Simon Marshall: From The Shard to Business Coaching

After nearly 30 years working with major financial institutions, consultants and advisers in London, Simon Marshall had built a successful career. He had been involved in significant projects, including securing finance for one of London's most recognisable landmarks, The Shard.

Despite his achievements, Simon began to feel that something was missing. Long working hours, a lengthy commute and less time with his young family had left him questioning what he wanted from the next stage of his career.

He decided to take a different route, leaving the City to build his own business with ActionCOACH UK. Since launching in 2020, Simon has established a coaching business covering Hastings and the wider East Sussex and Kent area, helping local business owners grow while developing a close-knit business community.

From market stalls to The Shard

Simon left school at 16 with an entrepreneurial streak and plans to start a business with his friends. Their idea was to run market stalls in different locations around the country.

“Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work out, but it gave me my first taste of business and from then on, I was hooked.”

He briefly considered following his father into the police force, but his father's view that banking was one of the pillars of the community helped point him towards a career in London.

Simon secured a job in the City and began working his way up through the financial sector. As his career progressed, he recognised the importance of gaining further qualifications to move into more senior positions.

“I achieved a first-class honours degree in finance including business management whilst I was still working, and it opened doors for me to progress to more senior positions. I was lucky to be instrumental in the acquisition of finance for The Shard. Seeing the building now reminds me of the hard work I put in at the time and is something I’m extremely proud to have been a part of.”

It was a significant achievement in a career that had spanned several decades. Yet, despite the professional success, Simon was beginning to think about what he wanted from his working life beyond the City.

Recognising it was time for a change

After almost 30 years in finance, Simon had reached a point where the work no longer gave him the same satisfaction.

He was earning well and had built a strong professional reputation, but the long hours and regular commute were taking their toll. With a young family, he wanted more time at home and a career that gave him a greater sense of involvement.

“I was earning a good salary, but I just wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Towards the end of my time in the City, I was providing advisory and consultancy services to companies, which wasn’t quite hitting the right note for me. One day, I was speaking to my wife and I decided I was going to resign. The next day I handed in my notice and needed to decide what to do next.”

Simon was already familiar with business coaching and had considered setting up his own coaching firm. As he researched the options, he discovered ActionCOACH UK.

He initially thought about going it alone, but meeting UK co-founders Ian Christelow and Julie Wagstaff changed his perspective.

“I was ready to start my own coaching firm until I discovered ActionCOACH. They really stood out to me when carrying out my due diligence.

“Initially, I’d wanted to go it alone, but after meeting with Ian and Julie, I could see there was a proven framework that would ensure if I put the work in, I would see results. I was also really impressed by the community aspect too. Being a business owner can be a lonely world and I could see with ActionCOACH this wouldn’t be the case.

“It became clear... ActionCOACH could deliver what I wanted to achieve and the rut I’d experienced would be a thing of the past.”

The combination of an established business framework, coaching systems and a network of fellow franchise partners gave Simon the confidence to move forward.

Launching during an uncertain time

Simon launched his ActionCOACH business in March 2020. The timing meant he was immediately faced with the challenges of the pandemic, just as he was getting his new business off the ground.

“My timing couldn’t have been better, right? I knew it was going to be a challenge, but ActionCOACH were excellent with their support to help me get my business off the ground.”

One of the things Simon particularly valued was the ongoing professional development available through ActionCOACH UK.

Coming from a consultancy background, he was used to advising businesses on what they should do. What he wanted from coaching was the opportunity to stay involved and help owners put those ideas into practice.

“It made sure I was always on top of my game. The resources ActionCOACH offer meant I could always improve which, in turn, was adding value for my clients.

“I’d been a consultant previously, advising businesses what to do but not being involved in how they got from A to B. I wanted the opportunity to work with businesses on their journey to realising their goals. The continuous professional development ActionCOACH provided gave me the confidence to work with businesses working towards their targets, which, for me, is the true value of what a coach does.

“It’s what keeps me interested and motivated. I’m never standing still, there’s always room to learn and develop my skills.”

The ability to keep learning has remained an important part of Simon's approach. He sees his own development as closely connected to the value he can provide to the businesses he coaches.

Creating a connected business community

Simon offers both one-to-one and group coaching, helping him develop relationships with business owners across his territory.

One of the original attractions of ActionCOACH UK was the network of franchise partners. He knew that running a coaching business independently could sometimes feel isolating, and the support of a wider community was important to him.

Over time, he has found that the same sense of connection has become a defining part of his own business.

“One of the things that attracted me to ActionCOACH was the community element. If I’d started my own coaching firm, I think life would have been pretty lonely at times. The community of coaches is a real bonus, but I really get my enjoyment out of seeing the businesses I coach connect with each other.”

Simon has actively encouraged the businesses he works with to build relationships and find opportunities to work together. Seeing those connections develop has become one of the most rewarding parts of his role.

“Seeing my clients connect with each other is something I’m really proud of. You want your coaching to have a meaningful impact. Seeing that chain of collaboration grow shows me I’m making a difference, validating my decision to go into coaching.”

For Simon, the relationships within his business community extend beyond professional connections. He experienced this personally when his mother passed away and received support from the people around him.

“ActionCOACH is a team and not just when it relates to work. Unfortunately, my mother passed away recently and the support and care I received from my clients and community meant a lot to me. It showed me this is so much more than a business transaction.”

Building the right work-life balance

Having more time for his family was one of Simon's main reasons for leaving London and setting up his own business.

He has already made progress towards that goal. Removing the daily commute immediately gave him back around three hours each day, and his wife Helen also works in the business.

Simon is now conscious of managing the size of his client base so he can give each business the attention it needs without overcommitting himself.

“I want to ensure I can coach everyone to the best of my abilities, so I’m conscious about not overstretching myself.”

Away from work, Simon enjoys maintaining his classic car and keeping fit through running and going to the gym. Having greater control over his working day has given him more opportunity to make time for these interests and, most importantly, his family.

“I’m not quite at the work-life balance I wanted to achieve yet, but I know the path to take to get there.”

He recognises that building a business takes time and that creating the lifestyle he wants is an ongoing process. Being able to shape that process himself is a significant change from his previous career.

Finding a renewed passion for business

Looking back on his decision to leave the City and join ActionCOACH UK, Simon is clear about the difference it has made.

“Coaching got me out of a rut. I have more time to spend with family and the business community I’ve built is something I love being involved in. ActionCOACH really has re-ignited my passion for business and entrepreneurship.”

For someone considering a similar move, Simon believes it is important to understand what the opportunity involves and be prepared to put the work in.

“My advice for anyone joining ActionCOACH would be to make sure it’s the right opportunity for you. ActionCOACH gives you all the tools to build a successful business. You just need to be willing to approach it with an open mind, a desire to learn and a willingness to work hard.

“You will meet so many great people and feel the pride of making a major difference in your community.”

After nearly three decades in the financial sector, Simon has found a new way to use his business experience. He has moved from advising companies on financial matters to working alongside owners as they develop their businesses, while building a community that gives him a stronger connection to the people around him.

Could business coaching be your next move?

If you have experience in finance, consultancy, leadership or business management and are considering a change in direction, an ActionCOACH UK franchise could give you the opportunity to build a business of your own.

Discover how an ActionCOACH UK franchise could help you build a business with purpose, flexibility and the support of an established coaching community.