Newtown Unthank – home of a business triumph
Chris Cooper knows rural Leicestershire is a great base for international business.
The business elevation coach helps businesses to elevate the performance of their leaders, teams and builds highly engaged workforces. He has also developed a podcast – The Business Elevation Show’ – which has reached well-over a million listeners, all from his home office in Newtown Unthank.
“I switched from a successful corporate life – including Mars Confectionery – because I had the desire to do something more entrepreneurial,” says Chris.
“I set up a consultancy with others – helping large organisations save money – which was lucrative, but there was a clash of values among the directors.
“I wanted to pursue my career around people development, as well as be around more to see my young family grow up.
“So, I decided to go it alone. I knew I needed help to get my business up and running as I envisaged. Eight years ago, I found that help when I heard Doug D’Aubrey speak at an event.
“I didn’t need just questions which is what you get from many coaches. Doug gave me opinions on my numbers and priorities. I asked him to hold me to account and certainly did that with loads of practical advice. I also needed someone to confide in, someone to bounce ideas off. He’s done all of that and supported my confidence in pursuing my big goals.”
One of Chris’ ideas was a podcast.
“I dreamed of adding value to a million people and I’ve gone well beyond that with my ‘Business Elevation Show’ on Voice America. It’s focused on how business contributes far beyond profit.
“346 hours of interviews later, 299,314 individuals (measured in unique IP addresses) have listened an average of eight times over the last year. This has put the podcast consistently in the top three shows on the leading online radio platform, Voice America.
“My business has given me far more than good earnings. The podcast gives me a real thrill to know I’m reaching people in over 50 countries including the United States, Canada, South America, India and the Middle East etc. And it’s opened up so many, new adventures.
“I’ve interviewed some great people ranging from top business entrepreneurs and business leaders to gold medal winning athletes, even the Saxophone player from Dire Straits.
Perigee (Penguin Random House New York) published The Power to Get things Done (Whether you feel like it or not) in 2015 which Chris co-authored with Dr Steve Levinson.
“Chris knew what he wanted out of life: he wanted to reach a lot of people in ways that help them develop so they can get more out of their businesses and lives. That’s very much the same page ETC consultants are on,” says Doug D’Aubrey.
“Chris helps a person’s leadership and self-confidence whereas we walk alongside business owners like him on his journey to build a firm with some simple, straightforward business thinking so he and the firm reach their full potential.
“It’s so wonderful to see Chris’ success.
“To be so well-regarded on the international stage is one thing but Chris has touched so many people’s lives so that they live ‘bigger’ or certainly more confident lives so that they contribute more fully to society – that’s a remarkable legacy which will hopefully be passed down the generations. Wonderful that he’s taking his own advice which means his boys – now 9 and 13 – have known their dad growing up – precious years for any parent.
“Make no mistake, he’s made it all happen. All we’ve done is simply collaborate and offered appropriate guidance.”
If you’re a small business looking to grow or for a bit of inspiration, visit www.exec-tc.com
Chris Cooper podcasts 4pm GMT on Voice America: Business Elevation Show (www.voiceamerica.com/show/1959).
