Services
I don’t follow a repeatable playbook, offer cookie-cutter advice or go through the motions with you. I only work with founders who I think I can help in specific ways and are doing something interesting.
I work closely with you to understand your business, your aspirations and give bespoke advice to help you unlock what you want and how to get it. If you want a ‘9 steps to business success’ type service you should look elsewhere.
Most clients need a combo of strategic advisory and founder coaching and we can work out what to focus on as we go.
Strategic Startup and SME advisory
I help you get clear on what to do, how and when.
I work with solo founders or co-founders in private and confidential sessions.
I can help with anything from wider strategic planning - brand values, positioning, market assessments - to operational advice - contract packing vs manufacturing, costings, forecasts and pricing.
I can sense-check your thinking to give you either a steer in the right direction or give you confidence in your decisions.
I am well connected across the startup ecosystem and can help with funding planning including pitch deck reviews and investment prep.
Working with me gives you clarity, confidence and accountability so you can deliver results in a focussed and efficient way.
The types of things I have advised on include:
Capital and fundraising strategy
Pricing, margins and forecasting
Contract packing vs manufacturing
Team creation
Co-founder relationships
Brand and marketing strategy
DISCLAIMER - I am not a ‘certified coach’ nor a financial or legal advisor, all advice and suggestions are my personal opinion and any decisions to act on them are yours to make.
Holistic Founder & Leader coaching
I help you love what you do and feel good while you’re doing it.
I work with founders and leaders to identify their drivers and help them become more authentically themselves so they can achieve more and have a better time doing it.
I do this by working with you to identify what is important to you across major life factors including:
Physical and mental health, spiritual practice, sleep, relationships, family, aspiration, money and creativity.
Then we make a plan to get these in alignment to build a strong foundation for you to live your best life.
For multi-founder teams I help you get clear on where each other are coming from and heading to help avoid competing expectations.
I am not an ‘optimise everything guy’ and won’t make you do ice baths before dawn (unless that works for you) but I help you keep things in balance for long term success.
Working with me helps you enjoy the journey and be at your best at work and at home.
I have coached a diverse range of founders dealing with things like:
Lack of confidence / imposter syndrome
Mental blocks & scarcity mindset
Co-founder mission alignment & relationships
ADHD / Neurodiversity challenges
Gender/Racial/Sexuality discrimination
DISCLAIMER - I am not a psychologist and don’t proport to be an expert on neurodiversity or discrimination but I am experienced working with founders facing these challenges. Therapy is great and this is not intended to be a replacement for the therapeutic process.
Governance & VENture building
For select companies after a block or two of advisory and coaching we work together in an ongoing way to build together. This can done in exchange for vested shareholding or a combination of cash and shares.
I am also available for advisory or regular board roles where I can contribute on growth and people strategy, financial fundamentals and leadership.
Process
Start by completing the short application form on the contact page. If it looks like I can help, we’ll set up a free 30-minute intro call or coffee to get a sense of fit.
If we both want to continue, we work together in blocks of six sessions. These are typically weekly or fortnightly, depending on what you need, and are usually held online.
Each session is 45-60 minutes, with additional time outside of sessions for preparation, document review, and follow-up. I’m also available between sessions for ad hoc questions via email or phone.
At the end of each block, we can decide whether to continue, pause, or wrap things up.
For more specific or one-off support, single sessions are also available.
Pricing depends a little on the engagement and type of work involved.
At our first session we can discuss what you’re looking for, what you can afford and the value I can bring to your business.
For under-represented founders (Women, Māori & Pacific Peoples, LGBTQI+) I offer a discount on services. Please note this offer in your application form.
At the end of each 6 session block we can either extend, pause or wind up.
I work around my 9-5 and only take on 2-3 clients at one time. My available sessions are weekdays before 9am, in the evening or Saturdays 9-5. And where possible we meet at the same time for each session.