Arden Fine Foods (UK) Ltd is a family of foodies who love great food and have travelled the continent to bring you nibbles that will delight and satisfy. Managing Director, Gareth Owen, shares how coaching with Growth Plans® enhanced his leadership skills, self-awareness, and confidence in preparation for his new role of MD leading a new board.
"I began working with Growth Plans® during my transition into the Managing Director role at Arden Foods. Having seen Liz support previous management buyouts within our company, I trusted her coaching would help me navigate the complexities of this new leadership position. This was my first experience with personal coaching, and Liz immediately put me at ease, focusing on my goals. She guided me to establish clear objectives, forming the foundation for all our sessions, ensuring consistent progress toward meaningful goals.
The coaching process with Liz was both structured and flexible. Initially, we spent time refining my objectives, rewriting them until they truly reflected what I needed to work on. This clarity helped me focus on areas like delegation, making decisions with incomplete information, and leading a newly formed board. Liz’s ability to challenge my thinking and address root causes rather than surface-level symptoms was invaluable.
A major challenge was learning to step back and delegate. In previous roles, I was used to working independently and relying on my own expertise. As MD, I wanted to shift to a strategic mindset with a focus on empowering others. Liz helped me overcome my resistance to delegating in order to focus on long-term business growth. This shift has been transformative, allowing me to embrace a visionary leadership style.
Another key takeaway was the self-awareness I gained through the personality profiling. Understanding my own “analytical” energy type, as well as my team’s preferences, shaped how I interact with them and others. I’ve learned to adapt my approach to communication, thus improving connection and decision-making. This awareness also helped me embrace one of my goals to be “comfortable being uncomfortable” in situations that push me outside my natural preferences.
If I were advising someone in a similar role, I’d wholeheartedly recommend coaching with Liz. The insights, accountability, and tailored support have been essential in helping me transition into my role confidently. Liz’s approach provides clarity, direction, and the tools to apply what you learn in a safe space. By dedicating time to my development, I’ve seen a ripple effect benefiting both myself and the business, setting a strong foundation for sustainable growth."
Gareth Owen Managing Director Arden Fine Foods (UK) Ltd
The insights, accountability, and tailored support Liz provides have been essential in helping me transition into my role with confidence.
Objectives
Successfully transition into the Managing Director role at Arden Fine Foods.
Establish clear and actionable leadership goals to guide the new role.
Develop a more strategic mindset and improve delegation skills in order to empower others.
Challenges
Overcome resistance and hesitation around delegating tasks.
Learn to make informed decisions despite incomplete or uncertain information.
Improve communication, collaboration and leadership within a newly formed board.
Outcome
Gained clarity and confidence in leadership, aligning decisions with long-term goals.
Transformed leadership style by embracing delegation and focusing on business growth.
Improved self-awareness and team interaction, enhancing communication and decision-making.
Contact Liz Whitfield to see if she is right for you and you are right for Growth Plans®
