S1 EP2: Leadership, Confidence & Coaching – A Business Growth Conversation with Mark Schmull
Release Date: 05/27/2025
To Plan or Not to Plan? That Is the Question...
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Host: Julie Williams MSc- Executive Coach & Founder of Lighting Fires Guest: Alex Weller- Founder of Above Digital In this episode of , supported by , Julie sits down with Alex Weller, founder of , whose career spans more than 30 years of evolving brands and building digital experiences, from early work with Universal Music and PepsiCo to today’s bespoke websites and branding projects. Alex describes himself as someone who never liked planning, and for a long time avoided it. Yet through coaching, reflection, and a shift in mindset, he discovered how simple planning, can be...
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S1 EP6: Lighting Fires Podcast – Navigating Identity, Grief & Values with Hannah
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S1 EP5: Reinventing a Business with Clarity, Confidence & Courage with Joe & Charlie Jones
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S1 EP2: Leadership, Confidence & Coaching – A Business Growth Conversation with Mark Schmull
The Lighting Fires Podcast
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by , Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Mark Schmull, Managing Director of Arrow Planning, about his coaching journey through the Ignite Your Business programme and how it transformed his approach to leadership, team-building, and business growth. Mark shares how executive coaching helped him build greater self-awareness, tackle imposter syndrome, and grow a team culture based on trust, communication, and purpose. He opens up about the realities of running a business, the power of mentorship, and learning to lead with calm,...
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S1 EP1: Finding Purpose and Leading Authentically – A Coaching Conversation with Pete Wharton
The Lighting Fires Podcast
In this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by , Executive Coach Julie Williams sits down with Pete Wharton, Managing Director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants, and winner of Professional Forester of the Year. Pete shares his coaching journey and how it helped him rediscover his purpose, lead with clarity, and reconnect with his values as a business leader. From climbing trees in Ipswich to building one of the UK’s leading environmental consultancies, Pete opens up about navigating leadership challenges, imposter syndrome, and the importance of bringing more of...
info_outlineIn this episode of The Lighting Fires Podcast, supported by Henley Business School, Executive Coach Julie Williams talks with Mark Schmull, Managing Director of Arrow Planning, about his coaching journey through the Ignite Your Business programme and how it transformed his approach to leadership, team-building, and business growth.
Mark shares how executive coaching helped him build greater self-awareness, tackle imposter syndrome, and grow a team culture based on trust, communication, and purpose. He opens up about the realities of running a business, the power of mentorship, and learning to lead with calm, confidence, and intention.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, team leader, or business owner, this conversation offers honest insight into what it really takes to lead a growing company.
Topics We Cover:
- Developing leadership confidence through executive coaching
- Building a purpose-driven business from the ground up
- How to handle imposter syndrome as a business leader
- Leading with calm and clarity under pressure
- Creating a supportive and adaptive team culture
- The role of mentorship and building a strong support network
Julie’s Coaching Tips:
- Getting the right mentors – Who challenges and inspires you?
- Map your personal boardroom – Who and what fuels your growth? (People, books, podcasts, routines...)
Book Recommendation:
Who Is in Your Personal Boardroom? by Amanda Scott – A practical tool to help you identify the key people who can support your leadership journey.
Useful Links:
- Julie Williams, Executive Coach: www.lightingfires.co.uk
- Mark Schmull & Arrow Planning: https://www.arrowplanning.co.uk
- Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: Julie Williams MSc
- Email Julie: julie@lightingfires.co.uk
- Interested in a free taster 'Ignite your Business' session with Julie? Check out the next available session here: https://www.
eventbrite.co.uk/o/lighting- fires-julie-williams- 14355302598
Interested in a career in coaching? Find out about the Professional
Certificate in Executive Coaching at Henley Business School here.
Be sure to mention the Lighting Fires Podcast if you do contact Henley Business School.
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a 5* rating or share it with a colleague. Your support helps more leaders discover these inspiring coaching stories.
Artwork by Ian Guppy
Music by Penguin Music via Pixabay
Produced by Perri Hurley