From Corporate Role to Business Owner: Clarity on Values Made It Possible
When Martin began coaching, he had built a solid corporate career. He was experienced and capable, but his work didn’t feel fully aligned with what motivated him most. He wanted clarity on the type of opportunities that would give him energy and direction for the future.
Discovering what drives him
Through coaching, Martin identified his core values and drivers more clearly than ever before. At the top of the list was Adventure. Recognising this gave him a framework for making decisions about his career and helped him see why certain roles had felt flat while others lit him up.
“After completing Lucy’s coaching I understood my core drivers better than I ever had before… It was like opening a whole new part of my brain.”
With this clarity, Martin realised he thrived on short-term, high-impact work. That insight allowed him to re-evaluate his options and make choices that better matched his strengths and values.
Taking bold steps
The first shift was moving from a permanent role into contracting, which gave him variety and challenge. From there, Martin made an even bigger leap: he bought his own business and stepped away from the corporate world altogether.
“Ultimately, I went out and bought my own business – an adventure that has been like no other!”
Owning a business brought responsibility and risk, but it also gave Martin the fulfilment and energy he had been looking for.
Confidence, clarity and alignment
Martin says the most valuable ongoing tool from coaching is using his values to decide what to say yes to – and just as importantly, what to say no to. This approach has given him more confidence in his decisions, greater self-awareness, and a strong sense of alignment between his work and what matters most to him.
“The clarity that comes with understanding my values and drivers has made it easier to look for opportunities that will fulfil me and therefore allow me to do the best for my family and community.”
Real-world challenges
Martin’s career shift hasn’t been without its challenges. Like many mid-career professionals, he balances ambition with family responsibilities. During an economic slowdown when contracting dried up, he took a role that wasn’t the ideal fit but provided financial security. Instead of seeing that as a setback, he treated it as a necessary step while keeping sight of his longer-term direction.
This practical realism makes his story especially powerful – it shows how clarity on values doesn’t remove all obstacles, but it does provide a compass for navigating them.
Where he is now
Today, Martin describes himself as the most excited he’s been in years about his work. Running his own business gives him freedom, challenge, and the sense of adventure that had been missing before.
“I have landed in a space where I am responsible for my own destiny which, while absolutely terrifying on some fronts, is also the most excited I have been for years in my career.”
Advice for others
When asked what he would say to someone considering coaching, Martin is clear:
“If you can afford the cost up front, go for it. It’ll more than pay itself back and give you much more clarity over where you should focus your energy.”
Your next step
Martin’s story shows the difference that clarity on values can make – turning uncertainty into confident action, and creating a career that feels energising and sustainable.
If you’re ready to realign your work with what matters most, explore my 1:1 coaching or The Career Refresh, my self-guided online course based on the same proven framework.