Business Coaching
Got your idea mapped out but struggling with the details that turn your map into a plan? A one-to-one coaching session could be the answer! Find out moreWhat’s Business Coaching?
Our Business Coaching service helps you figure out how to take your brilliant idea and turn it into a focused plan that will get you where you want to go.
And we’re not just talking advice! Our coaches are successful entrepreneurs who will teach you how to use research to power your decision-making – so that you can create a practical business plan, set realistic targets and nail them!
Who is it for?
Business Coaching is available to all Imperial College students and alumni (provided you’ve graduated within the last three years), but you need to have attended an Idea Surgery and shown us that you’d benefit from some expert advice to take your idea or business forward.
You need to have attended an Idea Surgery and completed an Idea Canvas to demonstrate that you’ve done the groundwork. You also need to show us that you’re already exploring the problem you want to solve and are testing your theories out in the real world.
To eligible for Business Coaching you must:
Be an Imperial College student or alum (must’ve graduated within the last three years)
Have recently attended an Idea Surgery and been approved for Business Coaching by an E-Lab team member
Have Completed an Idea Canvas
Engaged with potential customers to test your assumptions
Have begun to explore the problem you’ve identified
We might also ask you to complete a few additional tasks before granting access and setting up your first session. This is to make sure that you’ll be able to make the most of your Business Coaching.
How does it work?
Business Coaching meetings are one-to-one sessions (that’s you/you and your team) where we pair you up with a coach who has the appropriate business background and experience to help you.
Once we’ve identified that you’d benefit from some coaching, we’ll help you arrange your first session.
Sessions are up to 45 minutes long and are completely confidential.
When do sessions happen?
We run sessions throughout the academic year. Once you’ve had your Idea Surgery and have been approved for Business Coaching, we’ll go ahead and pair you up with a coach as soon as a slot becomes available.
Meet the Coaches
Janet Murray
Janet is an inspirational business coach with over twenty year’s experience in both the corporate world and as a successful entrepreneur. Her coaching has taken her from coaching future leaders at the UN Youth Assembly in New York on climate change innovation, coaching Forbes 30 Under 30, to mentoring and coaching on leading science and health accelerators and innovation programmes across Europe.
Peter Haycocks
Seasoned business coach Peter has a passion that combines his training as a measurement physicist with his interest in functional design, technology and performance. He’s coached numerous high growth and start-up entrepreneurs and is results-driven. He likes to make things happen and will help you do the same!
FAQs
How is Business Coaching different to an Idea Surgery?
Business Coaching sessions are more formal one-to-one sessions (one individual or a team). We have up to 3 teams at an Idea Surgery, and they’re more informal to give you the chance to chat with your fellow entrepreneurs, share ideas and learn from one another’s experiences.
How is Business Coaching different to Experts-in-Residence?
Business Coaching sessions are about conducting a comprehensive review of your idea, your progress so far and helping you put a business plan together. The Experts-in-Residence sessions provide you with support and advice on a specific area of your business idea or plan.
Are Business Coaching sessions one-to-one?
Yes, it’s just you and your team (if applicable).
Are Business Coaching sessions confidential?
Yes. All our coaches will work with you in the strictest confidence.
How long are the sessions?
All Business Coaching sessions 45 minutes long.
Is there a limit to how much time I can have with my coach?
Sessions usually last up to 45 minutes and you’re allowed up to one session per month if your coach recommends it. (And they’re available.) Depending on your business plan, a two or three-month gap between sessions might be more appropriate for you.
I attended an Idea Surgery last year. Am I still eligible for Business Coaching?
If we approved you to have Business Coaching last year and you’re still working on the same idea, you can continue with your coaching. You’re also welcome to book an Idea Surgery, so we can catch up on your progress and make sure that you’re making the most of all the opportunities on offer at the Lab.
If you’re working on a new business idea, you’ll need to book an Idea Surgery before you can book future Business Coaching sessions.
I’ve booked a session but can’t make it now. What do I do?
Please cancel your session via your Calendly booking and email us at: v.nicholl@imperial.ac.uk ASAP so that we can offer your slot to someone else.
Testimonial
“Janet took the time to blend the business development with personal development. Without her help we would not have been able to grow our idea into a scalable business opportunity.”
Paul Baranowski, MSc Environmental Technology and Sustainability, Director of Climate Edge
Ready to get started?
You’ll need to book and attend an Idea Surgery before arranging a session. If you’ve already attended one and been approved for Business Coaching, we’ll be in touch to arrange your first session.
