You write good code. You solve hard problems. But you're stuck at mid-level, struggling to communicate with stakeholders, or drowning in your first leadership role.
The technical skills got you here. The human skills will get you there.
You're good at your job. Maybe better than most. But something's not clicking:
You're stuck at mid-level while less-skilled engineers get promoted
You dread meetings with non-technical stakeholders
You just got promoted to tech lead and you're drowning
You're a manager who doesn't understand what your developers are actually doing
Here's what no one tells you: being brilliant at code isn't enough. The promotions, the opportunities, the respect - they go to people who can do the technical work AND communicate it effectively.
I learned this the hard way. I taught myself to code at 9, worked every role in tech, and spent years wondering why my technical ability wasn't translating to career progression.
The breakthrough? Communication was more valuable than code.
You're competent, maybe even strong technically. But you're stuck. You don't know what "senior" actually means or how to get there.
We'll work on:
You just got promoted. Congratulations - now you're responsible for people, not just code. And no one taught you how to do this.
We'll work on:
You manage developers but don't fully understand what they do. You struggle to assess work, spot issues, or have meaningful technical discussions.
We'll work on:
No commitment. Just a quick conversation to understand what you're struggling with and whether I'm the right person to help. If we're not a good fit, I'll tell you honestly.
We'll dig into your current situation - your strengths, your gaps, your goals. I'll be honest about what you need to work on. No sugarcoating, but delivered with empathy.
We'll meet regularly (frequency depends on your needs), work through specific challenges, and set actionable goals between sessions. You'll also have email/WhatsApp access for quick questions and support.
Whether that's a promotion, better stakeholder relationships, or just feeling confident in your role - we keep going until you get there. This isn't a fixed programme; it's ongoing until you don't need me anymore.
I won't tell you what you want to hear. I'll tell you what you need to hear, delivered with empathy and respect. Because that's what actually helps.
Not vague advice - specific, actionable techniques you can implement immediately. Many of which I've used myself to overcome social anxiety and communication challenges.
I've been the junior developer, the mid-level engineer, the tech lead, and the Head of Development. I've made the mistakes so you don't have to.
Got a difficult meeting tomorrow? Struggling with how to phrase some feedback? Email or WhatsApp me. You don't have to wait for the next session.
Your career path, your challenges, your goals. Not a cookie-cutter programme. We work on what you actually need, at the pace that works for you.
I'm deeply introverted with social anxiety. I get it. You can be vulnerable here about what you're finding difficult without judgment.
People I've helped progress in their careers.
Worked with a junior developer to assess their current skills and identify gaps preventing promotion. We created a development plan focusing on technical depth and business understanding. I provided tutoring on areas they struggled with and helped them articulate their value. They got promoted within 8 months.
Coached a mid-level engineer who was technically strong but struggling with "senior" responsibilities. We focused on soft skills, meeting facilitation, understanding business value, and mentoring others. They learned to communicate their technical decisions in business terms and started naturally taking on senior work. Promotion followed.
An apprentice who never spoke in meetings because he was absolutely terrified. Over 6 months, we worked on specific techniques and set weekly goals - starting with asking one question per week, building to presenting technical updates. Used strategies I'd developed myself for managing social anxiety. By the end, he was confidently contributing in all meetings and even presented at a company all-hands.
Let's be clear about what I won't do:
I won't do your job for you. I'll coach you on how to approach problems, but you need to do the work.
I won't just tell you what you want to hear. If you're the problem, I'll tell you. Kindly, but honestly.
I won't accept everyone. If I don't think I can genuinely help you, or if we're not a good fit, I'll tell you in that first call.
This isn't therapy. I can help with professional challenges and communication anxiety, but if you need mental health support, I'll help you find appropriate resources.
This is about sustainable career growth, not quick fixes or magic solutions. It takes work. You have to be committed.
The intro call is free. For ongoing mentoring, we'll discuss your situation and what works for you. I want to help people genuinely committed to growth - we'll figure out the details if we're a good fit.
As long as you need it. Some people achieve their goals in a few months, others benefit from ongoing support over a year or more. We continue until you don't need me anymore.
It depends on your needs and what works for both of us. Typically fortnightly or monthly sessions, with email/WhatsApp support between. We can adjust frequency as needed.
Primarily remote via video calls, but I'm based in Newcastle if you want occasional in-person sessions and you're local.
I'll tell you in the intro call. I won't waste your time if I don't think I can help, or if someone else would be better suited to your needs.
No. I can't guarantee you'll get promoted or achieve specific outcomes - that depends on you, your company, and circumstances beyond our control. What I can guarantee is honest feedback, practical strategies, and genuine support in your journey.
I keep numbers limited to ensure everyone gets quality attention and support. If I'm at capacity, I'll let you know and potentially add you to a waiting list.
The technical skills got you here. The human skills will get you there.