Today I'm excited to share something new with you. After years of helping businesses build their digital presence, I'm expanding my offerings to help both individuals and business owners reach their full potential through personalised coaching services.
Why I became a coach
Since my twenties, I've dreamed of working in coaching and therapy. What I love most about web design isn't the technology, it's that I get to help to people make their work more efficient, This gives them time to focus on what they truly love.
Helping people to find meaning and fulfilment has been a common thread running through my whole career. Running a business for almost two decades gave me invaluable lessons about business management, balancing work and life, and personal growth. I've experienced all the challenges, stress, and rewards of building a small business with my partner.
I'm really excited to offer this long-held dream of supporting both business owners and individuals to be the best they can be.
A coach with an unorthodox perspective
I'm not the right coach for everyone, and that's fine. My unconventional professional and personal journey has given me a unique perspective on coaching.
Running my own business has taught me how to juggle roles, wear multiple hats at the same time and manage responsibilities without losing myself. I understand the stress of not being able to take proper holidays because your team is so small. I've felt that nagging sense that you could be more effective at work with greater confidence. I've lived with the uncertainty that comes from working for yourself. And I know that, with the right support, you can be happier, more productive, and more confident in both your work and personal life.
I've lived in four different countries and so I understand what it means to be an outsider - the particular challenges faced by expats and those navigating unfamiliar territories. My 25-year marriage has given me valuable insights into what makes relationships thrive and how to communicate effectively through life's inevitable changes.
If you're looking for a coach who will really see and understand you, I'm here. I will empathise with your unique lifestyle or business challenges without judgement, in a caring and constructive way. If you want to be challenged, I'll challenge you. If you just need support, I will offer that.
And yes - I have colourful hair! I embrace authenticity and learn more about myself every single day.
What is my coaching style?
My coaching is a collaborative process where we work together to help you become the best version of yourself and create the business or life you truly want. We'll focus entirely on your goals, challenges, dreams, and the changes you want to make.
My approach is holistic and eclectic, recognising that personal and professional aspects of life are deeply interconnected.
Who Is This For?
Business Coaching
We can explore any aspect of business coaching depending on your needs. This could be startup guidance and strategy, navigating the transition from employment to entrepreneurship if it's your first business, building your confidence as a business owner, support in making operational changes to improve your business, balancing work and life as a small business owner, overcoming uncertainty and building resilience. If this sounds like you, then contact me to arrange a free introductory call.
Life Coaching
My life coaching is designed for adults from their late 20s to their 60s. Maybe you want to develop personal and professional goals, improve your physical and mental well-being, change your sleep patterns and daily habits, improve your diet and physical activity, or change your relationships with others, and yourself. Maybe you feel like something is missing in your life, maybe you see potential for yourself but aren't sure how to realise it. If you're ready to make meaningful changes to your life, even if that might be uncomfortable, or you're looking for a more fulfilling, authentic life, then get in touch.
Why choose me as your coach?
Beyond completing a coaching course certified by the International Coaching Federation, I have two years of psychotherapy training and a qualification in couples therapy. But my most valuable qualification is a lifetime of being curious, caring, and enthusiastic about personal growth.
For business coaching specifically, my 17 years of running a successful web design company gives me practical insights that theoretical business coaches may lack. I've been in your shoes, facing the same challenges and uncertainties that come with business ownership.
I've walked paths similar to the ones you might be exploring, and I'm committed to supporting you every step of the way.
How my coaching works
My approach is unique in several ways:
- Virtual Sessions: Business coaching can be conducted entirely online via Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet - whatever platform you prefer.
- Tailored Approach: Each coaching programme is customised to your specific business challenges and goals.
- Structured Progress: I recommend a minimum of six one-hour sessions, either weekly or every other week, to create meaningful change. There will be the option to add more if you want to explore additional areas of focus.
- Results-Focused: We'll set clear objectives at the beginning and regularly monitor progress to ensure you're seeing real changes.
- Walk-and-Talk Sessions: I love conducting personal coaching sessions outdoors in nature while walking. Moving our bodies stimulates creativity and helps us think about challenges in new ways.
My coaching toolbox
Each coaching programme is tailored to your unique needs, but here's an example tool that we could use to help you understand where you are now and where you want to be. Feel free to give it a go, and let me know what you think of it.
The Wheel of Life
This powerful self-assessment tool is focussed on life coaching, but we could design a custom version related to your business needs. The wheel of life helps you evaluate your satisfaction across different areas.
Here's how to try it:
- Download the PDF below, or draw a circle and divide it into 8 sections representing key life areas (Career, Health, Finances, Relationships, Personal Growth, etc - or whatever you think appropriate)
- Rate your satisfaction in each area from 1 (centre, least satisfied) to 10 (edge, most satisfied)
- Take time to really look at it - are there scores that surprise you? In which areas would you like to go from, say, a four to an eight?
- Identify areas for improvement and growth
What you can expect
The specific outcomes will depend entirely on your goals. What matters is that you'll have a dedicated partner helping you make the changes that matter most to you.
Business Coaching
Working together, we'll tackle the problems that are important to you. Depending on your needs, you might develop greater confidence as a business owner, create strategic plans for growth or change, improve your work-life balance, reduce business stress, make more effective decisions for your business, or build resilience.
Life Coaching
By the end of our coaching program, you can expect to experience increased confidence in yourself and your decisions, solutions to problems that have been bothering you, a clearer direction for your life, greater satisfaction with the life you already have, or new perspectives on old challenges.
What my clients say
"Mat's coaching helped me explore who I am beyond my career identity, allowing me to shift from feeling stressed to finding more balance. His approach encouraged me to reframe my thinking from 'what's the worst that could happen' to embracing possibilities. The safe and calm space he created allowed me to reflect honestly and gain insights that have already begun to change how I approach new challenges."
"Working with Mat changed my perspective completely. He helped me navigate the darkest moments of my life with patience and understanding, and helped me find the tools to rebuild myself from the ground up. It wasn't just about talking and walking in the park (my favourite part) - he provided real, actionable guidance that I could apply day to day. Mat made me feel heard without judgment."
Common questions about coaching
Is coaching affordable and time-intensive?
Don't let concerns about cost or time commitment prevent you from reaching out. I offer flexible arrangements based on individual circumstances. I believe coaching should be accessible, so please get in touch to discuss options that work within your budget and schedule.
How do I know if we'll work well together?
I offer a no-pressure introductory meeting where we can discuss your goals and concerns. For business coaching specifically, I provide a free half-hour discovery session where we can talk about how you want to change your business, and whether I'm the right fit for you. After this, I'll create a detailed plan of how we can work together to make you and your business the best it can be.
My natural enthusiasm and genuine love for life create a supportive, energetic coaching environment that many clients find motivating and refreshing.
Taking the first step
Change begins with a single step. If you're ready to explore how coaching might benefit you or your business, I invite you to reach out for a free introductory meeting. We'll discuss your current situation, what you're hoping to achieve, and how my coaching approach might help you get there.
Book your free, no-obligation introduction session today! Email me now or Call 01208 226522