Supporting Leaders to Think Clearly, Grow Their Business, and Lead Effectively
About James
With more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership and board-level roles primarily in the hospitality and consumer sector, I’ve worked with a wide range of organisations—from founder-led companies and mid -sized businesses to large corporates .
Over that time, I’ve held positions including Founder, CEO, Chief Operating Officer, Commercial Director, Marketing Director, Chairman, Non-Executive Director and Advisor.
A few years ago, I founded Rocks Leadership where I mentor, coach and advise founders, general managers, heads of department, directors, suppliers and consultants. I work with individuals to help them develop as leaders while also supporting them in growing stronger, more successful businesses using a combination of coaching, mentoring and 25+ years of real-world leadership experience.
Alongside my hands-on experience, I hold a Professional Certificate in Coaching from Henley Business School, which underpins my work with a structured, evidence-based approach.
My Belief
Across my career, one lesson stands out: the quality of your thinking determines the quality of your outcomes. The greatest step-changes in my own leadership came when I created space to step back, reflect, and challenge my assumptions with the support of experienced coaches and mentors.
Coaching or Mentoring
Coaching:
Helping you gain clarity, understand and develop your leadership style, and become a more effective leader. Through structured challenge, reflection and accountability, I use proven coaching methodologies to help you find your own solutions and create meaningful, lasting change — in a process that is both effective, engaging and enjoyable.
Mentoring:
Drawing on real-world leadership experience, I provide practical insight, advice and perspective to help leaders navigate strategy, plans and day-to-day challenges — all within a supportive and engaging environment.
Many clients find the greatest value in a blend of both approaches, depending on the topic they want to discuss. Please visit the Testimonials page for feedback from my clients.
Advisor
Providing practical, hands-on support to founders and CEOs looking to grow their business. Particularly suited to smaller businesses without a formal board, I act as a trusted sounding board, offering advice, challenge and perspective across strategy, growth, people and operations.