Frederick Cooper is a wet paints spraying & powder coating business based in Birmingham. Managing Director, Jon Stone shares his experiences as a Leadership Board® member.
“First impressions can make a big difference. I met Liz at a networking event, she was very professional and just someone who is easy to talk to. I knew when the time was right for me, being part of a Leadership Board® was something that I would benefit from for my personal professional development.” says Jon.
“Our MD was moving into a group role and as I’d been Sales Director with Frederick Cooper for eighteen years I saw the opportunity to transition into the Managing Director role. I knew that I was ready to get some support and guidance to help me make that next step. I decided to join a Leadership Board® as I wanted my thinking to be challenged and to benefit from the shared experience of other Board members.
There’s always something that Liz will bring to the group, coaching elements or focused time talking about a technique that you can use in your own business, or with your own people. There’s always something new to take away with you.
With a traditional board, members are people of the same organisation, but with the Leadership Boards® it’s different people, in different senior positions, within different organisations. You experience fresh voices and fresh opinions. It’s a really good way of sharing ideas, even if people haven’t had experience of that unique problem, it’s sometimes easier to talk to people who aren’t involved.
The other Leadership Board® members will give their best thought and effort into questioning, challenging and giving you ideas. They each have different businesses and different things they do, but a lot of the problems we face are the same. Sometimes they offer a solution and you realise that you’ve been looking at the trees, where they can see the wood. It also gives you confidence and is reassuring when you know what you are doing is exactly the right approach. Openness and honesty is essential as it is an opportunity to get things off your chest, a little bit like therapy!
During my time with the Leadership Board® I have successfully transitioned into the Managing Director role and have grown in confidence. I’m not afraid to make changes, and I am focusing on taking people with me. We have a really good team approach at Frederick Cooper and whilst we’re making a lot of changes, people are on board with it.”
Jon Stone Managing Director Frederick Cooper (Birmingham) Ltd
“The other Leadership Board members will give their best thought and effort into questioning, challenging and giving you ideas... Openness and honesty is essential as it is an opportunity to get things off your chest, a little bit like therapy!"
Objectives
Personal professional career development and learning new skills.
Preparation for transition from Sales Director to Managing Director.
My thinking to be challenged by trusted professionals in their own specific field.
Challenges
Managing expectations of the then Managing Director during my preparation and development into the role.
Working with the team to manage change that would come with the Managing Director role.
Outcome
Successful transition to Managing Director.
A monthly opportunity to work on the business and address challenges in a trusted and safe forum.
Confidence to make changes to the business, with peace of mind in knowing I am moving in the right direction.
Contact Liz Whitfield to see if she is right for you and you are right for Growth Plans®
