When you think about improving your company's financial decisions, your mind might go to spreadsheets, forecasting software or maybe just that last-minute call to your accountant. But have you ever considered bringing in a business coach? As I found out in a chat with Jake Smolarek, London's Best Life and Business Coach, there's a whole world of clarity, strategy and transformation that coaching can bring to the table – and to your bank balance.
Jake has helped many leaders untangle the mess of decision making. "Think of me as your financial GPS" he said with a smile during our chat.
So, how does a business coach give leaders an edge in financial decision-making? Let's get into it.
Clarity, Strategy and Smarter Risk Management
What keeps leaders up at night? Uncertainty. The question isn't just "What should I invest in?" but also "What if it goes wrong?" This is where the magic of business coaching comes in.
"Good financial decisions start with good leadership decisions," said Smolarek. "Coaching helps leaders untangle the emotions tied to financial risk and replace them with clear, actionable strategy".
Take risk management, for example. A business coach can help leaders understand not just the numbers but the mindset behind risk. When you're clear on your goals, your appetite for risk becomes strategic—not just a roll of the dice. With this clarity, leaders often find themselves making bold but informed decisions that deliver long-term results.
In one example, Jake shared that a client was frozen with fear when considering expanding into a new market. By breaking it down into smaller steps, weighing up the risks against the rewards, and focusing on long-term goals, they were able to move forward. The result? 30% revenue growth in the first year of expansion. Not bad for a move that seemed like leaping into the unknown.
The Research Behind Coaching and Financial Mastery
You might be thinking: Is there any research to back this up? Yes.
Research shows that decision fatigue – a common problem for leaders – is significantly reduced when there is a clear framework for solving problems. Coaching provides this framework. It's not just about accountability (although that's a big part of it); it's also about rewiring your brain to prioritise, analyse and act with precision.
One of the most fascinating concepts in neuroscience is neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to rewire itself based on new experiences. Through regular coaching sessions, leaders develop new problem-solving pathways in their brains. Over time this leads to faster, more confident decision making.
"The brain is like a muscle," Jake said. "The more you train it with strategic thinking, the stronger it gets. And when it comes to financial decisions, mental strength is everything".
Another key part is emotional regulation. Research in behavioural finance shows that emotional bias clouds decision making and leads to poor financial outcomes. Coaching helps leaders identify these biases and address them before they happen. Whether it's fear of loss or overconfidence a coach is a sounding board to keep emotions in check.
Action Steps: Better Financial Decisions
Ready to level up your financial game? Here are a few things you can start doing today:
- Audit Your Assumptions: Before making any financial decision, question your assumptions. Are they based on fear or fact? A coach can help you see the blind spots.
- Set Clear Financial Goals: You can't make good decisions without a destination in mind. Work with your coach to define what success looks like.
- Use Data – But Don't Drown in It: Numbers are important, but analysis paralysis is real. Learn to find the balance with the help of an experienced coach.
- Review Past Decisions: A quick debrief on previous financial calls will reveal patterns. Did you hesitate too much? Were you too aggressive? Reflection is key to growth.
- Role Play Scenarios: Jake recommends simulating high stakes decisions in a low stakes environment. "Practice makes perfect – even for financial calls," he said.
These might seem simple, but the power lies in consistency.
Coaching Meets Strategy: Investment Decisions with a Twist
Nowhere is the impact of coaching more visible than in investment strategy. Leaders are bombarded with conflicting advice, data overload and the fear of losing money. Enter the business coach.
A professional business coach helps leaders weigh not just ROI but also alignment to long-term goals. Focusing on the bigger picture makes leaders less likely to be swayed by short-term market trends or emotional decision-making. "Investments should feel like stepping stones not tightropes", Jake said.
One of Jake's clients was torn between investing in new technology or sticking with their current infrastructure. By working through a coaching session that covered scenarios, timelines and ROI they made a decision. Result? A more streamlined operation and a competitive advantage in their market.
Looking to sharpen your edge? Jake Smolarek, the UK's top Business Coach, is the man.
Why Business Coaching is an Essential Investment
At the end of the day, business coaching isn't just about making better financial decisions. It's about changing the way you think about leadership, risk and strategy. As Smolarek says, "A strong financial strategy isn't just numbers on a page; it's the confidence to make the tough calls and the wisdom to know when to pivot".
Coaching also brings accountability, which is missing in self-led decision-making. When you're reporting to someone who really cares about your growth, there's a higher chance you'll follow through on plans and promises. That alone can make a big difference in financial outcomes.
So why not take the plunge? Work with a coach who gets the numbers and the human side of decision-making. As Jake would say "The best investment you can make is in your own ability to lead".
Still not convinced? Try this final piece of advice from Jake: "Think of coaching as a cheat code – but one that helps you build your own skills so you won't need me forever". With the proper guidance, your financial decisions can go from reactive to proactive, from hesitant to confident and from mediocre to extraordinary.
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City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Website: https://jakesmolarek.com/
