Bio
David Whittlestone is the Director of Whittlestone FS, we are a financial services business focused on helping clients achieve their financial goals through expert advice and personalised support. Together with Mel, David is committed to delivering an outstanding client experience while continuing to grow and develop the business.
Why did you choose to work with Ask Zoe
I have worked with Zoe for the past 18 months since seeing her results from helping other businesses.
Over that time, I came to value Zoe’s honest approach, strategic thinking and ability to challenge me to look at the business differently. Having a clear strategy in place over the last 18 months has been invaluable to the growth of Whittlestone FS. As the business continued to grow, I recognised that I needed dedicated time to step away from the day-to-day operations and focus on the bigger picture.
This is why I felt it was the natural choice to book a 1:1 Ask Zoe Strategy Day, followed by monthly accountability and coaching support, to help me create a clear plan and take purposeful action to move the business forward.
What was the scenario or key motivator before you attended the Ask Zoe Strategy Day?
At the time, the business was performing well, but I felt there were opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen our growth plans and gain greater clarity around our priorities. Like many business owners, I was spending a lot of time working in the business and wanted the opportunity to step back and focus on working on the business.
I wanted a clear strategy, an external perspective and a structured plan that would help me make confident decisions about the next stage of growth.
How did you find the day and the experience so far?
The Strategy Day was extremely valuable. Having uninterrupted time to focus solely on the business, with Zoe’s guidance and expertise, allowed us to have conversations that we simply wouldn’t have during a normal working week.
The day was well structured, productive and tailored to our specific challenges and ambitions. The ongoing monthly coaching and accountability sessions have helped ensure that the ideas and plans discussed on the day have been translated into meaningful action and progress.
What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
My biggest takeaway was the clarity and confidence that came from having a defined plan. The Strategy Day helped identify what was most important, where our opportunities were and what actions would have the greatest impact.
It also reinforced the importance of accountability and taking consistent action towards long-term goals rather than getting caught up in daily distractions.
What have your results been so far by working with Ask Zoe?
Since working with Zoe, we have gained greater clarity around our business objectives, improved focus across key areas of the business and implemented actions that may otherwise have remained ideas.
The combination of strategic planning and ongoing accountability has helped us make better decisions, stay focused on our priorities and continue moving the business forward with confidence.
Since working with Zoe and following the strategies that we have put in place together, I have got the business in such a position to hire my first employee. In turn, this has resulted in a month-on-month increase in business and referrals, while improving work/life balance. The changes we have implemented have contributed to a series of record-breaking months throughout this year, with each month consistently outperforming previous periods and giving us greater confidence in the future growth of the business.
Would you recommend Ask Zoe to other businesses to attend and if so, why?
Absolutely. I would recommend Ask Zoe to any business owner who wants to gain clarity, create a practical strategy and be held accountable for delivering it.
Zoe brings a unique combination of experience, challenge and support. She asks the right questions, helps uncover opportunities and provides the structure needed to turn ideas into action. The Strategy Day and ongoing coaching have been a worthwhile investment in both the business and my development as a business owner.
Footer: Check out Whittlestone FS here: www.whittlestonefs.co.uk
