Running a small business can feel like you’re solving a new crisis every week—cash flow, team issues, burnout, inconsistent growth.
But here’s the truth no one tells you: Most business problems are actually leadership problems in disguise. And the root of it all? A lack of self-awareness.
Steve Job’s becomes self-aware – as a result of his coaching experience.
Consider Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. He was a visionary entrepreneur known for innovation and a willingness to take risks. However, his focus on excellence meant he was often viewed as challenging, unpredictable and sometimes difficult by his staff. Jobs recognized the need to become a better person and leader and so sought the help of executive coach John Mattone. Through their work together, Jobs engaged in targeted self-reflection, focusing on understanding the human side of leadership, particularly the aspects of empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence.
As a result of this coaching experience, and reflecting on how he could change his leadership style, Jobs harnessed a new leadership model where he was more collaborative, humanistic, and connected to others at Apple. He was able to connect with his inner values, become more vulnerable, and work with his colleagues on a different level. This caused Jobs to grow interpersonal relationships with his staff toward an amazing level of collaboration, and in turn elevated the level of innovation and success at Apple.
Jobs’ experience illustrates the incredible potential of coaching and development for even the most accomplished leaders. His journey also emphasizes the merits of dedicated and ongoing personal development as an essential driver of success for any organization.
Here’s the truth most business owners miss: Your business can only grow as fast as you do. And the fastest way to grow yourself is through coaching.
The Problem: You’re Too Close to See What’s Holding You Back
From the outside, your business may look fine. But inside, you may feel:
- Overwhelmed by constant decision-making
- Alone at the top, with no one to talk to
- Stuck in a cycle of reacting, not leading
- Frustrated that your team isn’t stepping up
You don’t have a laziness problem. You don’t even have a strategy problem. You may just have a perspective problem.
The Shift: Coaching Brings Clarity, Confidence, and a Clearer Path Forward
A good coach does three things:
- Clarifies your thinking – Helps you zoom out, see patterns, and refocus on what matters most.
- Challenges your assumptions – Helps you break old habits that are holding the business back.
- Champions your growth – Helps you build momentum with accountability, encouragement, and strategy.
You don’t need more hustle. You need more clarity. And coaching delivers that.
The Benefits: How Coaching Helps Grow Your Business
Here’s what coaching can unlock for you as an SME leader:
- Better Decision-Making. Cut through the noise and focus on what truly drives growth.
- Stronger Team Performance. Learn how to lead people, not just manage tasks.
- Time Back in Your Week. Coaching helps you delegate better, say no wisely, and free up space to lead.
- Increased Revenue. When you’re focused and aligned, your execution becomes sharper—and results follow.
- Personal Resilience. Coaching helps you build inner capacity, so you don’t burn out while building up.
Why It Works: You Weren’t Meant to Lead Alone
Even top CEOs like Steve Jobs and athletes have coaches. Not because they’re weak—but because they want to win.
Coaching gives you:
- A safe, confidential space to process and reflect
- A thinking partner who sees what you can’t
- A leadership mirror that helps you grow faster and lead smarter
In short: a coach helps you get out of your own way.
Let’s Talk About Your Growth
If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, feeling stuck, or wondering how to grow your business without losing yourself in the process… A coaching conversation might be the next step.
Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what’s getting in the way.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Growth is possible—and it starts with clarity.
