My Story

Overview

I have spent more than five decades working across science, education, business creation, consultancy, systems thinking, publishing, coaching, and therapy. What unites all of this work is my ability to understand complex systems – whether technical, organisational, or human – and translate that understanding into practical ways forward.

I have founded, owned, led, and advised multiple businesses in different sectors, often ahead of mainstream adoption of new technologies or ideas. Over time, my work has evolved from focusing primarily on external systems to working increasingly with internal ones: mindset, belief, identity, and purpose.

Foundations

I began with a strong scientific education, graduating from the University of Liverpool with a BSc in Life Sciences. That training gave me a disciplined, analytical approach to understanding how things work and how they break down.

Early work as a teacher and student leader developed my ability to explain complex ideas clearly, manage groups, and take responsibility within structured environments. These skills have remained central to everything I have done since.

Building and Exiting Businesses

In the 1970s and early 1980s I co‑founded Anvil Press (Liverpool), later Peter James Printing Ltd. I built the business from scratch, producing printed materials, student guides, and published works, and serving both local and national clients.

Anticipating major technological change, I exited the business by selling its assets, an experience that shaped my long‑term thinking about timing, strategy, and adaptability.

Systems, Technology, and Change

In the 1980s I retrained in information technology and moved into systems analysis and programme management. I worked on early digital transformation projects and later managed large portfolios of complex programmes at ICL.

This period deepened my understanding of organisational behaviour, communication failures, and the human challenges underlying technical change.

Consultancy and Infrastructure Work

In the early 1990s I became an independent consultant and founded Business Developments Limited. Much of my work focused on the rail and transport sector, where I supported reorganisation, asset management, safety reviews, performance systems, and major investigations.

A recurring theme in this work was uncovering the gap between official processes and operational reality and helping organisations close that gap.

Education, Mentoring, and Leadership

Alongside consultancy, I spent around 20 years as a distance learning MBA tutor at Warwick Business School, working with senior managers to apply theory to real business challenges.

I have also held numerous leadership roles in professional, community, and educational organisations, strengthening my skills as a mentor, facilitator, and guide.

Scuba Diving Training and Operations

Alongside my main business and consultancy work, from 1979 to 1994 I was also heavily involved in recreational scuba diving instruction. As an Advanced Instructor I served as Diving Officer for the Merseyside branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club and later co-founded Manchester Scuba School.

As a PADI Instructor and later Master Scuba Diver Trainer, I trained recreational divers in the UK and abroad, including organising qualification trips to Malta and liveaboard trips to the Res Sea. This work required operational management skills, discipline, safety awareness, calm decision-making, and clear instruction under pressure, qualities that have carried through into my later work as a consultant, coach, and mentor.

Network Marketing and Recurring Income

From 1999 onwards I became deeply involved in network marketing, building large teams and customer bases. I approached this work with an orthodox marketing mindset, which gave me a rare objective understanding of the model.

This experience shaped my thinking around recurring income, leverage, leadership, and the psychology of motivation.

Coaching, Therapy, and Transformation

From around 2013 I deliberately shifted my focus towards coaching and therapy. I am a qualified transformational coach and clinical hypnotherapist trained in Rapid Transformational Therapy, alongside other modalities designed to clear deeply rooted belief patterns.

My work helps people understand what is driving their thinking, release limiting beliefs, clarify who they want to be, and design practical paths towards that vision.

 Writing, Speaking, and Purpose

I have written professionally for nearly 50 years and continue to create educational and inspirational content. I am also an experienced public speaker, having delivered hundreds of talks, lectures, and workshops.

Today, my work brings together coaching and therapy, business strategy, education, publishing, emerging technology advisory, and speaking. At its core, what I do is help people understand where they are, how they got there, and how to move forward with clarity, purpose, and confidence.