Client Voyage Reports
Q4 has a diverse client base from many fields of business. This is what some current clients say about their experience.
When I look back to our first meeting, I recall you presenting a picture of some strange looking monkeys in a tree! I also remember that, after only a few hours of listening, you immediately pointed out which monkey you felt I identified with! I must admit, I thought this was a little bonkers at the time, but how wrong I was. Gone is the monkey sat all alone, arms folded, at the end of a branch. He’s a new monkey! He has rediscovered his mission, identified what his real values are, and re-set his vision as to what he would like the future to be. He’s able to embrace his strengths whilst managing his weaknesses, and as a result has headed to that branch at the top of the tree. But enough of this monkey business!
The truth is, in the months that followed our initial meeting, your skilful coaching, wisdom and listening has helped me, and the business more than I ever thought possible. We are a more cohesive and united leadership team. Our communication has never been better and on top of this, we have developed a detailed 3-year strategy plan, something that is now at the heart of everything we do.
It goes without saying that I would recommend Nick without hesitation. He is a mentor, a gentleman and I’m honoured to now call him a friend.
The Board of the Golf Club Managers’ Association (GCMA) engaged Q4 Management to support them in the creation of a strategic platform and pathway. The commitment, the professional guidance and the in-depth knowledge of strategy planning that Q4 Management was able to provide, allowed the GCMA to fully achieve all of its objectives.
‘My initial contact with Nick was when I engaged him as my leadership development coach in December 2013. We quickly established a strong rapport and I found the coaching programme to be hugely beneficial. Nick not only got to understand me but he also developed a strong awareness for my business and the issues that it was facing.
At the conclusion of the leadership coaching programme I invited Nick to support me in a thorough review of the company and to help guide the SEC Recruitment brand to the next level of professional competence. Nick embarked upon the Good to Great project with genuine enthusiasm and very quickly established himself as a trusted partner across the entire business.
Nick’s wealth of business experience and exceptional people skills have helped turn the business around in a relatively short space of time. The business is not only back on track, but breaking company performance records on a monthly basis. I honestly believe a large part of this is down to not only his experience, but his ability to motivate, to listen attentively and to get people to believe in themselves and their capabilities.
My only regret is not knowing Nick sooner, he is an amazing asset to the team, and a great support to me both professionally and personally. I genuinely believe engaging Nick has been one of my best corporate decisions and as he continues as a Board Advisor on strategy and senior executive leadership development, I know it is a relationship that will continue well into the future.’
‘Seven months ago, you provided me with (what I thought at the time) a silly diagram of monkeys in a tree. Little did I realize that that silly diagram, along with your masterful coaching would change my thinking, my career, and eventually my life. Gone is the monkey swinging helplessly from that rope. He has been replaced by a guy who better understands his brand, his goals and his direction towards happiness and professional fulfilment. I believe you calculated our time together as 17 hours, which equals roughly two thirds of one day. In the grand scheme of things that seems meaningless and miniscule. I assure you it was anything but. Though I’ve valued our time together on this journey, and am elated with the results I’ve seen so far, I am also saddened that our time has come to an end. I know I still have a lot of work to do, and I hope from time-to-time I can still look to you for guidance. I treasure your mentorship, I appreciate your friendship, and I am thankful for your coaching brilliance. You have made an impact on my life Nick Watkins, and for that I will always be grateful.’
‘Nick worked with me and the rest of the BHA executive leadership team shortly after my arrival as Chief Executive in early 2015. He came highly recommended as someone who could help facilitate and contribute towards a leadership team review of strategy and consequent business plan. He didn't disappoint, quickly establishing himself not only as a facilitator but someone who effectively joined the team as an integral part of the exercise.
I am very pleased with the work we did over just 3 months, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Nick to others. It is very likely we will use him again for a refresh at some point.’
‘Q4 Management‘s strategic review of one of the Rivar Group subsidiary companies was exceptionally thorough and the conclusions well considered. The outcomes from the review have allowed the Board to begin the process of implementing some important action points, which when fully embedded, should see the business begin to realise its full potential.’
‘Having never worked with a coach before I was quite nervous at the start of the process, but Nick quickly put me at ease and made the whole process easy and natural. I found it very useful to clarify my personal and business objectives and values which helped set the boundaries within which I operate. Running my own consultancy dealing at a high organisational level, it really enabled me to feel more confident in how I approach clients, new and old, as well as helping me handle difficult conversations, internally and externally, around matters such as fee negotiation and performance. Nick created a safe, professional and enjoyable environment in which to tackle some quite challenging matters and I would have no hesitation in recommending him’.
‘Nick is a man with strong ethics and values, with a real breadth of ‘life’ experience. He is possibly one of the strongest ‘listeners’ I have come across, always asking relevant questions, to get to the core of objectives of the sessions, the reality of the moment and the options available. He flexes his approach to suit the individual he is working with at the time, ensuring people feel at ease, encouraging an open and honest dialogue, regardless of management grade.
He is a man that quickly builds trust, never afraid to ask the difficult questions, if appropriate. I always found that I left a meeting with Nick in a far better frame of mind, ready to face the next of life’s challenges. He is one of the good guys, I wish there were more of them.’
'As a business we have called upon Nicholas Watkins to help coach and develop our senior team. We sought to improve performance, relationships and particularly New Business Development.
Nick embarked upon a one-to-one senior executive coaching programme that resulted in re-newed energy, greater focus and significantly enhanced confidence. The coaching is now paying high dividends.
Great coaching is a partnership between two people - and Nicholas has undoubtedly been the catalyst for this transformation.’
‘Having known Nick Watkins for a number of years, I immediately turned to him when I realised that the company required someone of his skill and knowledge, to help re-establish organisational structure and order to our fast growing business. He quickly built a rapport with the company’s entire work force and easily won their support and co-operation.
He worked his way systematically and thoroughly across a broad agenda of topics and was successful in meeting all of the objectives and reintroducing much needed disciplines and efficiencies across the company.
There is no doubt that the company benefited substantially from his involvement.’
‘I first met Nick whilst I was Marketing Director at the Health Lottery, and as a Non Executive director, he mentored the senior executive team.
After leaving the Health Lottery, Nick continued to coach and mentor me during a challenging period of career transition. I found his advice at all times to be professional, considered, informed and most importantly of all, invaluable, as I pursued a range of new career opportunities. His wise counsel and assessment of the career opportunities helped me take what is always a very critical decision .’