially business owners and leaders, September brings […]
The real work of delegation: why letting go is such a difficult leadership skill
If you’ve ever said, “it’s easier if I just do it myself,” you’re not alone. Most leaders have. In fact, many spend their careers doing just that—handling things personally, keeping plates spinning, and feeling useful in the process. But over time, that habit becomes a trap. You become the bottleneck. And worse, your team becomes […]
The power of goals and habits: a mentor’s perspective
When it comes to personal development, few things are as transformative as setting meaningful goals and developing the daily habits to support them. As a mentor and coach, I’ve seen this play out time and again both in the lives of those I support and in my own journey. From launching my own business to […]
Why every business owner needs a mentor
As a business owner and coach, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of mentoring. It’s something I’ve experienced first-hand—both through running Trafalgar Marquees and in my work with fellow business leaders as a mentor and member of the Association of Business Mentors (ABM). It was interesting to see the ABM’s latest research report, which […]
How fractional leadership helps SMEs and scaling businesses
The term “fractional executive” has been widely used in the US for years, particularly in fast-scaling startups and venture-backed businesses. But in the UK, it has only recently gained traction—so what’s behind this shift? The rise of fractional leadership Businesses today are facing more uncertainty, tighter budgets, and increasing pressure to scale efficiently. At the […]
How behavioural nudges drive business success
The most successful businesses don’t just sell products or services—they influence behaviour. From boosting sales and improving website engagement to enhancing customer satisfaction, behavioural nudges are the secret weapon that drive results without feeling pushy or overbearing. Rooted in psychology, behavioural nudges are subtle cues or actions that guide people towards desired outcomes. When applied […]
Why corporate culture matters to successful business
I recently spoke to Vanessa Ogle at Authority Magazine about why corporate culture is so important for successful businesses. It was fascinating to reflect on something so business-critical, whatever the size of your company and whether you are a start-up or a long-established business. When I started my first business fifteen years ago, I was […]
How to make stress your friend, not your enemy
Stress has been described as “the biggest killer on the planet”. According to the Stress Management Society, “The top 4 causes of death within the UK are; Dementia, Heart Disease, Cancer and Diabetes” and stress can be linked to every single one of them. But do we really understand stress? April is Stress Awareness Month, […]
Happy Teams are Productive Teams
International Day of Happiness falls on March 20th every day. As the United Nations says, “Happiness is a fundamental human goal” in our personal lives and at work. This year’s theme, ‘Happier Together,’ easily applies to the workplace. It reminds us that “lasting happiness comes from feeling connected to others and being part of something […]