A Northern Ireland business coach is aiming to support 1,000 entrepreneurs within the next ten years, helping them grow their companies and develop their teams.
Peter Magee from ActionCOACH, located at Ards Business Hub, wants to use his 30 years’ experience in management to help business owners overcome any obstacles that are preventing them from taking the next step.
“There are generally three issues that stand in people’s way. Time, team and finance. I want to help my clients confront any obstacles, set goals and move forward,” he explained.
The Bangor man has spent his career managing and developing people across the UK and Ireland in various senior management roles.
“At this stage in my career, I want to give something back. I’ve personally encountered many of the same issues that my clients have, for example, when you are trying to juggle your time and your family and personal life or need to enhance the performance of a team. Being a business owner can often be lonely, where they feel like they have to do everything themselves with no one to turn to for support,” he said.
He compares business coaching to the type of training that a professional athlete would have. “It’s very similar in that athletes need to set goals, learn, plan, take action and be accountable to their coach. Clients tell me that the level of accountability, discipline and focus that coaching gives them is refreshing, and often sorely needed. While sessions are fun and enjoyable, we work in partnership to find ways to improve the business and the client’s way of working,” he added.
Peter also follows his own advice. Setting goals is paramount but the key, he believes, is continually learning and working on self-development.
He added: “The harder that you work to improve yourself, the more you can give to your clients.”
After three decades working in management, he sought a fresh change that would use the skills he had gained to help business leaders. He decided to join ActionCOACH, a global franchise network of business coaches, because he liked the energy and community of the organisation.
“I have a full network of coaches around the world and I truly believe that working together with others is one of the keys to success. When I started the business last year, it was really helpful to talk to others and hear all the ways that they helped their clients,” he said.
After viewing many different options for office space, he chose a unit in Sketrick House in Ards Business Hub because it offered exactly what he required.
“As soon as I walked in, I knew it was perfect for me. It’s very professionally run and has a lovely ambience that is very welcoming for my clients. In addition to the great office space, I needed conference rooms for seminars and other meetings and the space at Ards is truly first class.”
Nichola Lockhart, Chief Executive of Ards Business Hub, said: “Peter has been a really positive asset to our business community at Ards Business Hub. He has great energy and his ethos to tackle problems and take on goals and challenges is a real inspiration to us all.”
