Well, here we are. June 2025. I’ve officially become my own boss. No IT helpdesk, no HR portal, no one to blame when the printer doesn’t work (except me—and I don’t even own a printer yet). I’ve launched my own coaching and development business for leaders and executives, and I’m equal parts excited, proud, and mildly terrified.
Starting a business is a bit like deciding to run a marathon when you’ve only just bought your first pair of trainers. You know it’s going to be hard work, you know it’s going to stretch you, and you know there will be moments when you question your life choices. But you also know—deep down—that you’re doing something that matters.
The Coach Becomes the Proprietor
For years, I’ve worked closely with leaders and executives in one of the UK’s most profitable and sustainable firms, helping them step into their power, own their decisions, and—my personal favourite— “run your department like it’s your own business.” Oh, the irony!
Now, here I am, with my name quite literally above the door (well, in the “About” bit on the website… baby steps), doing exactly what I’ve been encouraging others to do. And let me tell you, it’s a whole different kettle of fish when it’s your own kettle. And your own fish.
Proud, Grateful, and Slightly Sleep-Deprived
There’s a deep sense of pride in being a coach. It’s a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate the rewarding but challenging, complicated world of leadership. Day to day, I’m in the mix with my clients—listening, challenging, supporting, and occasionally reminding them to breathe.
But in the quieter moments (read: 1am), my brain turns into a bit of a workshop. I tinker. I test. I scribble ideas on post-its—then promptly lose them. Some things work brilliantly, others… not so much. And in the middle of all that creative chaos, I keep coming back to a phrase that’s become oddly reassuring:
“If I think I’m right or I think I’m wrong, either way, I probably am.”
It’s not about being certain. It’s about learning to trust my gut, even when the path isn’t clear. That quiet confidence—earned through trial, error, and a lot of late-night thinking—has been one of the most surprising and rewarding parts of this journey.
Building Something New
There’s something wildly liberating about building something from scratch. It’s unpredictable. It’s full of “what ifs” and “why nots” and “oh no, what have I done?” But it’s also full of hope. And possibility. And the kind of joy that only comes from doing something that feels utterly, undeniably you.
So, here’s to the first blog of many. To the clients I’ve yet to meet. To the ideas I’ve yet to try. And to every leader out there who’s ever truly wondered if they really can do something amazing.
(Spoiler alert: you can. And so can I.)