Andrew Goldberg: Overcoming Adversity and Building a Thriving Coaching Business

From Uncertainty to Business Success

When Andrew Goldberg decided to start his own business, he knew he wanted to use his existing skills and experience to help other businesses succeed. But setting up a consultancy from scratch soon revealed just how much work was involved in building a business, from developing marketing materials and a website to establishing systems and processes.

Franchising offered a different route. By joining ActionCOACH UK, Andrew could build his own business using an established brand, proven systems and the support of an experienced network.

“I had started up a sales consultancy on my own, but had trouble thinking up how it was going to work; there was far too much leg-work involved in setting up the marketing, website, systems, etc. I liked the idea of franchising because all of that was done for me, and I could feel confident that I was delivering on a system that was proven to work.”

Despite seeing the potential, Andrew had serious concerns about taking the leap. With his family and home to think about, the financial risks felt significant.

“I was very worried that there would be a limited market for ActionCOACH UK in my local area in Scotland, and that I would not be able to sell it. My greatest anxiety was about what would happen to me, my family, my house, etc if I was unable to make the business work. I had no back-up plan or personal financial savings.”

That was in 2010. More than a decade later, Andrew had built a successful coaching business, developed strong client relationships and established himself as one of the network’s experienced franchise partners.

Discovering the Potential of Business Coaching

Andrew began looking for a franchise that would allow him to make the most of his professional experience while giving him the opportunity to become his own boss.

“At the beginning, being my own boss and the potential to make some real money were the main factors in my search. I disregarded sectors such as retail or web-based franchises and that’s when I came across ActionCOACH UK. My previous experience working within different businesses gave me the opportunity to see the benefits a business coach can bring to a company.”

After arranging an initial meeting, Andrew began his due diligence. He spoke with existing ActionCOACH UK franchise partners, researched the business in more depth and considered whether the opportunity would suit both him and his family. He also brought his wife to a second meeting, and together they agreed that it was the right direction for him.

The established business model was a major attraction. Rather than having to develop every aspect of a consultancy independently, Andrew would have access to a structured approach, training and ongoing guidance.

Training That Changed His Mindset

In April 2010, Andrew began his training at ActionCOACH University. He arrived with few expectations but quickly realised the experience would challenge him and change how he thought about business.

“I flew out with very little expectation but once I arrived, I knew it was going to be a huge learning curve. The main objective of the training is to learn about the general principles for coaching someone to support business growth. We use these to grow our own franchise and our clients’ businesses too. There was a heavy focus on thinking and behaving like a coach, to prepare us for when it was time to launch our franchise. It was intense but, honestly, it just got me excited to get going.”

The training focused not only on the practical aspects of business coaching but also on the mindset and behaviours needed to build relationships, guide business owners and help clients achieve results.

Andrew soon discovered that applying these lessons consistently would be just as important as learning them.

“Initially, I found sales a challenge, because despite the excellent training that I received, I didn’t break my own habits and reverted back to traditional ‘selling’, which doesn’t work in ActionCOACH UK. I also had a challenge retaining clients at the start, because I found it difficult to understand the concept that it is okay for me to tell my clients what to do and be tough on them without making them feel bad.”

Rather than allowing these early challenges to derail him, Andrew continued learning, adapting his approach and seeking advice from the people around him.

“Landing back in the UK, I’d completely changed my way of thinking about business after learning about the systems and processes available to take my own franchise to the next level. I arrived back on the Saturday and kicked the business off on Monday morning. Whilst the first couple of years in business brought similar challenges faced by many business owners, I wasn’t disappointed by the advice on hand from other franchise partners and the UK and global support teams. I may have my own business as an ActionCOACH UK franchise partner, but I know I’m not on my own.”

Building a Profitable Business and Strong Client Relationships

Over time, Andrew developed his coaching skills, strengthened his client relationships and built a business that delivered meaningful results.

At the time of the original interview, he was working with 14 clients through a combination of group and one-to-one coaching. His success was also reflected in the growth achieved by the businesses he supported.

One example involved a kitchen company that had two stores, each generating £1 million in annual turnover. With support and business development, the company went on to franchise its business model and expand to 14 stores, each achieving the same level of turnover.

For Andrew, helping clients achieve their goals remains central to his own ambitions.

“I’ve currently got 14 clients, for both group and one-to-one coaching. For the foreseeable future, I’m focusing on taking my business to the next level and the best way to do that is by helping my clients to success and impacting even more people in the surrounding communities of those businesses.”

His approach demonstrates how coaching can have a ripple effect. When a business becomes stronger, the benefits can extend beyond the owner to employees, customers, families and the wider local community.

The Power of Ongoing Support

One of the most important factors in Andrew’s development has been the continued support available through ActionCOACH UK. Training, networking and opportunities to exchange ideas have helped him keep developing his skills while learning from other franchise partners.

Andrew described regular meetings with the UK support team and fellow coaches in Scotland as an important opportunity to share knowledge and learn from each other.

“We’re constantly learning new things. Once a quarter, we have a member of the UK support team travel up to Scotland to hold a meeting. All of us Action Coaches up here attend. We get training on different aspects of business but it’s also our chance to share best practice, helping one another wherever we can.”

The network also creates opportunities to build relationships outside the training environment. Social events, shared experiences and informal conversations help franchise partners connect and strengthen the community around their businesses.

“On a more personal level, the days out that ActionCOACH UK organises are great. FUN is one of our 14 Points of Culture, so it’s important we practise what we preach. We attend rugby games, watch horse racing and go white water rafting with Olympic gold medal winners. It brings the network together and that’s great for each of our individual businesses too.”

Andrew has also contributed his own experience to help others in the network. He regularly shared advice during ActionCOACH webinars and was invited to present at the UK conference in 2018, where he discussed resilience, marketing and finding new customers.

“I regularly contribute to the webinars ActionCOACH UK runs every Monday morning, sharing advice and top tips with others in the network. I think it’s important to offer my help, especially to newer coaches because of my experience. I love helping everyone out. I was pleased to be asked to present at the UK conference in 2018, showcasing my story of resilience and sharing my knowledge on how to market yourself and find new customers.”

For Andrew, the support is not simply something he receives. It is something he actively contributes to, helping newer franchise partners learn from the challenges and lessons he experienced himself.

A Better Work-Life Balance and Greater Financial Security

Building his coaching business has brought Andrew benefits beyond professional achievement. The business has helped him achieve the financial stability he was seeking while giving him more time to spend with his family.

By establishing his office just a four-minute walk from home and building his client base, he created a working routine that involved very little travel and fewer evenings and weekends spent working.

“I also have the financial stability which I was seeking. I have made more money with ActionCOACH UK than I have ever made in any other career.”

Andrew also reflected on the personal changes he experienced through business ownership and coaching.

“ActionCOACH UK has enabled me to grow and develop both professionally and personally, and I am much happier and more satisfied as a result. Because I rarely travel I am able to spend much more time with my family. I set up my office a four-minute walk from my home, and I have now got my business to a point where I rarely work evenings or weekends. I am home by 5:30pm most evenings.”

His experience highlights an important distinction: success is not only about increasing income. It is also about building a business that supports the life you want to lead.

Looking to the Future and Giving Back

As Andrew approached his tenth anniversary with ActionCOACH UK, he had much to reflect on. From the uncertainty he felt in 2010 to building a successful coaching practice, his journey had been shaped by persistence, continuous learning and a willingness to change his approach.

At the time of the original interview, his consistent client income and involvement in the network had also put him in a position to explore becoming a global trainer, giving him another opportunity to share his knowledge and support other coaches.

Andrew believes that education is central to the ActionCOACH UK approach and that the benefits of coaching can reach far beyond the individual business owner.

“I’ve never been part of an organisation which puts so much emphasis on the importance of education. We have the systems, it’s up to us to teach them to our clients. I’m in a privileged position to improve other people’s lives, not just business owners but their families and employees too.”

His story is a reminder that building a successful business rarely happens without challenges. Progress comes from learning, applying what works, asking for support and remaining committed to long-term goals.

Could You Build Your Own Success Story?

If you have business experience and want to help other business owners succeed, becoming an ActionCOACH UK franchise partner could offer an opportunity to build a business of your own with the benefit of an established system and a supportive network.

Explore the franchise opportunity and discover how you could turn your skills and ambition into a business that makes a difference.

Watch our overview video: https://actioncoach.co.uk/overview