Change - Your Change

What Do I Believe and Value?

Hi, I’m Andy Smith. A born optimist.

One of my core beliefs is that every person on the planet is capable of the most extraordinary things. And my goal – my passion – is to help as many people as possible to achieve remarkable results.

You and others may see problems, obstacles and barriers. I’ll help you to spot the opportunities and possibilities.

My optimism for and belief in you will underpin our work together. It will form a strong foundation for my coaching and experience to help you clarify and achieve your goals. Here’s where you can read what previous clients have said about working with me.

If you look at my logo, at its heart is a mountain goat. Not unreasonably, people ask why my logo is a mountain goat! it’s because a client once wrote this …

“Andy, as with every great leader and coach you give people the courage to find a path that they previously would not have ventured upon. You have a natural tenacity for trying to overcome the biggest challenges which like the Mountain Goat you make look very easy. (Just so we are clear, I don’t think you smell of goats!!).”

Sam wrote that. I love its quirkiness, and value that feedback. So I decided that the Mountain Goat was a good visual representation of who I am how I work. It reminds and challenges me to show every day:

Courage, Vision, Tenacity, Confidence & Encouragement.

All for your benefit…

Why Coaching?

Looking back, even to my time as a leader in the Royal Navy, I see coaching was always part of my natural style of leadership.

When I left the Royal Navy, I joined Mitchells & Butlers Plc. One of the biggest companies operating in the UK Pub & Restaurant industry. Over the next 25 years, I built a very successful and enjoyable career with them. Succeeding in increasingly senior roles in Operations, Project Leadership and Public Relations. I joined the Senior Leadership team in 2000, and for 6 years I was the Director of Operational Services. I became their “go to” man for implementing major change.

From about the year 2000 the company embraced the notion of mentoring those on our graduate recruit scheme. I mentored several graduates which was very rewarding - and I learned so much!! The company then decided to develop a coaching culture. Coaching became incorporated in the leadership style and process.

I leapt at the chance to train as an accredited internal coach. I loved seeing the positive impact of coaching on individuals throughout the organisation. Loved seeing them achieving their goals, including their career development.

So, all was well. I was, a successful and highly experienced director. I had led, developed and motivated individuals and teams through all types of major change and crisis in 35 years of leadership at a senior level. Life was certainly busy and challenging. To be honest on occasions it was tough, and very, very hard work. Yet I enjoyed it, worked with many fabulous people, and was well rewarded. But…

… But, in 2007 as reward for my achievements I went to Wharton Business School for three months. Wharton is the world’s oldest collegiate school of business and this was a fantastic experience. It was a time when my worldview broadened and deepened. And, on reflection, it was during this time that a seed began to grow. An idea that in the following 5 - 10 years I would step away from corporate life and start my own business. A business where I would use my skills and experience to help others realise their potential and achieve their dreams.

And so here I am. A trained and experienced coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Among the topics I’ve mastered are:

• the psychology of coaching
• powerful questioning and listening techniques
• setting goals that inspire action
• differing approaches to coaching including group coaching & facilitation techniques.

The ICF also has a rigorous ICF Code of Ethics which I practice with all those whom I coach, mentor or train.

I’ve been coaching for over 10 years now, and as a professional for 7. I’ve coached hundreds of clients very successfully, over thousands of hours. I’ve helped leaders in business, operations teams, small business owners, charities, teams of volunteers, housewives, vicars & students to master their goals. To set stretching, motivating goals and then planning and acting to achieve them.

And when I’m not coaching I …

… live in North-West Leicestershire with my wife. Our daughter is studying Fashion Design at the London College of Fashion. We live in a period property we’ve renovated (the second one we’ve done – and last!)

I’m an enthusiastic gardener and love travel and the arts. – I’m always happy with my head in a book! I’m a competitive golfer and surprised myself by cycling with a dear friend from Land’s End to John O’Groats in 11 days, raising over £5,000 for The Fishermen’s Mission – a cause dear to my heart.

I have a very eclectic taste in music - from early sacred choral music to Metallica, Led Zeppelin and Slaves; from Dido, Don McLean and Joni Mitchell to the operas of Verdi and Puccini. I do love choral music and am an enthusiastic, if not always accurate tenor!

I graduated as a BA(Hons) from Leicester University in 1983, and 2014 graduated from the University of Lincoln in Ministry & Theology and was licensed as a Lay Minister (Reader) in the Church of England in 2013.

And, I’m really looking forward to learning what makes you tick.