Strategic Mentors

► What We Do Differently?
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
We 𝗮𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 companies, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 with owners, or 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿 individuals to build high-income, high-value companies. We structure them so as business grows life becomes easier, not harder. 

We help founders 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 so they're financially set for life for the rest of their lives. 

Whether post-acquisition, or while partnering or mentoring, we use this framework:

🔸 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟭 - 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲
→ Starting position: there's a revenue ceiling, and roller-coaster income pattern
→ New outcome: consistent leadflow, high conversions with 'pull' rather than 'pitch'
→ Breakthrough the ceiling, stay at the new level, continue to build

🔸 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮 - 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁
→ Starting position: delivery capacity is limited, constraining growth
→ New outcome: unblock the model to expand capacity at higher profitability
→ Cashflow consistently building as constraints on scale and profitability fixed

🔸 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟯 - 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
→ Starting position: business depends on founder, hence locked-in and low valuation
→ New outcome: evolved business no longer depends on founder
→ Founder is now a Profit Orchestrator, no longer locked-in to the hamster wheel

See how it works: https://strategicmentors.co.uk

► Want to know more?
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝘄? - we are open to acquiring the right businesses
𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 '𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻'? - we can partner with you to secure your target valuation
𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? - join The Multipliable Hub to scale your company, your leadership and financial security

𝗦𝗲𝗲 𝗮 𝟳𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 of the approach here: https://share.zight.com/NQuBKgq8

Tips & insights on Becoming Multipliable at https://profitorchestrators.com
Learn more at https://strategicmentors.co.uk 
Email: ✉ chrisgardener@strategicmentors.co.uk

Strategic Investor & Mentor

Finance Director to a number of SMEs across numerous industries and sectors.
Size range from £500k sales to £10m sales.

Portfolio Finance Director

Electrocomponents plc

Strategic change leader, international business manager, Europe and Asia executive mentor, business unit manager, finance professional

General Manager, Finance Manager & Marketing manager

Grant Thornton

Advisor to range of clients from £500k - £30m sales across many sectors and industries.

Chartered Accountant

1️⃣ Helping turn Founder Businesses into Sellable/Freedom Businesses - from "I'm busy in the business" to "I own this brilliant asset", with the option to keep or sell 2️⃣ Investor & Mentor

For B2B service business owners who've hit six figures but found themselves working harder than ever: there's a different path to seven figures that doesn't demand more of your time and energy.

This isn't just theory - it's wisdom gained from experience....

I've spent 20 years building, exiting, and helping others scale their businesses. But my greatest business lesson didn’t come from financial success—it came from personal tragedy.

When my wife was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor, I had to reimagine everything. With young kids at primary school, business had to fit my life—not the other way around. Money wasn’t the issue. Time was.

After losing her, I had to rebuild with new boundaries. Limited working hours forced me to think differently. The surprise? My business performed better than ever.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁?
Most six-figure businesses grow through addition—more revenue, more clients, more complexity. They hit a ceiling because their business depends on them.

Instead, I help business owners become Multipliable—so as the business grows, it gets lighter, not harder to manage. 

Breaking the £1M barrier changes everything—we use surplus cashflow to build a £2M Freedom Fund for true financial independence.

❯ Multiply results while reducing stress—grow without more work.
❯ Retain control while lightening the load—protect your autonomy.
❯ Build financial independence—a business with profits, not pressure, and £100K+ in passive income for life.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗜 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵:
1. B2B service-based business owners ready for sustainable, intelligent growth.
2. Founders who want their business to fund their freedom, not consume their life.
3. Leaders who know success isn’t just about more money—but more choices.

𝗠𝘆 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱:
❯ Chartered Accountant turned entrepreneur & investor.
❯ Built and exited multiple businesses over 20 years.
❯ Advised & invested in 250+ businesses from startup to £20M valuation.
❯ Amazon bestseller: The Busyness Delusion.
❯ Active portfolio across B2B services, marketing, advisory, IT & cloud, analytics.

𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁:
1. Becoming Multipliable
2. Freedom-First Business Design
3. Removing Growth Constraints
4. Building Wealth Through Business Assets
5. What Actually Matters in Life & Business

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁:
DM me or learn more at strategicmentors.co.uk

Chris Gardener

Peter Mols

Mastermind9

Grow So Much, You'll Need A Bigger Dream

Mastermind9 is more than a peer group—it’s a high-impact, legally confidential environment where ambitious business owners come together to share insights, tackle challenges, and drive growth. As the founder, I bring together a diverse group of entrepreneurs who challenge and support each other in equal measure, all while forming deep, strategic connections.

Founder 

Networking-in

Building a Community of Growth-Minded Entrepreneurs

Networking-in is where small business owners who care about more than just profit come to connect. Our bi-monthly meetings are fast-paced, friendly, and focused on delivering value through expert-led sessions and open discussions. If you’re looking for a tribe that’s supportive, engaging, and just a bit different, this is the place.

Founder

Outside ideas 

Business & Life Balanced

If you're looking for a highly personalised yet cost effective alternative to the larger coaching organisations, look no further.  

I love coming up with ways to help small business owners to make more money, get more from their teams and create a life that's more in balance.

Business Coach

OxLEP Business

I sit on the OxLEP Business subgroup, advising, assisting and advocating for the work of OxLEP in the Oxfordshire Business community.

Member

Entrepreneurial Mindset Network

Member of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Network

Tourism South East

Board Member

Action for Children

Boycott your Bed is a national fundraising event raising vital funds for Action for Children.

Ditch the duvet. Banish the blanket. Pack the pillow. 

On Friday 9 July, join forces with family, friends or colleagues to raise money by spending the night in the most unusual place you can think of. Boycott your Bed and bring hope to vulnerable UK children hit hardest by the pandemic. Because this crisis has made things even worse for children and families already in desperate need.

Wherever you sleep, the money you raise can make children’s dreams of a safe and happy childhood come true.

Sign up now: https://boycottyourbed.actionforchildren.org.uk/boards-registration/

Volunteer Board Member - Thames Valley

Action for Happiness

I facilitate a local Action for Happiness group. Next course in Goring on Thames starts Jan 2020.

Volunteer Course Leader 

ActionCOACH Team Excellence

I was fortunate enough to work with and be coached by some of the very best business coaches in the country.

Business Development Manager

Grove Business Park

I kept the clients happy, by focussing on them - and the community.

Taking charge of the business park at a time when there was significant levels of disruption caused by the £2million refurbishment of the business centre. I held an influential position around the refurbishment, directly reporting to the park owner.  

Involved in all aspects of a park rebrand, refurbishment and build of a community.

Now complete, the place looks fantastic and I'm very proud of the result. You should check it out if you are interested in high quality office space at an exceptional price.

General Manager

Networker of the Year 2022 | Mastermind Groups | Networking Events | Business Coaching

Running a small business is a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m here to make sure you navigate it successfully. As a seasoned business coach, mastermind facilitator and the founder of multiple businesses, I help business owners to scale their businesses whilst also finding balance in their lives.

With over two decades of experience—ranging from building communities of like-minded business owners to overcoming the ups and downs of entrepreneurship myself—I’ve learned what it takes to turn challenges into opportunities. Whether it’s through our Mastermind9 groups, one-on-one coaching, or our Networking-in events, my focus is on fostering genuine connections and delivering actionable insights that lead to real growth.

On a personal note, I’m a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing my journey with ADHD and depression to inspire others. I’m also proud of our commitments to sustainability and social responsibility, believing that business should be a force for good.

Let’s connect if you’re ready to take your business—and life—to the next level.

Our weekly email drops at 06:00 every Friday. It's crammed full of tips and advice to help you grow your small business.

You can join our gang at www.outside-ideas.com/subscribe.Helping Small Business Owners Grow, Thrive, and Achieve Balance

50% just had their best turnover month EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I've just got out of a Mastermind9 - Mastermind Groups session with the First Friday Squad. Affectionately know ln as (FFS ;) ). 

WHAT A SESSION.

We discovered that 5 of the 10 people in the group have just had the BEST MONTH EVER. 

Unbelievable. 

If you go networking at the moment, you can't speak to 3 people before someone says how hard it is...  

But here, in this group, you have 5 of 10 people having the best month ever. 

So, what's going on. 

Put simply, the people in this group have goals.

They have a plan

They have support, from people who cover their blind spots. 

And they have accountability... 

These people are growth focussed, they like helping other people, and the turn up with a positive attitude. 

In short, who you surround yourself with matters. 

If you want to surround yourself with people who will help you go further. 

Drop me a line, what we do at Mastermind9 - Mastermind Groups really does work. 

I'm especially looking to speak to someone with Finance, Sales or Tech skills to fill a couple of gaps with the Incredibles. 

They meet on the second Tuesday of the month, and the group is full of legends. 

Onwards and upwards, my friends 

Px

THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE.... I just asked Google AI and Chat GPT "which is the best mastermind group for small business owners in the UK" 

Google and Chat GPT both like us enough to make us the top recommendation.

NUMBER 1....

Can you help me? Please ask your brand of Ai and just confirm that it's not the case for everyone? 

It can't be... I'm sure that it must know to show me what it thinks I want to see. 

Right? 

Please let me know... 

Px

Working harder won't get you to six figures.

Never has. Never will.

You already know this. 

You've been working hard for years. And your revenue hasn't changed.

Yet you keep doing it. 

More hours. More clients. More hustle.

Because it's easier than admitting the truth.

Your business model is broken.

Not broken because you're bad at what you do. 

Broken because it wasn't designed to scale.

You built a business that needs you in every detail. 

Every decision. Every delivery.

And now you're trapped.

The business owners at six figures? 

They built differently. 

They designed for scale from the start.

Or they rebuilt when they figured it out.

You're still trying to make a broken model work through sheer force of will.

On Wednesday 19th November from 12:30pm to 2:00pm, Emma Canter is sharing how to get to a six-figure business.

Emma grew her consultancy by 82%. 

She's now hiring and scaling properly.

She'll be revealing how to build a business that actually scales.

This is for business owners who are ready to rebuild properly.

Book your place here: https://lnkd.in/dgxUZqbB

Onwards and upwards my friend,
Px.

GO FOR NO... THE BIGGEST NO, YOU CAN GET... Sometimes, you might just get a yes. 

I talked about this with the brilliant David Samuel last week, and it really struck me. 

Go for a NO with the King, you might just get a member of the royal family. 

Go for Manchester United, you might just get AFC Bournemouth...

Go for British Airways, you might just get easyJet... 

One thing in life and business is universally true. 

You'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take. 

So if you're going to shoot aim for the dream prize. 

Well done Emma Sweet, I wish you all the luck in the world with this. 

Onwards and upwards, my friends 

Px

Marketing entrepreneur championing independent businesses, grassroots charities and hidden gems – one illustrated playing card at a time. Founder of Ace Places, bringing together creativity, community and local commerce.

On Saturday, I went for it.

I rolled up my sleeves and headed to the National Trust AGM - not just as a member, but as someone with an idea I believe in.

For ages, I’ve talked about creating a special edition Ace Places Playing Cards pack in collaboration with the National Trust - celebrating their top properties in a beautifully illustrated, collectable, and profitable way. Last year, I had one promising meeting with a buyer, but I realised that talking about it wasn’t enough. I needed to show them.

So I invested in a mini-run of sample packs (huge thanks to Nicola Metcalfe for the stunning illustrations and Simon Denney at Hartgraph Print & Packaging for the quick turnaround), and went along to the AGM, samples in hand.

It was nerve-wracking and exhilarating in equal measure, but I managed to meet Sharon Pickford, Celia Richardson and Tom North - three senior National Trust directors, as well as the big boss Hilary McGrady - who loved the idea and the cards.

Now here’s where I’d love your help. If you think a National Trust x Ace Places card pack is a brilliant idea - one that celebrates their properties, promotes their purpose and helps fund their work—please like or comment on this post.

Your support really matters. The more visibility this gets, the more chance there is of it turning from a bold idea into a beautiful, purposeful product.
Thanks for being part of this journey and special thanks to Levi M. who first suggested an NT pack when the Henley pack launched. ❤️♠️

#AcePlaces #NationalTrust #CreativePitch #SmallBizBigIdeas #CommunityPowered #PlayingCardsWithPurpose #BoldIdeas #IndieBusiness #PurposeDrivenDesign

What are you doing this Wednesday?

If you're a business owner looking to grow, come and hang out with us virtually!

We'll be joined by Emma Canter who will be speaking about 'How to get to a six figure business.'

It's the last Mastermind9 - Mastermind Groups event of the year, and we're doing it BIG!

If you’ve got questions about scaling properly, and spending more time working on your business instead of being trapped in it, this one’s for you.

You'll have a chance to ask all the questions you may have about growth.

Link to book is in the comments :)

Onwards and upwards my friends,
Px.

taplio

The Battle

Chris Gardener

Peter Mols

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScorePeter Mols's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Chris Gardener

Peter Mols

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Peter Mols's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScorePeter Mols's LinkedIn Performance