Entrepreneur Series: Graeme Godfrey

May 15, 2025

As part of our Entrepreneur Series, our guest this quarter is Graeme Godfrey, a business and life coach and mentor dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and professionals unlock their full potential.

In this conversation, Graeme shares his journey from entrepreneur to trusted advisor, the challenges and rewards of building a successful coaching business, and how he helps clients navigate business growth, mindset shifts, and major career transitions.

Interview Questions:

What inspired you to start your coaching and mentoring business, and how did you turn your vision into reality?

It pretty much evolved organically as throughout my working life, I have always felt an intuitive connection with people and I was so often a willing sounding board and support for anyone with problems and anxieties.

So, when I successfully sold my Healthcare Business in 2015, there was only one answer to the question ‘what next’? Transition to a Business Coach and Mentor.

I’m very proud of my programme – Life After Exit for entrepreneurs who have sold out and in many cases require emotional support, guidance and purpose for their next life journey.

What have been the biggest challenges in building and growing your coaching business, and how have you overcome them?

Gaining people’s trust. First and foremost a coach has to make people feel at ease so they will open up and reveal their innermost feelings, sometimes unlocking allegories and thoughts they didn’t even know were there. I’m an intuitive coach and if I connect at a deep level with whom I’m speaking to, we both know there is desire to explore what could happen next.

To grow and develop, it often felt that a client list could only be nurtured through word-of-mouth and yet many people I coached would want to remain anonymous. I had to navigate a balance between this and ensuring others would get to learn about my services and feel assured that they were in safe and trusting hands.

I created a ‘no obligation’ discovery session, a two-way system, not only allowing them to get to know me and how I work, with an insight into how I could help, but also allowing me to ensure we are going to be a tight fit. Being open and honest from the outset proved to be key.

My coaching methods that I created, have really turned people’s lives around. As a result, many have waived anonymity, wanting to offer great testimonies so others can feel elated and ready to move forward from a darker space.

Your coaching focuses on mindset and personal transformation—how do you apply these principles in running your own business?

As cliché as it may sound, I am learning every day from my clients. I offer unique tools and techniques so people can navigate their own way out of their anxieties and problems. It has to be this way so the positive outcomes can be sustained. I’m helping and encouraging my clients to be independent of me so that they can thrive on their own terms. Their resilience and determination and ultimate success stories remain a constant reminder to myself when I too am faced with challenges that need careful consideration.

How do you tailor your coaching approach to meet the unique needs of each client, and what’s your process for ensuring long-term success?

Every client is different which is why there is no prescriptive, pre-created system which I blanket over everyone.

I enter the world of each new person with a blank sheet of paper, non-judgement and an open heart, prepared to take all that is thrown my way and determined to have that person leave the session, feeling much better about themself than when they started. Session can be gritty and uncomfortable at times where many of the changes and transformations can take place.

It can also be energising, empowering and inspiring all at the same time. When the sessions are over, I always remain in contact and make myself available as a support for their wellbeing as the months go by. I want to see people happy.

What’s the most rewarding part of running your own coaching business?

Seeing people go, often from their lowest ebb, to vibrant positive beings with a whole new burst of energy and enthusiasm for life.

When somebody close, who they know comes up to me and exclaims ‘what a changed person they are’ since being coached.

My coaching is very much like taking a well-earned break, you don’t realise how much you needed it until you experience it.

What has been the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from running your coaching business?

People need people, we often can’t or do not wish to walk alone. Having a true confidant you can trust, bounce ideas off that has no financial interest in your business can be a real benefit to so many. The most successful people I know all have a coach without exception, whether they’re in business, sold out or operate in TV, film, sport or music. I work in these industries and many others. They all want and need coaching in various forms.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their first business, what would it be?

A good idea is not enough, it’s the execution that’s key. Make sure you love it, you’re passionate about it, you are solving a real problem. Ask yourself “where’s the money?” And if you can’t answer that final question, it’s a hobby!

Quick-Fire Questions:

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

I have three, health, wealth and happiness. They are all interlinked.

If you could instantly acquire one new skill, what would it be?

Have the ability to learn multiple languages.

Where is your favourite place you’ve ever visited?

Thailand.

If you could meet anybody (past or present), who would it be?

I’d like to go into the past and really get to know my grandparents as I am today. They were my inspiration.

For more information contact: Graeme Godfrey at gg@graemegodfrey.com or on 07958 772828 or https://www.graemegodfrey.com/

Testimonials

“We were delighted with the services that Bluebox offered us. Bluebox’s attention to detail through their Diamond Programme ensured that we were well prepared for when the business was taken to market and that the sale process itself was managed expertly.

We challenged Bluebox with finding the right strategic buyer and thereafter negotiating a deal that met our requirements. In helping initially to identify and to secure the deal with Mountville Mills they accomplished just that. Communication throughout was excellent and professional, managing each stage of the process. I would have no hesitation in recommending Bluebox to any corporate shareholder or private business owner looking to divest their business.”

Richard Millward, Former Client

“We were delighted with the services that Bluebox offered us. Bluebox were challenged with finding us the right strategic investor and, thereafter, negotiating a deal that met our complex requirements. In identifying and securing the deal with LGC they have done exactly that. The process itself was efficient and smooth, largely due to the excellent communication from the Bluebox team, who also demonstrated excellent experience at managing a very engaging auction process. I would be delighted to recommend Bluebox to any corporate shareholder or private business owner looking to divest a business.”

Helen Dickinson, Former Client

It has been a real privilege working with the team at Bluebox over this last year or so. Bluebox’s attention to detail ensured that we were well prepared for when the business was taken to market and the sale process itself was managed expertly. Starting the process, I had no idea exactly what this would entail and the volume of work that has been produced by everyone and the result reached today is nothing short of brilliant.

Hugh Morris, Former Client

We are delighted with the services that Bluebox was able to offer. They showed an intimate knowledge of a deal cycle, managed a tight auction process and were highly communicative from the start. I would happily recommend Paul and his team to business owners contemplating a sale of their business in the next 24 months. Experience is key and this has paid off for us.

Laurence Seward, Former Client

Aligning ourselves early with Bluebox, and entrusting the team to guide us through their process proved to be a highly rewarding investment from all viewpoints. Bluebox’s support significantly enhanced both the value of our business and its ‘saleability’. I would highly recommend Bluebox to business owners contemplating an exit in the next two years. The earlier the engagement the better so far as I am concerned.

Mike Minett, Former Client

We began working with Bluebox in early 2015 through their Blue Diamond Programme, as we were contemplating an exit. We found that the process focussed our minds on the key areas of growth in the business, and prepared us well for the inevitable rigours of due diligence. During the sale process itself, the advice offered by the Bluebox team was invaluable. We found them to be helpful, straightforward and honest.

David Stokes, Former Client

When selecting our adviser, it was extremely important that they had access to international buyers and were experienced in cross-border M&A. The team at Bluebox proved to be invaluable by identifying a strategic acquirer from America who was not known to us and by negotiating an excellent deal for all parties. I was also impressed with the process management from Bluebox, which ensured that the deal was closed in a timely fashion.

Jeff Weinstein, Former Client

When I first engaged with Bluebox, I was hesitant as to the benefits of using an advisor to firstly, find a buyer for my business and secondly, to get a deal over the line. However, now that the deal has completed with KPM, I can honestly say that the finer negotiation points handled by Bluebox and their overall management of this process has been nothing short of first class. I would be delighted to recommend Bluebox’s services to any entrepreneur contemplating the sale of their business.

Bill Ballard, Former Client

Bluebox worked closely with us over the following six months and helped us to implement some key initiatives which made InferMed a more attractive acquisition target. Once we decided to sell the business, the Bluebox team were very diligent in ensuring that no stone was left unturned. They negotiated expertly on our behalf to ensure we got the best deal possible.

Alan Montgomery, Former Client

The pre-sale planning programme that we signed up for with Bluebox made us develop our strategies and focus on the bigger picture. It proved to be a very rewarding investment from all viewpoints and significantly enhanced both the value of our business and its ‘saleability’. I would highly recommend Bluebox to business owners contemplating an exit in the next two years.

Nigel Parsons, Former Client

I have experienced first hand the value that can be created through highly structured pre-sale planning. It amazes me that it is not something that everyone does. It is so disappointing to see around 90% of transactions collapse before they complete and pre-sale planning will not only enhance your price, but also significantly enhance your chance of a closed deal.

James Caan, Investor

We worked incredibly closely with our advisers who provided expert knowledge of the sale process with which we were not familiar. We were truly delighted with the results.

Marten Nielson, Former Client

We appointed advisers to manage the sales process after we had received a number of unsolicited approaches for the business. I was incredibly impressed by the immense value that could be created by expertly negotiating with a group of already interested parties.

Paul Duckworth, Former Client

I was delighted with the service that the team offered and their real attention to detail. The deal was not without its complexities and it was reassuring to have such experienced advisers assisting me throughout the negotiations.

Peter Bennett, Former Client

Truly delighted with the way my sale process was managed. The fact that the team I worked with achieved such a great multiple is testament to their experience and their ability to create some true competitive tension.

James Averdieck, Gü, Former Client

The team at Bluebox provided invaluable support in negotiating this complex transaction. Their access to international purchasers, and exceptional knowledge of cross border M&A ensured that the deal was concluded efficiently, achieving a highly successful outcome for us all.

Jon Parslow, Former Client

“We selected Bluebox after a fairly long round of evaluating potential advisors because of their scientific, yet challenging approach to maximising value. During our initial meetings they showed us how far short of “ready” we were and consequently we completed more preparation in the early stages which meant we were equipped for what was to come. We were delighted with our choice of Corporate Finance partner. I do not hesitate in recommending Bluebox for any SME to consider.”

Simon English, Former Client

Bluebox provided invaluable advice in managing the negotiations with incoming investors. Their skills in handling these discussions were evident from the outset and the vital interface that they provided between the incumbent team and the incoming investors was truly beneficial.

Henry Braham, Former Client

Bluebox have a professional, dynamic and experienced team that is greatly assisting me with my focus on my exit within the next 24 months. Their structured approach is very refreshing and their ‘Blue Diamond’ programme is adding immense value.

Matt Evans, Former Client

The team at Bluebox provided me with a seamless service from the start of the engagement until our deal was completed. Attention to detail was commendable and their understanding of corporate M&A very impressive. I could not recommend them highly enough.

Victor Lewis, Former client

Having tried to sell my business previously – and failed – I was only too aware of the importance of pre-sale planning. This is a talented team offering a service that most people find out about, but too late.

Simon Hulme, Former Client

Bluebox are a quality outfit. Their access to International acquirers and relationships with the highest quality domestic investors was impressive. My shareholders and I received excellent service from start to finish and it was refreshing to be dealing with a senior team throughout the sale exercise.

Michael Clapper, Former Client

I cannot recommend the team at Bluebox highly enough. Their expert guidance throughout the entire sale exercise resulted in my shareholders securing an excellent deal with which the entire team was delighted.

Mark Rodol, Former Client

I’m really pleased with the service Bluebox provided. The team demonstrated excellent knowledge of the process to follow and led negotiations for the hospital in a way that allowed us to ensure we received appropriate value whilst focusing on reputational risk. Communication and service were of a very high standard.

Steven Davies, Former Client

With Bluebox’s expert advice we were able to find the right buyer that will benefit our business strategically. We’re delighted with the outcome and look forward to starting our new chapter

Clive Hillier, Former Client

The advice offered by the Bluebox team throughout the process was invaluable to the shareholders. We strongly believe that participating in Bluebox’s pre-sale planning programme was a significant driver behind the success of the deal. Their project management and negotiation skills throughout the sale process itself resulted in an exceptional deal being delivered to all parties involved.

Harpal Singh, Former Client

I chose Bluebox because they were the only CFA we considered who were a real ‘solution sales’ organisation rather than a team of accountants and/or ex-bankers! Selling a business is a solution sell and therefore a sell-side CFA requires this skill at its core.

Jeremy Harford, Former Client

Bluebox were a full solution in every respect. As an example, I never spoke with any of the potential or actual buyers directly. This separation allowed Bluebox to do what they do best which is to sell companies for the best price and on the most favourable terms.

Jeremy Harford, Former Client

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