Program Overview
Local businesses are encouraged to participate in Cardinia Shire Council’s Business Coaching Program.
In this program, businesses can gain access to tailored expert guidance and personalised support from carefully matched coaches, ensuring an optimised coaching experience that drives tangible results.
Local businesses can access three free one-on-one personalised, independent, and confidential advice sessions from a group of industry experts per year.
Cardinia Business Coaches
Left to right: Peter Smith, Rod Makin, Jamie Marra, Rachelle Mechielsen, Paul Mahoney, Xanthe Rivett
Not pictured: Sean Clarkson
How does the program work?
Our matching process is designed to connect you with the coach who best fits your business needs.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete the Request Form: Provide us with some details about your business, your goals, and the areas where you need guidance.
- Assessment: Our team reviews your information to understand your specific requirements and challenges.
- Coach Selection: Based on your needs, we identify the coaches with the most relevant expertise and experience. Alternatively, you can let us know which coach you would prefer based on their biography.
- Introduction: We introduce you to the selected coach, who will arrange a meeting.
- Initial Consultation: You have an initial meeting with the coach to discuss your needs in more detail and ensure a good fit.
- Ongoing Support: We can provide you with two additional coaching sessions with the same or different coach depending on your need.
This process ensures you receive personalised support from a coach who understands your unique situation and can help you succeed. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
Terms and conditions
Eligibility Criteria
The business must be based within the boundaries of Cardinia Shire.
The business must hold a valid business registration and be in good standing with local regulations.
Application Process
Interested businesses must complete and submit the official application form.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and acceptance is subject to program capacity and suitability.
Program Duration
The Cardinia Coaching Program runs for a period of 12 months.
Program Participation
Selected businesses must commit to active participation in all scheduled coaching sessions and activities.
Businesses are expected to provide feedback and progress reports as requested by the program coordinators.
Confidentiality
All information shared during the coaching sessions will be treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without prior consent.
Code of Conduct
Participants must adhere to a professional code of conduct, showing respect and consideration for coaches and fellow participants.
Any form of harassment or discrimination will not be tolerated and may result in immediate removal from the program.
Fees and Payments
There is no cost to businesses who partake in the Cardinia Coaching Program.
Termination of Participation
The program coordinators reserve the right to terminate a business’s participation in the program for non-compliance with these terms and conditions or any other reason deemed appropriate.
Liability
Cardinia Shire Council and its coaches are not liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from participation in the program.
Amendments
These terms and conditions may be amended at any time by the program coordinators. Participants will be notified of any changes in writing.
Benefits
Participating in the Cardinia Shire Council’s Business Coaching Group offers local businesses a range of benefits:
- Access to Expert Guidance: Businesses gain insights and advice from experienced professionals tailored to their needs.
- Personalised Support: Carefully matched mentors provide targeted assistance matched with business requirements.
- Optimised Coaching Experience: Strategic matching ensures a high-quality coaching relationship, driving tangible results.
- Networking Opportunities: Engaging with mentors expands professional networks, leading to potential partnerships and growth.
- Community Engagement: Participation demonstrates a commitment to local development, shaping Cardinia Shire as a hub for innovation.
- Enhanced Reputation: Involvement reflects positively, showcasing dedication and willingness to succeed. Overall, the program offers invaluable resources and support, positioning Cardinia Shire as a premier destination for business growth.
Objectives
The 4 Objectives of the Cardinia Business Coaching program are:
- Enhance business skills by providing targeted coaching to Cardinia Shire businesses, aiming to improve their knowledge and capabilities in various aspects of business operations, including marketing, finance, and management.
- Foster growth and innovation by facilitating a culture of progress among Cardinia Shire businesses, offering guidance and support to develop innovative strategies, explore new market opportunities, and implement sustainable growth plans.
- Build networks and collaborations by fostering networking opportunities and facilitating partnerships among Cardinia Shire businesses, coaches, and other stakeholders, enabling them to leverage each other’s expertise, resources, and experiences for mutual benefit
- Drive economic development by supporting businesses in Cardinia Shire to achieve sustainable growth, create job opportunities, and contribute to the overall prosperity and vibrancy of the local economy.
Find a Business Coach
Sean has been a self-employed business consultant for the past sixteen (16) years, working with many organisations and individuals, helping them solve issues, identify opportunities, and execute growth plans and strategies.
He has worked across several disciplines: production, maintenance, customer service, finance, administration, architecture, building, training and development, and governance in different sectors including construction, manufacturing, home maintenance services, Thoroughbred Racing, local government, accounting, and financial services.
Paul is a senior-level professional with a substantial international business career spanning industries such as oil & gas, defence, construction, primary production, and asset maintenance; overseeing all areas of executive management inclusive of asset & project management, operations & maintenance, training, corporate services, people, finance and administration and business acquisition
Rod supports business owners to build sustainable and profitable businesses, and align their business to their personal goals to achieve their freedom and success.
Rod's small business advisory expertise comes from 25+ years of Business Transformation experience across global and national small, medium, and large corporates.
In particular, based on 30 years of advising and delivering large and small enterprises on technology projects, Rod provides guidance and support to businesses on how to use technology to grow or to support the scaling of their business.
Jamie has over 25 years of experience transforming and growing SME businesses across a broad range of industries, both nationally and internationally.
Jamie brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in growth strategy development and execution, leadership, policies and procedures, systems, and capabilities to help business owners navigate their way to sustainable next-level growth.
Rachelle is an experienced, skilled and intentionally curious coach, HR and safety practitioner, and facilitator. She has a warm, insightful style and is motivated and inspired by empowering individuals, teams and organizations to achieve their full potential.
Rachelle has over two decades experience at senior leadership level in businesses ranging from family-owned SME's to global corporate entities, predominantly across the manufacturing and industrial sectors. She spent the first decade of her career in finance and business systems before following her passion for people into the human resources and safety domains, where she has specialised for the last decade. She also has significant experience managing workers' compensation premiums and complex claims.
Xanthe has over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and engagement, with expertise in digital and customer experience, and user-centred design. She has worked across small businesses, social enterprises, and non-profits, focusing on strategy, project management, community engagement, marketing, communications, and advocacy.
Xanthe has developed local and national marketing strategies, policies, and campaigns, and has a strong background in usability, AI, automation, digital transformation, and website accessibility (WCAG 2.1AA). She has successfully delivered website projects and platform implementations, enhancing internal capabilities. Xanthe holds a Graduate Certificate in Marketing with Distinction from RMIT, a Certificate IV in Small Business, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Peter has spent almost 4 decades as a Senior Manager, consultant and coach, including 20 years as managing director and founder of New Era Management Services
A strategic finance and lean management background, which has been pivotal to his success as a specialist lead for hundreds of finance and management projects.
Peter is a trusted mentor, facilitator, and accredited partner, MAUS business systems.
He is a former local government acting CEO, Director and Chief Financial Officer.
