~ Want to grow your career? ~ I Coach only Lawyers who want to thrive
The Elevate Transformation Programme helps breakthrough the ceiling of complexity
Getting you 'Boardroom' Ready!
We work with lawyers who want to develop themselves and their practice to achieve more profit and income, freedom of time, with personal balance and true satisfaction in life ... whlist taking extraordinary care of clients. "Beyond Billable Hours: Building the Internal Infrastructure for Partnership Success"
Want a complimentary one-to-one?
This is a programme that will equip Senior Associates with the skills to operate at Partner Level or as a Consultant. Elevating and enabling you to thrive in the growth of both your career and the business that practices law.
If you wouldlike to enquire about a place on the next Elevate Transformation Programme please book a 1-1 application call so that we can determine if this is the right fit for you.
Has your success to date brought you to a productive but static level of results? Where working harder or longer doesn’t actually achieve more?
Where things seem to get more complex – a sense of diminishing returns, working to keep others employed rather than employees working for you?
Getting stuck at a certain level of success may be a result of being buried in activity and detail that drains you of energy, slowing or destroying creativity.
Do you dread the legions of files that confront you; the daily fires that only you can put out; the adrenaline panic as you catch a hidden deadline; the un-returned phone calls resounding long after the day’s end? Does this justify the price for success which, though at first was hardly noticeable, now consumes you, to the extent that the fun and satisfaction of being your own master has faded?
Or, maybe it’s the opposite?
Things are too exciting, almost out of control. Chaos reigns because too many projects, cases, or businesses are stimulating your desire for challenge, but all are moving too fast to control. Tension between work and family increases as you find yourself spread ever thinner, almost to breaking point, no time to think and re-focus.
Do you want to:
Refocus on your vision of the future? . . .
Explore problems through objective third party questions? . . .
Uncover weaknesses and learn about yourself privately? . . .
Get honest feedback with supportive techniques and skills?. . .
Talk through development ideas without judgement? . . .
Or Just Be challenged? . . .
This programme works because...
•Leaders look for an edge
•Top leaders pro-actively seek resources to make them more successful.
•Winners know they need to find new ways to stay at the top
The VIP Elevate Transformation Programme will be tailored to include any training material from the ‘corporate Training’ suite of programmes. As a one-to-one process, only relevant and specific details are worked on, ensuring no time is wasted with irrelevant ‘class-room’ style learning.
Benefits
Executive Coaching provides Law Partners, and those moving into senior roles with a confidential one-to-one development programme. The service focuses on issues essential to your personal and professional effectiveness. The agenda is client led to suit you and so may cover corporate and personal goals. The process of coaching with ‘Personal Summits’ draws out leadership skills, whilst being able to offer tailored corporate training assessments on a confidential one-to-one basis.
“The value of having a regular opportunity to reflect on your current real-time circumstances and responses can not be underestimated.” Institute of Directors.
The Programme is principally designed for leaders or organisations working in partnership via questioning techniques and honest feedback that clears the way for more incisive thinking. It is a partnership of coaching support rather than advice.
Many legal Partners speak of the lack of development programmes that are fine tuned to where they are. As a Solicitor you are unique in your experience and development, so off-the-shelf programmes and courses can be both time-consuming and often mostly irrelevant. Also, Solicitors often experience a sense of isolation at the top and lack the confidential facility to talk through ideas, problems or solutions. Through its design and structure, one-to-one Executive Coaching can provide you with the personal support and guidance you require to develop your specific skills wherever you are.
Richard Bisiker, Lead Coach is a qualified Chartered Director and Branch Chairman of the Institute of Directors. He will use his experience as an Independent Non-Executive Director(INED), Chairman, Vice-Chair and Operations Director to support your practice. He also provides a VIRTUAL Chairman role for those smaller companies who do not identify with the time and cost to have a full-time Chairman or INED, BUT would value the insight that such a person brings to your business on an ad-hoc basis. Whilst Richard Bisiker, has a broad business management and development background, nationally and internationally, it is his skill of questioning and leading you to your own answers and better self-knowledge that makes the difference.
Most senior associates excel at legal work but struggle to demonstrate partnership readiness. The issue isn't capability—it's infrastructure. You've mastered the technical craft, but partnership demands a different operating system: systematic client development, financial acumen, team leverage, and strategic positioning alongside flawless execution.
This is where many talented lawyers hit a ceiling. They assume the next promotion, the next high-profile matter, or the next recognition will create the breakthrough. But partnership isn't awarded for technical excellence alone—it's earned through demonstrated business leadership capabilities. The difference between senior associates who make partner and those who plateau isn't talent. It's the presence of structured systems that convert expertise into sustainable business development, strategic visibility, and leadership impact.
My Partnership Ready programmes work with senior associates to build these five core competencies systematically. Not through theory or motivational talks, but through practical frameworks that integrate directly into your existing practice. This isn't personal development—it's strategic infrastructure building that positions you as the obvious partnership choice when decisions are made.
Some Client Testimonials:
"The workshops was not so much food for thought as a banquet of stimulating ideas. Helped me implement time management ideas that have created an extra two productive hours everyday whilst reducing the overall time I work! The workshop has influenced me to be more proactive, and structured in marketing. Lots of topics covered in the right depth."
"I’m very busy and successful, but I haven’t seen my desk for the files for years - the workshop and coaching with Richard actually moved me into action with systems that organise my environment consistently. I feel much more focused as a result, and my clients get an even better service. You clarified points well. This has given me fresh motivation to implement changes."
"Practical and refreshing. I would like to thank you for having conducted an excellent seminar on 'How to grow your practice' - I got loads from it and really enjoyed it. Richard was most impressive and the course was most useful – I have learnt a huge amount from this. Very approachable - a good comprehensive coverage of a variety of topics. This programme has made me think about how I allocate time, interact with others and create a work home life balance."
WHAT IS COACHING?
Coaching synthesizes the best from psychology, business, transformation, philosophy, finance and spirituality to benefit the Professional Executive.
Coaching works for people who are open minded, eager to change and expand. They find the experience refreshing, enriching and exciting to have a coach stimulate their thinking. The coach is objective and supportive, but challenges in a confidential one-to-one environment where they can discuss potential problems and solutions.
Benefits for individuals
• Use core management techniques to drive better results
• Develop ability to lead, motivate and inspire
• Provide strategic leadership as well as day-to-day management
• Benchmark your managerial skills
• Raise performance in your organisation.
Benefits for employers
• Encourage strategic thinking at this level of management, to foster business improvement
• Engage middle managers with training and development – this qualification is designed to provide clear, measurable benefits to career-minded professionals
WHAT IS COVERED?
Executive Coaching is a valuable and positive process, which can cover a wide range of issues and concerns:
• Preparation for role change, joining the board
• Personal impact and effectiveness - management style
• Managing stress, conflict or crisis
• Personal or private issues
• Broadening the skill base - intuitive or technical
• Communication and relationships - a sounding board
• Blocks to progress, commercially or personally
“In the 21st Century key soft skills or ‘people skills’ are increasingly necessary for those at the top. The feedback and self-insight necessary to acquire these soft skills was an area often neglected in the past by business schools and internal company training programmes. This is why there is now a skills gap among some now reaching the top.”
R.Pearson, Director of Institute of Employment Studies
Whichever topic is addressed, a clear set of goals is established along with a commitment to action, and confidentiality is always assured.
Typical Issues which arise:
• Personal influencing skills with Board, other managers or staff
• Managing self, time, stress and change
• Managing people both directly and sapientially
• Developing leadership styles and insights
Mathilde Pelly - Director
"I worked with Richard for 12 months coaching me as I moved into an in-house role. I found the sessions to be a great mix of practical discussions focused on the short and long term reflection on personal values and professional goals. Progress was very constructive as well as holding me to account. Richard’s kindness, thoughtful interventions and structured approach has made him a real delight to work with."
Brian Inkster - Inkster Solicitors
"Winning the ‘Solicitor of The Year Award’ is a wonderful reflection of our partnership with Richard. I have moved myself and my firm into a more effective and profitable position. I have achieved goals I set to be completed in five years in just one!"
Venisha Shah - Family Law.
"Richard was like a silent business partner, who was a sounding board but also came up with great ideas for the business. I would highly recommend him."
Archie Millar - Partner
"Richard’s coaching was thought provoking. I would have no hesitation in recommending him. I used his services for my personal training and thereafter to assist in the development of one of my staff members.
I strongly believe that I benefited greatly from the training. I found him and his materials to be well organised and very helpful.
Sarah Weyman - Shanghai, China
"Working with Richard was one of the best investments I've made. The leadership development and coaching programme provided me with the focus I needed to understand what I was looking for in my next challenge. The weekly sessions and Richard's insights were invaluable. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for personal development."
Shainul Kassam - Founder, Fortune Law
“Richard thanks so much - will need all the time management skills you coached me through!”
Susan Whiting - CEO Staffordshire
Building Society
"Richard has an excellent understanding of the dynamics of Boards of companies / governing bodies and of principles of good governance which contributes greatly to the quality of advice he can give to those in business. Since starting my coaching I have achieved much improved client relationships, utilisation of my time, a better knowledge of my own strengths and weaknesses, and strategies for dealing with difficult or confrontational situations."
Darren Martin - Davies Group Ltd
Group Chief Information Officer
"Soon after becoming IT Director, Richard assisted in my transition. He introduced me to methods to review processes and maximise my productivity with minimal effort, helping me focus on running multiple projects as well as management of the wider department. Very practical discussions with light touch theory meant I was quickly able to modify the way I carried out tasks with immediate results. I saw my time with Richard as incredibly beneficial and have since engaged him with my managers."
Sue Billington - BT plc
"I have worked with Richard for several years; having called upon his expertise to support myself and to draw on his skills in support of individuals who have worked on specific projects under my leadership. Richard’s ability to understand complex situations and work collaboratively with individuals to resolve problems to overcome barriers, is well proven. He has without doubt contributed to my personal success "
Sue Knight - International Trainer, Business Consultant, Speaker and Author
"Thank you Richard you have prompted me to say that what we recognise in others is true for us personally and the qualities that you mention for me are most certainly the ones that I see in you.. Integrity - walking the talk, an exemplar of excellence and more - you are fun to be around. I love your commitment to the work that you do and the work ethic that you have which as well as all the visionary skills is a must (some people don't realise that). I felt honoured that you chose to learn with me.. Teachers learn most from their students... thank you."
Mark Simmons - Director at Simmonsigns
"Working with Richard enabled me to focus on removing the barriers to progressing new projects. We developed easy to follow strategies that made "spinning the plates" not only possible, but once progress was made, fun and exciting. Building tools around my own personal drivers, time management challenges and priorities ensured balance was maintained and nothing got left behind.
Richard's approach is robust and challenging, and removes excuses that prevent success."
Alexis Ernst - Director, Pirouette Consulting
"I recently worked with Richard at an IoD Mastermind Session. Richard was very skilled at facilitating the conversation and the asking of coaching questions between the participants in the group. As host/facilitator he knows when to sit back and allow the session to flow and when to intervene to provide a summary and appropriate re- focus when needed. Richard is also an artful coach using incisive questioning to provide a space for the coachee to gain great insight."
Ian Wallace - University of Wolverhampton
Mentoring Programme - Business MSc
"I fully recommend Richard who is a full Professional who has the knack of getting to the point of need early on and helping to see the bigger picture, helping to find solutions to complex situations. I met Richard during my the time I was completing my degree and he became my mentor. I was able to reach goals with a good result, I still keep in touch with Richard and hope to do more work with him in the future."
Dougie Brown - Director
The Alternative Board
"Richard has provided my business with excellent support, as a strategic partner and through the provision of excellent resources. His personal coaching to me has pushed me to expand my own business successfully and his leadership strategy enables me to look forward to the continuation of a successful working relationship in the future. I have no hesitation in recommending Richard Bisiker."
Vanessa Clarke.
"I originally wanted to use coaching to increase my positive impact at work and to develop my own management style. Not only have I gained an insight into how to deal with personalities and my boss(!), but also I’ve also improved my time management skills, and I now feel able to delegate more effectively. I have achieved a clear personal focus."
Jane Hooper - Director and Coach
Step Change Training
"Richard has a gentle approach, which combined with immense experience and professionalism ensures that he elicits the best possible outcomes from his coaching. I recommend him as someone who will be a catalyst for success in business."
Ben Dellicompagni - Managing Director
Francesco Group
“It is most useful to have a second voice, a completely neutral voice that is not judging but rather exploring different approaches with me so as to help arrive at balanced thought through decisions.”
Angela Jain
"With Richard I successfully achieved a major career move. Coaching has helped me to gain self-esteem, self-confidence and self-reliance. I am doing more things independently thus ensuring that I make my own decisions. My confidence is being gained through living with my own choices."
Dr. John Phillips MBE
Hon F IoD, Past Regional Director.
"I have known Richard for approximately 10 years. I serve with Richard on the IoD’s regional committee. Richard is the Branch Chairman for Staffordshire. He has a wide general knowledge of business and a natural skill for mentoring and helping people. He holds the highest qualification in the IoD Diploma in Company Direction and is an excellent ambassador locally. He is also Chairman of the Staffordshire mastermind group for the IoD."
Laine Calland - Managing Director
Conscious Leadership Centre
"EVERY experience has been a delight. He has heaps of intelligence, creativity and drive and a rare breadth and depth of skill. He brings a fresh perspective to every challenge and is deeply committed to excellence in everything he takes on. I wholeheartedly recommend his coaching, consultancy and training if you are looking for serious success strategies for yourself or your business. He also has a compelling sense of humour which enables him to deliver profound interventions with a lightness of touch."
Julian Dawes - Director
G&P Quality Management Group
"I have known Richard for some time through the IoD peer to peer executive coaching. He Chairs the regional Mastermind group which he drives with great skill and patience. His subject knowledge is extensive and uses his vast experience to not only guide the Group but also on a 1-2-1 basis covering subjects including, • Business strategy • Complex problem resolution • Helping with developing and understanding learning and leadership styles at all levels. He is a great guy to be around whose glass is more than half full!"
Sujata Gurung - Save the Children Int'l
Change & Interventions Manager
"Every week going through the programme again, it kind of engraved it a little bit in my brain. When people had questions, Richard was very supportive and went into it in detail rather than just leaving it and giving a very generic or surface level answer, which I really liked.
It's not just go out there and find something. It's like, here are the tools, take it, use it and adapt it. And I really like that because it's practical and it helps you actually take action rather than just saying that you need to take action."
Marcela Kaca Cermakova
APM Accredited Project Manager
We met at The Institute of Directors, my challenge when I joined was mainly around being overwhelmed, not having clarity, doing too much and with little results... you suggested your peak performance course, and I don't regret at all. I have better clarity in my mind. I started to develop new habits. My motto now is not that I can't do it, but how can I do it with excellence? What I really like about this was the small group so it felt more intimate, more like you're making friendships versus where there's 5000 people... this definitely stood out for me”