Unpacking the Past: Life Before Compadres
Little did I know that this connection would significantly impact both myself and the trajectory of Curative.
I had previously tried online coaching, leadership programs and business networking groups, but I never felt satisfied. As a business owner, I faced all the same challenges other founders do: growth, procrastination, apprehension, fear, matched up to my ambition to make a difference. Feeling stuck, and like I was going around in circles. In the early months of 2023, my introduction to Clive Burcham was more than just a professional encounter; it was the opening of a door to invaluable insights and support. The recommendation came from a long-standing client, someone we’ve been in collaboration with for years.
Our initial collaboration with Clive, stemming from a referral by Compadres, revealed more than just shared business interests. It uncovered Clive’s noteworthy success in a field closely aligned with Curative. Over the past year, Clive has become more than an advisor; he’s become a guiding force in navigating the intricate landscape of business challenges.
Embracing Change: The Compadres Journey
As my focus honed in on driving revenue growth and expanding our service portfolio, I confided in Clive about my apprehensions regarding sales. The profound discussions that followed were more than a mere exchange of ideas; they were a catalyst for transformative change.
We ended up future focussed, looking towards what the business could be and the market needs.
Clive’s wisdom transcended conventional business strategies, culminating in a seemingly simple yet profound concept — paper clips in a jar. It symbolises not just an idea but a commitment to action and accountability, a principle that underpins the positive shifts he instilled in me.
Secondly and most importantly for Business people who feel stuck: throughout ongoing discussions, and questioning the industry needs, versus the design business I had created, and the lifestyle I wanted.
The Dawn of a New Era: Celebrating Transformation
It led to Curative doubling our revenue, increasing profit by 150% year on year, and running out of office space within 3 months. With the pipeline issue resolved, we then began to work through the challenges of growth, including being able to get the quotes out to clients faster than the requests coming in … we also worked through resources issues, and refining processes to match a growing business. More than a consultant, Clive extended his sphere of influence to contacts, connections, and opportunities. His network became an extension of ours, opening doors and paving the way for new prospects. Clive doesn’t just offer advice; he holds me accountable for the changes I aspire to see within myself and Curative. As our business evolves, so do the challenges, and Clive adapts his support month by month. Be it a brief call or a deep dive into business intricacies during longer sessions, Clive is consistently present, offering not just solutions but a genuine commitment to understanding our business’s nuances. From recommending insightful reading materials and podcasts to providing constructive feedback, he extends a helping hand in diverse ways. In Clive, I’ve found not just a mentor but a true partner in the journey of personal and professional growth. He’s not just a consultant, he looks at life, leadership and business holistically; he’s a steadfast ally, consistently helping me shape the narrative of success for Curative and my life.
“I believe this is a very smart business model for serviced based companies to build value for clients, its easy to use and easy to buy. It also creates more freedom, scaleable, and indeed shareholder value. Well done….” Clive
Through many push poor conversations about business and life. I’ve began to think differently, about new features and what was possible. Thus, the next iteration of my business was uncovered, the idea NOVA was born.
I felt reinvigorated and rejuvenated. Excited for what the future will hold. I spent months planning, and developing the proposition. “NOVA, the subscription design service, aims to make managing design simpler and faster while delivering high-quality outcomes. The service offers over 16 different design disciplines for the cost of one designer, allowing businesses to get more for less. The idea for NOVA came to life through countless conversations between Wayne and Clive as they navigated their journey with Compadres. Together, they set out to create something meaningful in a crowded, complex market—where options are endless but finding the right fit is a challenge. NOVA is the result of their shared vision to simplify creative processes and deliver high-quality design with ease.”
View the full transformation here.