Context

As the former Global Leader of Solutions and Enablers at BCG X, my career at Boston Consulting Group spanned over 12 Years, during which I had the privilege of spearheading initiatives at the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation. This role demanded not only a high level of strategic insight and leadership but also the ability to navigate the complex dynamics of global markets and technological disruption. Despite the wealth of experience gained in this position, transitioning from such a specialized and high-profile role to founding my own venture presented a unique set of challenges that required a nuanced approach to career transformation and business creation. It was in this context that I engaged with David Edmonds at Certus Coaching, whose expert guidance became a cornerstone of my successful transition.

Professionalism

David’s profound understanding of the intricacies involved in moving from a corporate leadership position to entrepreneurship is exceptional. His approach is meticulously tailored, reflecting a keen sensitivity to the individual needs and ambitions of his clients. David’s expertise in areas such as strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational dynamics was immediately apparent and became a critical asset in our collaboration.

Approach

David employs a methodology that is as comprehensive as it is personalized. His ability to balance structured strategic planning with the psychological nuances of career change is remarkable. Through a series of 10 customized sessions, David assisted me in breaking down my personal and long-term career aspirations, aligning my diverse experiences and competencies with a coherent and compelling business vision. This approach not only addresses practical business planning aspects but also facilitates a deeper personal growth journey.

Outcomes

The impact of working with David Edmonds has been profound, with significant achievements in several key areas:

• Clarity and Focus: David’s coaching enabled me to refine my broad experience and interests into a clear, strategic vision for my new business. This clarity has been indispensable in shaping my decision-making and operational strategies as I navigate the complexities of establishing and growing my venture.

• Purpose-Driven Leadership: Under David’s guidance, I gained invaluable insights into defining a purpose that aligns with my personal and professional values. This has empowered me to build a business that not only seeks success in traditional metrics but also strives to make a meaningful impact.

• Strategic Planning: With David’s wealth of knowledge and insight, I have developed a robust framework for my business, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and value proposition optimization. His input has been crucial in ensuring that my business is built on solid strategic foundations.

David Edmonds’s unparalleled coaching service was instrumental in my transition from the role of Global Leader of Solutions and Enablers at BCG X to becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur. His support has equipped me with the essential tools and insights for this journey, fostering a sense of clarity, focus, and purpose in my new venture. I wholeheartedly recommend David Edmonds to any professional embarking on a career transformation or seeking to elevate their business vision. His expertise, coupled with the supportive environment of Certus Coaching, is a potent catalyst for momentous professional growth and achievement.

Raza Hussain
Entrepreneur and ConversAgentAI Co-Founder & CEO

My coaching sessions with David have, without doubt, positively impacted the trajectory of my life. I now have a greater understanding of myself and my default decision-making process, which allows me to make more empowered choices and changes to my life. David manages to guide you through so many epiphanies and realisations, allowing you to connect the dots rather than just telling you what he has already observed. He challenges you, holds you accountable and, most importantly, shows no judgement. Although at times very challenging and exposing (coming face to face with your flaws and past mistakes), I honestly looked forward to every session – excited at the prospect of learning more about myself and taking another step closer to a more ‘fulfilled life’.

Chris Jordan
Accountant

I initially approached David about coaching as a way to further my career. It has gone far beyond that, and over the course of three months it has fundamentally altered my perspective on who I am and what I can achieve. I was initially a mild sceptic going into the process, so I’m even more delighted by what I have been able to come away with from coaching.

David has helped me to see that I’m whole, complete and perfect, exactly as I am. But that’s just been the starting point for me to go for the dreams I never even realised I had – it has been hugely powerful to be able to shift my mindset to one of creativity, imagination and confidence both professionally and personally. David will help you move from: ‘what will the world give me’ to asking yourself: ‘what can I contribute?’ and that’s a far more rewarding place from which to live your life.

Lucy – Journalis

If you’re feeling unfulfilled or wondering what the ‘game of life’ is really about, then it’s worth having a chat with David. He offers a separate set of eyes to work with you, not only to dream big but to realise the impact you can have and to maximise it. Since working with David, I have been able to prioritise what’s really important in my life and begun to realise the ability I have to inspire others. I have removed barriers, made healthier choices and feel better placed to make a positive contribution to those around me.

DAN ROBINSON
Senior Infrastructure Consultant and
Leader in the Community

In a short space of time David helped me get strong insights into my behaviour and more generally what drives the behaviour of other people. The sessions were challenging and thought provoking. David helped me set up some actions to take to transform several areas of my life and be more confident in taking risks and pushing my boundaries.

Natasha Managarova Business Development

David’s generosity, compassion and determination to help people discover and move towards their dreams is unmatched in anyone I have ever met.

A complete mindset shift and the journey has only just begun. Thank you, David, for the past 6 months plus. Very much looking forward to the next!“

Andy Hall-Jones Business owner

After building up a relationship with David over an 18 month period, and talking a lot about coaching but no actions being taken, I decided to give it a go. It’s been just over a year now and reflecting back on that year, I am currently in a place I would never have been unless it was for his coaching. He’s shown me a whole new way of thinking and approaching everyday life from both a business and personal perspective. Not only that but we have developed my leadership skills, and he is continually pushing me out of my comfort zones, its challenging at times, however reflecting back on the process has enabled me to see it was all worth it! I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work with David to see what the future holds.

James Canty, Entrepreneurand Business Leader

I signed-up for the leadership re-invented programme expecting a typical workshop-type experience involving theoretical analysis of what leadership should be, cliche stories and passive engagement from most attendees. Instead, I was presented with a immensely challenging and reflective group of sessions in which David regularly pushed the room to think more about the personal influence they could have, challenged our understanding what success means and focused us on how we could perform better through action. David was passionate throughout and able to connect personally with all attendees, not easy in a group setting. Having a one-to-one alongside these workshops enabled deeper exploration in to the trends identified, and despite only having known David for a few hours prior he immediately understood my key opportunity areas and was able to provide helpful and accurate insight. I can’t recommend this experience more highly to anyone aspiring to become a better leader.  

Paul Weaver

Testimonial 1: from Prasit Shah, Portfolio Director, Royal Mail

The leadership workshops led by David were far broader than just tools to use in the workplace. They forced a level of sometimes uncomfortable introspection based on how we are conditioned to think, so challenging long held beliefs, behaviours and habits. An immediate impact was a career decision I made after the first workshop. My decision was counter to my usual ‘strategy for success’ as I truly felt I had a choice and therefore considered my options objectively, jumping in the opposite direction to where I would previously.

Testimonial 2: from Clare, Head of Service Delivery

I decided to try this after being offered an opportunity and spending very little time over the past couple of years developing my leadership skills. I was a bit apprehensive at first and didn’t really know what to expect, but I found the group coaching sessions and individual coaching session very useful. David is a great coach, his approach and the techniques he uses work very well. He pushes you out of your comfort zone and I found the sessions challenged me to really reflect and look at situations through a very different lens, which has been hard at times but is already starting to have a positive impact for both me and my team. My focus is now on taking control back, contributing, and making a difference, to become the person and leader I strive to be. I would highly recommend David and coaching as I feel it can make such a difference to you in all aspects of your life.