A minute with a mentor: Paul Aisthorpe

As part of promoting the valuable mentoring support delivered through Boost’s Growth Mentoring programme, we highlight some of the mentors behind the scenes that work with Lancashire businesses. So take a break for a minute and read about growth strategist, Paul Aisthorpe, a leadership and team development specialist.

Why did you choose to become a mentor?

I would not have achieved success in my career without mentors. As a developing leader, I found my natural style to be one of coaching and mentoring. I am passionate about helping others. When I left the employed world and spent some time assessing what I wanted to do for the rest of my working life, it became clear that mentoring would be part of the next journey.

How do you make a real difference to Lancashire businesses?

I am often told that I help my clients find the confidence to make those pivotal decisions they need to make to keep their business moving forward and growing. That confidence is gained from creating clarity in their vision for their business, identifying the value they bring to their clients and creating the strategy and plan to deliver the vision.

What is your area of expertise and why is it an important area to for business leaders to address?

I have held roles in finance, administration, compliance, sales and marketing, leadership, training, quality management in the food and drink, hospitality, banking and logistics sectors. I have worked with over 150 different businesses since starting as a coach/mentor in over 20 sectors. It is important that business leaders take a holistic, joined up approach to growth otherwise they are missing an opportunity.

What has been your most inspirational moment as a mentor?

There are so many as I am inspired every week by my client’s courage, adaptability and ability to change who they are in very turbulent economic times.

What are the key challenges for Lancashire businesses at the moment?

In many cases, rebuilding a resilient, sustainable business following extended closure or downturn in trade is the overarching challenge, as government support is withdrawn. More specifically, even for those who have been unaffected during the last 12 months the main challenges remain finding the right clients to create a sustainable (profitable) business. To enable this, embed new working practices, processes and procedures and attract the right staff and keep them.

As a mentor, what are your three business growth tips?

We work to a three-point methodology. Connecting Brand, Strategy and People: 1. Brand – be clear on who you are, your purpose, vision, value – your brand promise. 2. Strategy – develop a winning strategy to deliver on your promise, involve your team – they will ultimately be the reason you succeed. 3. People – attract, engage and retain the right people for the journey. Be clear on your employer brand, create inspiring leaders, engaging and retaining talented people. Boost Growth Mentor Paul Aisthorpe Paul Aisthorpe is from Scale-Ability which is based in Lancaster. He is a business coach, mentor and trainer, working with SME and corporate organisations across the North West on their growth strategies and developing teams and leaders.