Empathetic, creative, passionate, catalyst, ‘translator’
I am a coach and mentor, working with people in the creative industries to help them find and build on their vision.
My ideal clients are individuals who are nervous or apprehensive about business, especially worried about not being able to do business because of having a creative brain, or that being “businesslike” will crush their creativity.
I can see both the big vision and the small next step and ‘translate’ business concepts in a way that is accessible to the creative mind, by using metaphor, analogy and imagery. I work to the strengths of each person and show that they don’t need to conform to a stereotypical image of a business person to make their practice more professional. I want to generate an atmosphere where creative people have the freedom to imagine their visions, which I can then help translate into realistic projects. I am committed to supporting people in finding their own solutions and recognising their own greatness.
I develop basic business ideas and support people to the stage where they are ready to go to more specialist marketers, trainers, accountants, agents, etc. If business is a bicycle, think of me as the training wheels!
I provide 1-2-1 coaching and mentoring. I also run workshops (‘Demystifying the Business Planning Process’, ‘Breaking Through the Creative Blocks’, ‘Your Future in Your Hands’). I also give tips on my blog.
I have 30 years experience in the arts, charity and retail sectors. I have project managed the establishment of several businesses, co-founded a development education centre, and raise £2.5 million for charity. I have worked with organisations including English National Opera, Cameron Mackintosh, Studio Voltaire, Chester Gateway Theatre, Cheshire Development Education Centre, Chester Literature Festival.
I am passionate about the arts in all its forms. On a practical level, I love linking people together so that complementary skills and collaborations (whether across arts and or business) can enhance everyone’s practice and career.