Ted Learning

Managing Director, Justin Smith-Essex was facing severe challenges before reaching out to ActionCOACH for help. Not only had his business lost over £1 million, it was also negatively impacting Justin’s health. Together, we worked to turn that situation around.

The Client

• Name: Justin Smith-Essex
• Job Title: Managing Director
• Company: Ted Learning
• Location: London
  

“I could not recommend it more. I think it’s a fantastic opportunity. I think Phil is just absolutely brilliant. He’s that non-exec to us… [he] just really, really helps us.” Justin Smith-Essex

The Business’ Challenges

Justin’s Ted Learning business was in a state financially. And for its owner, Justin Smith-Essex, the resulting pressure was negatively impacting his health and wellbeing. When he reached out to me, there were obvious challenges to address.

Ted Learning had endured two consecutive years of losses exceeding £1 million. Understandably, this was creating significant pressure for Justin and his business partner. Business goals weren’t being met and processes were haphazard.

To keep the business going, Justin was regularly working 12-13 hour days. He was juggling multiple roles. Even on holiday, he’d struggle to switch off and would end up answering emails and checking in on the business.

This constant pressure took a toll on Justin’s mental health. Overwhelmed and stressed, Justin felt burnt out. He became increasingly disengaged with the business that he used to love.

Justin knew that he needed help to turn things around. He couldn’t do it alone. That’s why he contacted me at ActionCOACH to advise and support him with his business transformation.

“Our coach is instrumental in setting our goals. We’ve got a really good structure that we work to now. Our business is totally different to how it was before. He 100% holds us accountable to the goal.”

How Did We Overcome The Challenges?

With my coaching help, Justin’s regained control of both his business and personal life. Our work together has enabled him, and his business partner, to take a step back from the business and make better decisions.

A key benefit of business coaching is that it introduces accountability. Our weekly coaching sessions naturally bring structure. Together, we set goals that we tracked each week. Key initiatives were prioritised and completed. Having someone to report back to, means you’re more likely to keep on track and do what you commit to doing.

“It’s a really brilliant approach. We absolutely get stuff done because of the accountability,” says Justin.

I guided Justin in restructuring operations, improving budgeting, and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies. This was transformative for both him and his business.

Justin built a capable team, which included exploring talent from overseas. This lightened his workload and improved operational efficiency.

With a team providing him with more support, Justin was better able to delegate more effectively. He learned to set boundaries, and step back from constant firefighting.

The Outcome Of Our Coaching Sessions

It’s been wonderful to see the turnaround in Ted Learning, and Justin’s improved outlook and mental health.

Ted Learning now operates more efficiently, supported by a stronger team and better systems. The structural changes that we made together have had a massive impact on the business and the people within it.

The business was in financial strife when Justin came to me. But after two years of significant losses, Ted Learning achieved profitability. Their projected profit for this year is £150,000. That’s an impressive financial turnaround from a £1 million loss.

I’ve been delighted to see the turnaround in Justin’s outlook too. After burnout and disillusionment, Justin now has a renewed enthusiasm and a clear vision for the company’s future. He’s rekindled his passion for the business, something that had been missing from his life for some time.

Justin now works more reasonable hours, and is able to enjoy time away from the business without constant worry. He discovered that he could switch off from work without it all falling apart! It’s amazing what the right structure and processes can do.

“The business has gone from making two years of significant losses that totalled over £1 million… We’re back in a profitable position. This year, we’re looking at making a profit back of £150,000. So the transformation has been significant. It’s a totally different business to the one we’ve been running over the previous 12 years.”

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A Transformational Experience For Ted Learning And Its MD

Through our coaching sessions, Justin successfully turned Ted Learning around, transforming it into a profitable and structured business. Ted Learning’s now poised for sustained growth with Justin at the helm.

More importantly, Justin regained his passion for leadership and achieved a healthier balance between work and personal life. Hearing him say, “I love what I do again, and I’d stopped loving it,” speaks volumes. It’s imperative to enjoy what you do as a business owner. You spend a long time doing it!

Does this scenario strike a chord with you too? I can help you to improve your business as well as your work-life balance. Let’s chat about ways that we can work together to achieve your goals.