"Its lonely at the top" an expression we have all heard. During the recent restrictions brought about because of the COVID-19 pandemic, that loneliness compounded for many CEOs, MDs and business owners across the UK.
Throughout the past months of uncertainty in business, one man unwilling to lie down and give up on success for his North East clients, many of which are at that lonely top place, is Andrew Marsh. By bringing together CEOs, business leaders and business owners, Andrew has been changing attitude and mindset by maximising the power of peers.
Having led a number of multi-million pound businesses during his career, Andrew is now a renowned specialist in business with an impressive track record for repeatedly creating sustainable growth.
When asked about his career and what he now does, his response refreshingly direct – “I make peoples lives easier”.
Andrews philosophy is simple. And it is where his huge job satisfaction now comes from every action he takes, every meeting he holds, all the advice he gives, he does with one main goal. To enhance peoples lives and experiences.
Boasting an impressive portfolio through Marsh Business Transformation, Andrew is also well positioned in the region as Vistage Chair. Vistage is proven to be high impact and effective in driving leadership development. Officially endorsed by the Scale Up Institute recently, the organisation boasts companies that join Vistage grow 2.2x faster than average SMEs.
Andrew explained the benefit of joining his Vistage group: “Success is about being human. Recognise what you are good at, learn what you dont know and always make sure to listen to the advice of others who know things you dont. Make mistakes, enjoy successes but most of all, dont lose yourself in the process. Always pick yourself up and get on with it!
“Whilst many businesses have been procrastinating about our current challenges, I have been encouraging dynamic decisions and action. Through a series of online opportunities, I have ensured that my Vistage peer group and one to one members are informed, supported and most importantly, focused on tactical moves to be transition ready for the new business world we are facing post pandemic.
“I also widened up the Vistage interventions to a wider audience, so more people felt supported. Many I met through this avenue felt the impact so are still engaging with me.”
Andrew facilitated the opportunity for everyone in an appropriate role to receive advice, checklists, views, reports and opinions. They were connected with peers so they could help each other, with Andrew offering advice and skills via a coaching group approach. Alongside the peer groups and direct support given through Vistage, Andrew is building an impressive Non Executive portfolio. He mentors for the North East LEP and Durham Business School MBA, as well as advising the Experience Bank and being chair of a charity that focuses on the wellbeing of people in later life, Age UK Northumberland.
Due to the positive influence Andrew is having on business, he has been invited to judge the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2020, which have been re-imagined as online regional finals due to COVID-19.
Andrew concluded: “More than ever, entrepreneurial businesses in the UK should be celebrated. We need to change mindsets, be tactical, use our guts to drive business and be dynamic. These awards are a way to celebrate that behaviour and I am delighted to be involved.”
