Biarta Parnham

Four years into owning my marketing and communications agency Biased, I found myself at a crossroads, feeling clouded about which direction to take the agency. I’ve built a great portfolio of clients, assembled a hardworking and passionate team, and delivered projects that filled me with pride. But the time had come to seek clarity on how, and where, to build on the foundations of the agency, while staying true to my values and ensuring long-term success.

I’ll admit I followed Clive on social media for a while before reaching out to him. While I had encountered several business mentors in the past, I noticed a common trend: few of them had actually owned or built businesses themselves. This realisation made Clive’s experience particularly appealing.

I was immediately drawn to Clive’s empathy, curiosity, and surprising vulnerability. As a fellow lifelong learner, he never shies away from thinking big while also delving deep to uncover the root causes of problems as they arise.

During our six-month collaboration, I’ve faced tough decisions typical of any business owner. Having someone to turn to when I’m stuck—someone who isn’t family or a friend—has provided much-needed perspective.

As we worked through my ‘Self-full’ story, both long-term and short-term, I began to paint a picture of the life I want for myself. This process has sparked broader conversations, both personally and professionally, about the future. It has opened my eyes to a realm of possibilities beyond the constraints of my everyday life.

Clive’s patient guidance has helped me identify my blind spots and unlock my core motivations. By refining my vision, mission, and purpose, I’ve gained an invaluable framework for decision-making, significantly boosting my confidence in my choices.

Implementing Clive’s key principles, such as ‘Clear is kind’ and ‘Delegate to elevate,’ has transformed my approach to leadership and decision-making. These concepts have empowered me to overcome barriers I previously faced when dealing with difficult conversations, making me a more effective leader.

One of the primary reasons I sought Clive’s mentorship was my discomfort with business development. My natural inclination is to build deep connections based on mutual trust and respect, and the traditional notion of ‘selling’ often made me uneasy. Through our work together, Clive has helped me reframe this perspective. I’ve discovered tools to leverage my ability to connect with people and my passion for sharing their stories, turning what was once a source of anxiety into a strength.