Our Story ... so far
We are real people with experience to share
Introducing the people behind our team
Mark and Debbie met having both enjoyed successful and challenging careers leading companies in the UK and globally in the service and manufacturing and technology sectors, but wanting to take a different career path.
Having both decided to hang up our corporate hats, we shared a passion for developing others and met when training to coach and develop business leaders for a world leader in executive development.
Finding we got on like a house on fire - through shared values, a passion for effective leadership and a commitment to developing others, we later decided to set up our own coaching and leadership consultancy.
Whilst we both have many stories of those who had inspired us and role models to whom we will be eternally grateful, we also had the battle scars from experiencing autocratic leadership, micro-management and the displeasure of working in toxic cultures.
Today we get so much reward and satisfaction in using our experience to help and develop leaders to play to their strengths – never a truer statement made than it can be lonely at the top and that inspiration always outperforms perspiration.
Meet our leadership team
Mark Bayley-Smyth
My determination to succeed was fuelled when, on my last day of secondary school, one teacher wrote in my year book, “Mark will never amount to anything!" Little did she know then that her lack of confidence and her disregard spurred him on to become the UK MD for Siemens - she had given him a laser focused ambition to prove her wrong.
Debbie Taylor
For me my Why, was that I had been very fortunate and experienced first hand, that when the leadership is right, when there is a culture one of ownership and accountability and employee engagement high, the rest is easy and success will follow!
Mark Bayley-Smyth
Managing Director
As a proud Northerner, I am passionate about helping regional business leaders accelerate their growth rates and transform their businesses, whilst increasing their effectiveness and enhancing their business and personal lives.
With 30 years’ business experience, from Engineering Apprentice to Managing Director at Siemens UK, I am now focussing my time on helping business leaders make better decisions, deliver superior results, achieve balance, and sleep better at night.
I have held senior management positions across a range of market-leading, international companies, corporates, and SMEs in a variety of industries and disciplines. I have led international businesses with revenues in excess of £300 million as well as started and built up my own business and advised SMEs.
During my career, I have lived and worked for three years in Singapore and eight years in Germany. A vast amount of my time has been working in developing markets, together with international headquarters and local offices. I have opened new routes-to-market, launched new products and developed manufacturing facilities across the globe.
I am very solution focussed and give open, constructive feedback. I believe in shared lifelong learning that is challenging, inspirational and fun. I work to the motto that if you are not enjoying it and having fun, get out!
Debbie Taylor
Hello, I am Debbie, a highly accredited and experienced executive and team coach. My passion is to inspire and support individuals and teams to optimise their professional and personal potential and to perform at their best.
Born in the North-West of England, I have enjoyed a varied career in the UK, Europe and US with 25 years’ experience leading companies and teams, predominately in the service and real estate sectors. Some of my highlights include being General Manager of the famous 5-Star Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh and MD of The Old Course St Andrews. I also enjoyed a global role as Head of Hospitality and Real Estate and a Board member of Kohler Co.
Although my career has not been without it challenges and at times very stressful, my passion has always been in achieving outstanding results through high performing teams and individuals, this is my “Why” for becoming a coach. I consider my role a great privilege and enjoy supporting leaders across all sectors of industry.
My approach is forward- looking and laser focussed on delivering positive results for my clients, based on a relationship of confidentiality and trust. I am down to earth, approachable, and empathetic but will foster a high level of accountability to ensure your coaching assignment delivers the measurable outcomes you are looking for.
Let's have a chat
We are passionate about helping leaders, teams and their businesses succeed and grow. Having spent many years running diverse businesses ourselves, we are only too familiar with the difficulties, challenges, frustrations and at times the sheer loneliness and isolation it can bring.
There are those times when what you need most is a neutral and trusted sounding board, the opportunity to work through issues and challenges in a safe and confidential environment. A place where there is no judgement, only positive and experienced support and encouragement to enable you to find answers from within.
If you would benefit from coaching support from someone with the experience and battle scars to prove it, If you want to be challenged to be your best, and most importantly, have fun doing it, we are here for you. Give us a call or send a quick message, we would love to learn more about you and your business and to contribute to your future success.
Get in touch in the way that works best for you. To our contact page.