Over the course of the five sessions, we explored a variety of areas including examples of where the client had themselves reported into a non-specialist and the pros and cons of this. Over time they developed an appreciation that they were truly evolving from a manager – guiding people precisely in a role, - to a leader, using their experience and knowledge to bring the best out of senior talent and their teams.

The benefit of coaching for this client was undoubtedly being able to speak to somebody with a neutral perspective, who could really help them get to the heart of the issue. What started as a very career and promotion-oriented conversation, widened into a broader understanding of work-life balance.

Today’s wealthy superstars don’t tend to have to worry about such things. So I was intrigued to see on a recent visit to Cologne, that ex-Germany football international, Lukas Poldoski, has opened a chain of doner kebab shops. Lukas played for Arsenal for 3 seasons and became a fan favourite for his blistering shooting ability, so I recognised his picture straight away.

They did what so many businesses claim to do, but rarely deliver. They turned an everyday occurrence into an experience. We will be visiting every time we return to Cologne

The Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office vibe is certainly real. This week I had to be in for meetings on Monday and the train and the streets were really quiet.

The amazing crunch of fresh snow under boots is unique and just brings a smile to one’s face

“Following the sessions, I am miles ahead of where I was in my own thinking. I now have a firm understanding of my choices and how they inter-relate in a logical way that I didn’t have before. It was not until I engaged in the coaching with Howard that I was able to mentally put this together. And without the sessions, I doubt whether I would have clearly understood this.”

A good coach will be able to identify when there is a strong match with a client and should be able to refer other coaches if there is no compatibility. Reputation is key, so taking on clients where help can genuinely be provided is critical. When looking for a coach, make sure to ask the coach about clients they have decided not worked with as well as clients that they have.

The other client went on holiday and actually deleted the email app from their phone while they were away. They made it clear they were available by phone call or text for any emergencies. Happily, they received no calls while abroad and the business was still functioning when they got back!

So, what does that all mean? It means I’m combining my business knowledge, team building experience and coaching learning to help clients to grow in the following ways:

- To build businesses through winning new clients

- To achieve perspective and (re-)gain confidence

- To develop high-performing teams

- To make those critical career and work decisions

I've had 'start podcasting' on my to-do list for some time now, so big thanks to Neil Young for allowing me to complete my first one for his excellent Elephant & Bear podcast. The focus was on the life and career transformation decisions that led to myself and my family re-locating to the Coventry & Warwickshire area, having studied here many years ago and what we most enjoy about being here.

Wow, what a weekend of sport. I was not surprised when the batteries on the TV remote control ran out on Sunday afternoon.

It all started for me on Friday with a trip to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. In true sporting festival style, I chose 2 sports I’d never been to before – badminton at the NEC and rugby sevens at the Coventry Stadium.

An increasing number of people and businesses are turning to coaching as a way to help them find answers to questions. Multiple sources cite feedback that coaching increases self-confidence, improves work performance, creates more effective communication skills and pays back in terms of ROI.

After 23 and a bit years we’ve just about got used to the whirlwind that is Sam. The question remains, is the rest of the world prepared for the fireball of energy, passion and single-mindedness that is about to be unleashed on them? I mean this literally, as she is going to be working and saving for 6 months before embarking on a global tour which could take her just about anywhere.

What a whirlwind 2 weeks it’s been:

Finished a coaching project with a client who is moving into a new role and received very positive feedback - The sessions have made a difference and have given me clarity around my role and priorities. I have come away with clear actions and implemented a number of them.

I have been fortunate enough to have experienced many things in my career, and that process never stops. I worked in a small private business which was sold to a larger business, in a larger business taken over by a huge one, have been part of a leadership team transforming a local business to a global one, and had first hand experience of

multiple changes in strategic direction, structure and bosses. So, I can draw on plenty of personal experience to combine with my coaching capabilities.

Fortunately most of our work and study can be carried out remotely for the next few days. Ironically, we actually had our busiest social week for about 3 years planned this week, so we’re rearranging what we can. The deadline for the final submission for the Foundation in Coaching Practice course is not far away so definitely no excuse now not to get it completed on time.

Early on it seemed clear to me that I favoured a solutions-focused approach to coaching. Whilst this is not surprising in many ways, given the various personality tests I have take over the years (Myers-Briggs, Belkin etc) plus my long experience in leadership and team building, it does involve a certain approach and way of working with clients.

And for those of us that like this sort of thing, the solutions focused approached to coaching comes with its own specific acronyms. The GROW model, the OSKAR toolkit and so on. Exciting stuff, huh?

The area I would now seek to explore as a coach, is what is the deeper meaning of this issue? What other areas of popular culture have I missed out on, or pretended to be aware of?

Sometimes the best option is to reset and stay and sort things out. In this case, the previous company now has the chance to recruit someone who will have a more positive relationship with the boss, the client has a new job in which they can shine and their new company has a keen new senior talent in place who is eager to do well.