Testimonials

These testimonials provide a snapshot of the positive feedback that I have received from clients. Please feel free to contact me, if you like what you read.

BUSINESS TESTIMONIALS

GREAT BUSINESS COACH WITH GREAT KNOWLEDGE AND GUIDANCE

I met Martin through a networking meeting in Sheffield. After listening to Martin, and finding out what he does in his career, I recognised that I needed some help with my business in certain areas.

We met over 6 sessions and the guidance that I have received has really helped me to put some solid structure into my business. The sessions are planned out and, after each session, I received a feedback/progress form to fill in. This kept both me and Martin informed of what our next meeting would be based upon, and what I needed to be implementing now.

I would recommend MJB Coaching for any business that is either established or a new start up, and looking to take on a new direction of if you just need some help in particular areas.

Thank you Martin for your help. It has helped me to plan my business for now and the future.

Phillip Morton, Phillip Morton Business Development Management – 2020

Martin coached members of our senior management team who helped to develop a greater level of self-awareness, and an increased level of confidence to deal with the many business challenges that we were facing.

Outputs included clearer communication with teams and the capacity to more effectively manage own time and productivity. Martin identified areas for improvement by reflecting on  his leadership styles and was able to quickly assess and analyse the key issues. Martin is flexible and objective, and able to help people see ‘the wood for the trees’.

Additionally, Martin ran Executive Team Development focussed on team dysfunctionality. These sessions concentrated on the dynamics within the Senior team, and how we could operate more effectively to deliver greater results and performance. Many of the team found the process challenging but Martin did not shy away from asking the difficult questions. We developed greater accountability and trust towards one another as a result of Martin’s work. Martin also helped us to identify key areas of underperformance within the Company, as well as a revised approach to Sales.

Martin clearly knows his stuff – he is very practical, business orientated and able to create participation within groups. The work he has done has been extremely beneficial to Element. It has increased the capability of leaders to quickly address important issues, and both mutually support and challenge each other.

Stuart Abbs, Director Aerospace Materials Testing Europe, Element Materials Technology – 2020

Martin did some work for Endeavour to support a mentoring project that we received funding for. He worked with us to create an interesting and informative guide to mentoring for us to share with volunteers, as well as running an enjoyable and interactive training session for those new to mentoring.

We have enjoyed working with Martin and would recommend him for anyone needing similar services.

Graham Booth, Corporate Engagement Manager, Endeavour – 2019

A bespoke and very focussed approach to work. Furthermore, very supportive and professional. I would definitely use MJB again.

Bill Ingleton, Learner Success Team Leader, RNN Group (North Nottinghamshire College) – 2018

We contacted Martin to help our company to set up contracts and policies when setting on new employees. This followed the Company hitting a growth spurt as a result of successfully winning new business.

Outsourcing the HR requirements for new and existing employees enabled FWD to restructure the business. At the same time, it allowed the Directors to concentrate on the Company and project work whilst coping with increased workloads, maintaining service levels and keeping business that we had won.

Throughout the restructure, we were given sound advice which helped the process to run smoothly. Martin also assisted us with difficult consultation meetings, and was a great sounding board for our questions and ideas.

I would strongly recommend using MJB Coaching to handle HR matters which will allow you to concentrate and focus on your business and clients to secure contracts at a time of growth. Possessing an expert in the field highlighted potential flaws within our existing contracts and allowed us to bring FWD’s employment policies up to speed at the same time.

Once the restructure was complete, we continued working with Martin to help us with staff development. We introduced performance management in our staff appraisals. Martin sat in and advised on proper measures to take.

We also introduced coaching for our staff, delivered by Martin. This was to help people develop within the business, and it has been a great success. Martin identifies quickly what your challenges are and what you want to achieve. He then works with employees to steer them towards a company focused approach. It has been useful to have a fresh perspective which identifies where staff need more proactive management and development.

Mike Priestley, Director, Fwd Motion – 2017

Martin undertook a very useful and important piece of work for our organisation. This involved coaching/mentoring a number of Deputy Managers within the Service. It was undertaken in a very timely manner and helped address a number of important issues identified by the organisation and these members of staff.

Ian H,  Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust – 2016

Martin provides comprehensive HR advice. He is also a strong, steady support during difficult situations.

Charlotte Sweeney, Head of the Office of the Science Directorate, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, London – 2016

PERSONAL TESTIMONIALS

I contacted Martin to help me out of a slump. He was able to guide me through what my real goals and desires for my business were. This was done through a mixture of exploring my plans but also challenging them to get to something that truly motivates me to take action. Through this process I’ve been able to develop habits and behaviours that will allow me to achieve my business goals in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to without Martin’s support!

Jubran Khokar, Sheffield – 2024

Sceptical about life coaching prior, but Martin is a really excellent Coach. Addressed anxiety issues in a personal and structured approach. Couldn’t recommend highly enough.

Matt Hunt, Sheffield – 2023

Whilst in the early stages of launching my new business, I had 6 coaching sessions with Martin which were really valuable.

He helped me to ask and answer the most important questions, you know…the ones that you like to avoid!…and then prioritise the most important thing to spend my time on, so I got the work done that actually moved me forwards and means that my business is now up and running!

I’ll be back for more coaching in the near future!

Francis Mickelborough, Sheffield – 2022

I found Martin to be an objective sounding board. He helped me define my career objectives. I found the process to be very helpful in clarifying my goals and next steps. Martin’s support help me achieve objectives that I would have struggled with on my own. I enjoyed working with him and I recommend his services.

Richard Lozano, Sheffield – 2021

Really helpful and friendly. Worked with me to help in the way that worked for me

Simon Berry, Sheffield – 2021

I began working with Martin during the pandemic. Having been made redundant 10 months ago, I had decided to transition careers into a new sector – always quite a challenge.

I signed on for 4 sessions, and 2 days after the last session I was accepting an ideal job with many opportunities in the precise sector I had been pursuing for the best part of a year.

Tom Carr-Griffin, Sheffield – 2021

Since the age of 18 (now 29) I have invested a lot into coaching after realising how valuable having one in my life was. When I realised Martin was local to me, I was eager to get in contact.

I went to Martin because I felt somewhat lost in what I was doing with my life; I had no sense of purpose and needed more excitement and some new targets to strive for.

To summarize, Martin helped me gain a new perspective, clarity and helped me see things as the beginning and not the end, giving me the spark I wanted back. For the price, I can not recommend him enough as it is amazing value for money. I would highly recommend Martin to anyone and I am hugely grateful for his time.

Luke Wood, Sheffield – 2021

Martin helped me prepare for a recent job interview. I was struggling to find headspace & my confidence was waning.

Martin helped me cut through my issues and helped me put things into perspective. He also offered lots of practical interview tips which helped me.

Pleased to report I got the job!

James Booker, Sheffield – 2020

Martin has reignited my drive not to sit back and drive forward. Martin was professional and on time.

David Swift, Barnsley – 2020

Have you ever seen those interviews with famous actors who say things like “I love going to work every day!” and wonder why you don’t feel the same? Well that was me, and I was getting frustrated with it.

I’ve spent most of my life not really knowing what I wanted to do, applying for meaningless jobs based on the premise of “I could do that”, rather than finding meaningful work that actually meant something to me. I spent the first two decades of my working life doing this. My story starts with being somewhat aimless and then, after working with MJB Coaching, having a tangible goal. I only wish I had met Martin when I was a teenager! But, as Martin rightly says, it’s never too late.

To start with, we discussed in detail things that really mattered to me, and Martin sought to get to know me and what makes me tick. Then with that information we looked into career paths that would give me meaningful work, that I could enjoy. We looked at lots of other issues too and came up with solid, realistic action points which I was happy with and with which I could move forward. And I have!

I really like working with Martin and have already planned to do so again. He is attentive, thoughtful, intelligent, considerate of my limitations, and useful when I’m drawing blanks. But he also expects you to play your part, which I found very important as well. Just the person you need on your side when looking for career coaching.

It genuinely pains me to think that there are others who are not happy in their work so, if this is you, or you know anyone in that boat, then I highly recommend they get in touch with Martin.

Adam Thornton, Sheffield – 2020

In 12 weeks, Martin supported me from despondent and burnt out to refreshed, motivated and a new job. Martin asks all the questions you should have been asking yourself all along.

Will Taylor, Doncaster – 2020

After many years of little interview experience, facing stark changes in the interviewing process felt intimidating. Martin’s coaching helped me to prepare for numerous potential interview questions, and helped me to fine tune my answers. He also gave lots of useful tips and sound advice on the interview process. The homework in between our sessions, made me evaluate/dissect the past 14 years or so of my career, and highlighted experience I have that I hadn’t considered. Realising this has opened up more potential job opportunities.

The work we’ve done together gave me a solid structure to work to, optimism for the future and a new level of confidence.

Rachel Walsh, Chesterfield – 2020

Martin Bennett is great and really helped me focus on my strengths when I was struggling to prepare for a job interview. He helped me clarify my objectives and communicate my strengths in ways that I had not considered.

Martin also helped me implement effective revision techniques. His advice and guidance were tailored to my personal aspirations where he gave me one-on-one suggestions, I am confident could not be found elsewhere.

He also provided me with tips and hints from his own personal experiences which proved useful when it came to the interview. Ultimately as a result of my sessions with Martin, I felt confident and prepped by the time it came to my interview.

Lisette B, Sheffield – 2020

During a difficult period where I was in the process of leaving my job, I got in touch with Martin whose coaching quickly helped me establish my goals moving forwards and after only 2 sessions with particular focus on job applications and interview technique, I am really pleased to have secured a role that I am now flourishing in. His ongoing coaching continues to guide me towards success.

Richard Waller, Sheffield – 2020

I had 6 face-to-face sessions with Martin over 3 months. The sessions were well structured with the occasional exercise (and homework!)

Martin’s approach was friendly and pragmatic (and also challenging when required). As well as dealing with specific issues, we worked together to identify things that would help prioritise and deal with future issues.

I left my time with Martin feeling more confident in myself and my ability to achieve my goals.

I would recommend Martin to anyone thinking of trying coaching.

MB, Sheffield – 2019

I worked with Martin for around a year.  I had a full-on job and I needed more balance throughout my life.  Time with Martin was time to think and set priorities.  I worked towards completing 2-4 actions between each meeting.  Each meeting we’d recap and reflect and make adaptations.

The emphasis was on me making changes and closing off tasks so that I could see and feel the benefit. Clearly, Martin is knowledgeable and has an aura of calm and reliability which set an easy relationship from the beginning.

Josie Brooks, Sheffield – 2018

I had been considering life coaching for over a year when I finally gave Martin a call. In a bad place, overloaded at work, suffering from low confidence; I couldn’t see any way to make changes. Additionally, I felt that needing this kind of support was a sign of weakness and initially I told no-one about the coaching.

Initially apprehensive about our first meeting, Martin immediately put me at ease. The conversations we had really helped me to reframe how I view myself and my achievements and by the third meeting I was in a totally different place. I’ve been implementing small actions and changes that we’ve agreed on together and couldn’t feel more different to how I was when I first made contact.

I’m more organised, far more productive and and my work life balance is now much better. I’d recommend Martin to anyone and everyone.

Chris Smith, Sheffield – 2018

I contacted Martin as I felt I was stuck in a rut with certain aspects of my life. I spoke with Martin face to face, which I highly recommend to do if possible, about how I could overcome these problems. Martin helped me to realise what I actually want to achieve both with work and other aspects of my life. I now feel I have clear objectives and plans to achieve what I want to do.

Ryan Harrison, Sheffield – 2018

I finished this coaching in a way better position than I ever hoped for. With at least 4 strong opportunities to pursue and the knowledge and strength to consider and weigh them all. I am confident that this process has worked beyond expectations. The whole process led to a much better outcome than I ever expected or even hoped for. Extremely thorough process and one that I found challenging, rewarding and necessary.

Dominic Watts, Sheffield – 2018

I enjoyed the (Boost Your Confidence) workshop. I could be myself and be open and honest. Also, it was very relaxing and provided excellent advice which I feel I can use to help me become more confident and reach my goals in the future.

Samantha Fathers, Dronfield – 2018

It was a pleasure working with Martin, I really benefitted from the sessions. I enjoyed the sessions and it was good talking to Martin about problems and difficulties in life here in the UK. I would recommend Martin as a life coach to everyone who is in a difficult sitution or need some help to find the right way. Thank you very much for your help Martin.

Mareike Wimmer, Worksop – 2018

Working with Martin has been incredibly beneficial in helping me consider my future career options.  His impartial viewpoint made me reevaluate my career to date and really think about where I wanted to go next.  Having dedicated time set aside solely to focus on my career and being asked questions I hadn’t even thought of ensured that I was in the best place to make the decisions that were right for me.  I would highly recommend Martin to anyone stuck in a rut or at a crossroad in their life!

Victoria Snowball, Barnsley – 2018

Absolutely brilliant service and advice! Really helped me get my life back on track. He’s always professional and organised too.

Andrew Gillespie, Rotherham – 2018

Martin really helped me understand my core motivations, gain focus in my career search and put structure to start planning my next move. I would highly recommend Martin if you need someone to help you rein in a busy mind!

Patrick Richmond, Worksop – 2017

I contacted Martin just after a company re-structure at work as I felt a bit overwhelmed in my new role. He listened carefully, helped me to look forwards rather than backwards, and gave me some practical support and advice. As a result, I am feeling much happier and more confident at work now and enjoying it a lot.

Claire F,  Sheffield – 2017

My life was at a crossroads. Being in my late 50s, I was at a stage where I wanted to pursue a dream. I’ve always enjoyed cartooning and I wanted to see what I could achieve with this.

I contacted Martin who responded very quickly. We have had 12 sessions; some were done by Skype and some face to face; either in Sheffield or in my home.

Martin has helped me to look at how I can structure my day. I’ve learnt a lot about how to use the internet. He has helped to keep me focussed on my dream.

Also, he has looked at my life in general, such as weight loss. I have now lost over half a stone from his suggestion. He also looked at the role my subconscious plays in my life, especially being in a creative business.

Although my current block of sessions has come to a natural end, I am looking at booking more sessions with Martin later in the year for the next stage in my growth.

Christopher Trend, Retford – 2017

The coaching that I had with Martin was an incredibly helpful experience with positive results. Our sessions introduced me to a host of new ideas and concepts to help my new business get started. Additionally, they helped me to work upon and improve my organisation skills, and also prioritise while studying for my exam.

Martin’s patient, supportive and above all friendly attitude benefited me greatly. I would heartily recommend his services to anyone in need of business or life coaching.

Samuel Wanjau, Macclesfield – 2016

I was stuck in a rut for a number of months before I started my work with Martin, and unable to move forward with my plans. His sessions gave me the clarity that I needed to plan the way forward, and start to move toward the life I want for myself. Furthermore, I am now well on the way to the career I have always dreamed about.

RM,  Sheffield – 2016

Martin really goes that extra mile with his clients. He not only gleans an in-depth picture of what you want to achieve in your future, but also employs various ‘detective work’ strategies to helpfully tap into other areas that might be holding you back. He listens and notices every detail, works with this information to bring out the best in you, and helps you to work out a tailored plan to suit your individual needs.

It’s an eye-opening experience. I recommend it to everyone at least once in their career to have a life coach. Working with Martin on a journey of discovery made that process a pleasure.

You will end up in a very different place than when you started, and all for the better! I wish I had done it years ago! Highly recommended.

Kathryn S,  Sheffield – 2016

I chose life coaching at a time where I wanted to leave my job as a manager in order to pursue a more rewarding career in a different sector.

Initially, Martin helped me to shortlist areas of interest by drilling down to the aspects of work that I find appealing. This cross-referenced with a more detailed analysis of my skills and experience. From there, I was able to create a shortlist of careers and a clear action plan for gaining the requirements and becoming a more valid candidate.

Martin challenged me when I reverted to old patterns of thought, and this helped me to stay on track. I also found managing my own workload difficult, as I was balancing various responsibilities in my professional and personal life. As well as a much-needed sympathetic ear, Martin provided clarity and assisted me in prioritising and planning to avoid feelings of being overwhelmed.

I also gained assistance in understanding how to make my CV an effective sales document, adapted for different roles.  As a result of my coaching sessions, I am now confident in my choice to change careers.

Various positions have been offered to me, and I have developed a clearer way of assessing pros and cons of different scenarios, as well as challenging my assumptions. The opportunity to discuss ideas with someone impartial and focused allowed me to explore options in a much more valuable and conclusive way.

Martin fully engages and is supportive, whilst also challenging and moving sessions forward in a positive and progressive way. He adapted sessions, follow ups and communication to suit my needs, and he was very clearly determined to see me reach my goals. I would recommend life coaching to anyone wanting to strategise about any aspect of their life and make positive steps forward.

Cathy G, Sheffield – 2016

Thank you so much for the lovely meeting today. You’re really gifted at what you do.

By text – 2016

I was struggling with a new move to a new job. I wasn’t sure if this was the right move. However, after a few sessions at MJB, I felt empowered within myself to seek the goals that best suited my needs. This is a highly recommended coaching service which will bring your needs to the forefront of your decision-making. As a result, it will ultimately set you on the right path for success.

Gavin M, Sydney, Australia – 2016

Martin coached me for six sessions in all and found them to be very useful. Martin supported me in exploring different areas of my life in which I felt a bit stuck and, as a result of the work we did, I can gladly say I have moved forward and I am still employing some of the techniques I learnt through my coaching sessions with Martin. Fruitful work.

IS, Rotherham – 2016