Questions CEOs ask me before we start.

What does a Scaling Up coach actually do?

I help CEOs and their leadership teams get the 4 Decisions right: People, Strategy, Execution and Cash. These come from Verne Harnish's Scaling Up method. Three Disciplines keep it going: Priorities, Data and Meeting Rhythms. In plain terms, that means a team that agrees on the few things that matter this quarter, watches a handful of numbers that tell you if you're on track, and meets on a steady weekly, monthly and quarterly rhythm so the plan actually happens. And I start with cash, because money is oxygen. It gives you options.

How much does a Scaling Up coach cost in Australia?

Programs start from a one-off $14,850 + GST for a 30-day strategy sprint. Ongoing programs run from 3 to 12 months, and the longer we work together, the lower the monthly rate. I tailor each program to take out what you don't need, while keeping the core pieces that make the method work. Not-for-profits get a lower rate.

Before you commit, we look at your numbers together using the Power of One. It shows how much cash and profit small changes in price, costs and getting paid could free up, so you can see the potential return up front. If the numbers don't stack up, I'll tell you. I'm happy to share exact figures on a discovery call.

How long does it take to see results?

Honestly, it depends on your commitment. It's like a diet or a fitness program: the plan is the easy part, and the results come from sticking to it. Old habits need breaking and new ones take time to form, so expect the first few quarters to feel like work. Size matters too. Mercury ISS was small and nimble, and their profit margins went from 5% to 25% in about six months. Larger organisations take longer to turn the ship (think Titanic), so the bigger shifts can take 12 months or more. The teams that keep up the weekly and quarterly rhythm are the ones that see change that lasts.

What happens in a 2-day strategy workshop?

Your leadership team steps away from the day-to-day for two days. We get clear on your purpose and values, where you want to be in three to five years, and what has to happen this year and this quarter to get there. We also look at your cash, so the plan is grounded in your numbers. You leave with a one-page plan, clear priorities and accountabilities for the year and quarter ahead.

Do you work with not-for-profits and social enterprises?

Yes, they're a big part of my work. Clients include Learning Links and Greenacres Disability Services. For not-for-profits, the cash conversation matters even more: a healthy surplus is what lets you help more people. Not-for-profits get a lower rate.

Do you work with organisations in Sydney?

Yes. I'm based in Wollongong and work with leadership teams across Sydney and the Illawarra, in person. I'm happy to travel for workshops anywhere in Australia, and coaching sessions can be online.

What does it take to make this work?

Commitment from the whole leadership team, not just the CEO. It means sticking with the 4 Decisions and 3 Disciplines when things get busy: making the tough people calls rather than putting them off, holding to the strategy and the few priorities we agree, tracking the data that matters, keeping your meeting rhythms so execution doesn't slip, and following through on the cash actions. My job is to help you do those things, and to tell you honestly when we're drifting.

Before we start, we agree what success looks like, using your own numbers. My promise works like a product warranty: it covers you when the program is used the way it's designed. If we've both done our part and it hasn't delivered, you pay what you feel it was worth. I'd rather earn your trust than chase an invoice.

How do we get started?

Two easy ways. Take the free Scaling Up assessment to see where your organisation is strong and where it's getting stuck. Or book a free discovery call and we'll talk through what's in the way.