The Alternative Board York

10/10 Coach, Mentor and Sounding Board. Elliot's input has had a transformative impact on my business; immeasurably improving the quality of decision making, setting priorities, encouraging ambitious growth targets and developing a strategic action plan. He grasps problems quickly and readily offers an excellent analysis with suggested action points. Elliot is impressive; his thinking is always one step ahead. He is ambitious for you; he wants you to achieve your desired business success and your own life goals. Elliot is a key driver of success in my business.

I felt I had made a success of growing my business from start-up to employing 100 people after 10 years, but that I needed something more to help me take it to the next level. Being a member of TAB has given me an external perspective from both my fellow board members and 1:1 coaching sessions which I was missing before. With their help I am better equipped to achieve the ambitions I have for my business. If you are anything like me you will quickly begin to see TAB as an investment in yourself and your business.

Elliot has the rare ability to see right to the heart of an issue, be it big or small, and I’ve found his support and insight invaluable. Elliot gives us genuinely very useful, honest, and actionable advice, across a broad range of issues in the business, his knowledge and guidance comes without judgement irrespective of the scale of the challenge or opportunity. I’ve especially appreciated Elliot’s support in staff development, developing a marketing strategy and working towards a real growth plan for our consulting business, although I'm sure we're only scratching the surface of what he can bring to us. Above all its fair to say that Elliot really cares about the businesses and people that he works with. This is further illustrated in the open mutually supportive culture he creates within the board, which also demonstrates the degree of insight and intelligence he brings to selecting a diverse yet complimentary mix of businesspeople. Elliot has pushed me to really figure out what it is we’re trying to achieve and is the kind of strong (but kind!) figure that also holds me accountable and makes sure I follow through on the ideas and plans that we make. I thoroughly recommend working with Elliot to support your business.

As I stepped up and into a new role as MD, I sought out professional executive support to assist, advise and help me through this transition. Elliot and TAB came highly recommended and have become an integral part of my business and my circle of trust. Elliot offers a progressive balance between coaching, mentoring, teaching and challenging that has helped me move strategic initiatives forward in a more balanced, comprehensive and effective manner.

Elliot encouraged me think more deeply about my role, he helped clarify my focus, he challenged me to develop new ways to lead people over a long and sustained period. Elliot helped my personal development and as we discussed my business in depth, I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts. Furthermore, Elliot pushed me to review and make substantive changes to my interactions with peers, leaders and staff so that I may provide the clear feedback and guidance they need from me.

I would summarise the most important tangible benefits as...

• Elliot provides frank, independent, neutral advice that may be difficult to find inside your own workplace.
• Elliot allows you to talk about how to run a business or consider new ideas with other company directors.
• When needed, Elliot is my conscience and mentor, he keeps me on track and accountable.
• Elliot is a confidant who demonstrates genuine empathy and understanding - whether you need to change abruptly or evolve gently, Elliot will be there.

I think all of us are in constant transition. You have the big obvious ones like career change or moving country and then some are subtle and more reflective, like when you are ready to make a personal leap forward in how you will hold yourself accountable. The death of my father was just one of the events that precipitated a personal crisis and a crisis in our family business. As I stepped up and into a new role as MD, I sought out professional executive support to assist, advise and help me through this transition. Elliot and TAB came highly recommended and have become an integral part of my business and my circle of trust.

Elliot offers a progressive balance between coaching, mentoring, teaching and challenging that has helped me move strategic initiatives forward in a more balanced, comprehensive and effective manner. Elliot encouraged me think more deeply about my role, he helped clarify my focus, he challenged me to develop new ways to lead people over a long and sustained period.

Elliot helped my personal development and as we discussed my business in depth I became more comfortable sharing my thoughts. Furthermore; Elliot pushed me to review and make substantive changes to my interactions with peers, leaders and staff so that I may provide the clear feedback and guidance they need from me. I would summarise the most important tangible benefits as...

• Elliot provides frank, independent, neutral advice that may be difficult to find inside your own workplace.
• Elliot allows you to talk about how to run a business or consider new ideas with other company directors.
• When needed, Elliot is my conscience and mentor, he keeps me on track and accountable.
• Elliot is a confidant who demonstrates genuine empathy and understanding - whether you need to change abruptly or evolve gently, Elliot will be there.

Running a business is a challenge, but today’s new problem is something someone else has already dealt with, this week’s craziness is next week’s learning, and tomorrow’s insight is sometimes the inspiration another needs. So it’s about being part of a community who can share, support, and guide and celebrate. We are all individuals but together we are strong.

Elliot has demonstrated his expertise and experience throughout the years I have known him via The Alternative Board. He provides carefully considered advice, support, impetus and, always, an ability to listen without judgement. He exhibits excellent professional skills and business insights; more importantly, he cares about the entrepreneurs he works with and the success of both their businesses and their personal goals. Running a business is an often lonely, complex and challenging endeavour. Through good times and tough times, Elliot has been there.

Being a member of TAB has given me an external perspective from both my fellow board members and 1:1 coaching sessions which I was missing before. With their help I am better equipped to achieve the ambitions I have for my business.

TAB Taster would be perfect for some of my clients (or other business owners) who experience crisis of confidence, face a business conundrum or are experiencing Imposter Syndrome in the face of growing their business or career. I would encourage anyone in this position to go experience the session. Sharing your own knowledge and learning with others will benefit you too!