Holly Yates MD French Bedroom Ltd
"Nicola's belief in your potential often comes before your own."What sets Nicola apart is the breadth of experience she brings to every conversation. Having operated in both FTSE 100 environments and entrepreneurial businesses, she has a unique ability to blend strategic corporate thinking with the realities of running an SME, and this combination makes her advice both highly strategic and immediately practical.The impact on me personally has been profound. Nicola hasn't simply coached me into becoming a better Managing Director, she's helped me become a better version of myself. She works with the person behind the job title, helping you recognise the stories and limiting beliefs that were holding you back, challenging your thinking when you need it most, and supporting you through the biggest growth moments of your career.Over the last 24 months we have delivered substantial growth while maintaining profitability, growing a privately-owned retail business in a declining market against a backdrop of weak consumer confidence. Nicola has helped us transform the way we approach planning, moving from shorter-term thinking to more detailed and strategic forward planning. Alongside the commercial growth we've achieved, there has also been significant growth within our leadership team, and Nicola has coached me through that evolution, helping me build the confidence, capability and strategic mindset required to lead the business through its next phase of growth.She doesn't just help people perform better, she helps them think bigger."
Martin Saunders, MD Rivertrace Ltd & Solar Solve Ltd
"What you see is what you get. Nicola holds you accountable and will challenge your decision-making, and yet she is also caring. Her approach gets to the root cause of issues, and rather than solving your challenges, she makes you consider alternatives and develop solutions yourself. Coaching sessions fly by.
Is profound too strong a word? My approach to both my work life and personal life has evolved beyond recognition. The blinkers have been removed. I have become more of a leader rather than the micro-manager I was previously, and we now have an established senior leadership team that is maturing and adding increasing value. In the last three years, our EBITDA has increased by 35%.
Nicola is highly experienced in business acumen and in understanding what makes people tick. Her experience working with multiple businesses and some of the best speakers in the world results in consistent, impactful advice and positive outcomes. I would highly recommend her without hesitation.
In one sentence? A gamechanger."
Trevor Nicholls, MD, UHV Design Ltd
"Nicola has a unique ability to quickly understand the challenges I'm facing as a business leader and help me find a route forward. She listens deeply, challenges my thinking, and helps me consider different options and outcomes.What sets her apart is that she doesn't just focus on the business. She recognises that life outside work has a direct impact on how we lead and supports the whole person, not just the CEO.Since working with Nicola, I've become a more insightful and effective leader. I've developed a more coaching-led approach with my team, become a better listener, and created a calmer leadership environment for my senior team.The real value has become even clearer during a challenging trading period. I'm drawing on lessons learned through the group, sharing challenges openly, and gaining valuable insight and support that helps me navigate uncertainty with greater confidence.Leadership can be lonely. Having a trusted group of peers and a coach who understands the reality of the role is something every leader should experience."
Ben McMahon CEO Collaborate Global Ltd
"I’ve been working with Nicola for 6 years, and it’s been a transformative experience. When we started, I struggled with imposter syndrome and lacked confidence in my abilities. Nicola’s unique ability to adapt her approach, combining insights from diverse sources, has been instrumental. She’s helped me embrace my strengths, accept my limitations, and develop a broader understanding of leadership. From a business perspective, we’ve certainly grown over these four years – in value, market share, and leadership capability. Could I have done it without Nicola? Probably not. Her coaching extends to my leadership team, helping us adapt and excel in a constantly evolving space. The ideas and concepts she’s introduced have permeated throughout the business, driving measurable success in areas like EBITDA, customer recognition, and brand value. Personally, I’ve grown immensely, and Nicola’s impact is undeniable. I’d wholeheartedly recommend her – though not to a competitor!"
Douglas Gibson CEO Infigo Ltd
" Nicolas impact on both my business and personal life has been transformative. Unlike other coaches, Nicola brings real-world experience, a broad skill set, and a no-nonsense approach that keeps me accountable. She doesn’t just tell me what I want to hear; she tells me what I need to hear, which has been pivotal in our success. Our business has grown three to four times since working with her, and we've achieved recognition as one of the best-run companies in our sector. Nicola has also been instrumental in developing our leadership team, refining our structure, and fostering a business rhythm that drives sustainable growth. I couldn’t recommend Nicola highly enough; she has truly been a game-changer."
Alistair Humby MD Herbosch-Kiere Marine Contractors UK
"Nicola has been a huge support in our 1-1's which have changed me for the better, she’s a fantastic coach holding me accountable and steering me in the right direction. A large growth in turnover is one thing but I do feel the biggest changes is how the team now interacts, relationships with our parent company, having plans for all employees and huge steps in wellbeing and corporate social responsibility - it's all about people, the team and how we interact - growth and stability follow."
George Schlich MD Schlich Ltd (Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys)
“Working with Nicola has been exceptional. She deeply understands our business and people, crafting tailored solutions that have transformed my approach to both. Her insights have unified our team around our vision, boosting productivity and client service. The impact on our business is profound. We are now better at future planning, with a strong senior management team and empowered staff who feel invested in the company's success. Nicola’s guidance has significantly improved our management practices, making us more secure and better positioned for the future. Her contributions have firmly established the legacy of our brand.”
Paul Blazdell CEO Consort Frozen Foods Ltd
“Working with Nicola has been a uniquely transformative experience. She combines a personal touch with an impartial approach, deeply understanding my business, goals, and team dynamics. Her dedication is apparent, making her a standout in the realm of external Coaches. Initially, I was concerned about finding the time for this process, but engaging with Nicola has proven crucial. She has significantly improved how I manage my time, enhancing both my personal and professional life. Over five years, her guidance has clarified our team's purpose, improved relationships, and steered us through numerous transitions. Our business has expanded its potential and horizons under her influence. I highly recommend Nicola. While it's possible to manage alone, her support has allowed us to achieve exponentially more. My experience with her has been invaluable, and I’ve observed similar positive changes in others she has coached.”
Spencer Clark MD ATS Ltd (Advanced Thinking Systems)
“Nicola possesses a unique skill in identifying areas for improvement, even when they aren't apparent, making each session valuable. Her ability to ask insightful questions enhances clarity, aiding in better decision-making. Working with Nicola has significantly boosted my confidence as a leader by improving my capacity to pause, question, and evaluate effectively. This has translated into a more focused approach to managing business priorities across different timelines. The impact on our business includes a stronger, clearer strategy that builds year on year. Additionally, the Vistage peer group offers regular inspiration and a wealth of perspectives that enrich my leadership and decision-making. I would highly recommend Nicola for her expertise in helping leaders envision their goals and devising practical steps to achieve them. Her collaborative approach is invaluable for personal and organisational growth.”
Stephen Burrows CEO Qualitas Ltd
“Nicola’s coaching stands out due to her well-balanced, comprehensive approach. Unlike many coaches who specialize in one area, Nicola excels across multiple facets, adeptly meeting the diverse needs of CEO clients. Her impact on my leadership has been transformative; she has helped me confront previously avoided issues and build on my strengths. Nicola’s candid and direct method ensures quick resolution of core issues, fostering accountability and growth. Under her guidance, our once small venture has matured into a credible industry player. Our structure has been refined, accountability instilled, and significant growth phases managed effectively, leading to a quadrupled team size and stabilized revenue. I highly recommend Nicola for her 360-degree perspective, adaptability, and deep understanding of business dynamics. Her ability to address both personal and professional needs with a flexible, human approach makes her an exceptional coach”.
Kim Simmonds CEO Law 365 Ltd & Cloud Contracts
"I’ve worked with Nicola for three years, and her business acumen and experience make her coaching uniquely impactful. Unlike other coaches, Nicola truly understands the challenges of running and scaling a business, having led her own ventures and climbed the corporate ladder. She’s helped me build self-confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and balance the pressures of work and life. Her guidance has transformed my business, driving it from loss-making to profitability in just 12 months. Nicola’s insight into KPIs, goal setting, and removing obstacles has been invaluable. I’d absolutely recommend her to anyone seeking a coach who combines personal growth with strategic business expertise."
Tamara Roberts CEO Ridgeview Wine Estate
“Nicola's holistic coaching approach emphasizes not only achieving results but also personal development and well-being, encouraging a balance between personal and business growth. This perspective has been transformative for me. Working with Nicola has increased my self-value and awareness, helping me understand my impactful contributions and areas where I impede progress. Her influence on the business is profound; she ensures I make decisions promptly, improving our growth and resource allocation. Nicola also supports tough decisions with a logical perspective, broadening my view of the big picture. Our business's growth in revenue and market expansion attests to her effective guidance. I highly recommend Nicola for her focus on developing leadership skills that enable smarter business decisions. She’s been an absolute godsend to me!”
Elliott Thomas MD Unleash AI
“Working with Nicola has had a lasting impact on the way I think about leadership, and I know that impact will continue to shape how I approach challenges in the future. She has a real ability to create the space for honest reflection, while also challenging you to look at situations from a different perspective and move forward with greater clarity. Through our coaching, Nicola helped me shape my approach to complex leadership challenges, particularly around communication, decision-making and how to lead with both confidence and self-awareness. What I valued most was the balance she struck between support and challenge. She listens carefully, gets to the heart of the issue quickly, and asks the tough questions that help you find a better way through.
I feel genuinely privileged to have benefited from Nicola’s coaching and would highly recommend her to any senior leader looking to grow, reset their perspective and lead with greater impact.”
Marc Coleman Founder & CEO Unleash AI
"Nicola is a joy to work with and the best leadership coach I have worked with in my career. She is my personal coach and advisor to some of the UNLEASH leadership team. She has helped me navigate the business through a very difficult transformation. Her skills are second to none and she always asks the right questions at the beginning to ensure she is the right fit for the project, the company or team. All in, working with Nicola has personally helped me through a massive learning curve and re-awakening."
Mark Berwick MD Boss Controls Ltd
“As a MD, holding others accountable comes naturally, but self-accountability for tough decisions has always been a challenge. Working with Nicola has been transformative in this regard. She ensures that I follow through on my commitments and confront difficult decisions head-on, especially concerning team performance. This accountability has been pivotal for my growth and effectiveness in my role. Under her guidance, our business has evolved into a more professional and structured entity. Nicola has helped me articulate our company's vision clearly, empowering our team and enhancing our collective success. Team members now understand their roles better and feel more empowered, contributing to a healthier, more successful business environment. I highly recommend Nicola. Her guidance has been instrumental not only for my personal growth but also for our entire team's development. Over the past five years, our business has undergone dramatic changes, flourishing under Nicola's direction and support. She keeps me focused and encourages the tough conversations necessary for our progress.”
Rob Verheul CEO Grahite Digital Ltd
"Working with Nicola over six years has been transformative. Her ability to balance priorities and translate corporate experience into practical strategies for smaller businesses is impressive. She has a deep understanding of people and draws out productive routes forward.Personally, Nicola has been instrumental in my growth. She helped me reframe issues and my role within the business, fostering a healthier relationship with it. Her guidance on structures and behaviors has made our business more sustainable and robust.I highly recommend Nicola, especially for leaders aiming to better manage priorities and achieve balance. Her wisdom and perspective are invaluable during growth transitions, whether from small to medium or medium to large enterprises. Nicola's impact on both personal and business development is profound and enduring."
Matthew Wood MD Millwood Servicing Ltd
“Nicola's coaching approach is uniquely refreshing. Her skills and extensive experience are noteworthy, but it's her method that truly sets her apart. She excels in listening—often absorbing everything before responding—which can be unnerving yet ultimately compels you to find your own solutions. Her empathetic, listening-centered style is transformative. Personally, Nicola has profoundly impacted me. Lacking a board, I lean on my Senior Leadership Team, and the insights from Nicola's sessions empower our discussions on challenging topics. My wife and PA notice a positive change in me after every session. Professionally, my communication has become more effective, enhancing my leadership approach. If Nicola were a permanent fixture, these improvements would be constant. As my leadership evolves, so does my team's effectiveness. Nicola acts as a pseudo non-executive, asking pivotal questions that drive our progress. I highly recommend Nicola for her immense value and confidential insights. Her personal touch and professionalism have been crucial, and I can't imagine our journey without her guidance.”
Managing Director Enviro Chemie UK
"Nicola is an outstanding mentor and trainer. Working with her during 2022 helped me to negotiate a busy and challenging time in our organisation. She's also a really nice person!.I would recommend that anyone considering working with Nicola, should do so. It won't be a decision you regret."