You can work with Richard and take the things he tells you and run with them the very next day - which is what I did
I had agreed a deal to buy the shares of my business partner but in the time taken to agree the details, several major issues in the business presented themselves and I was unsure of the best way forward for the company and for myself. It was affecting the business on a long-term basis - how could I fully commit to something in my mind that I wasn't sure I'd be a part of? This was obviously cascading down through the company and was creating - even subconsciously - an uncertain environment.
I didn't have any concerns in bringing Richard in
In fact it was quite the opposite. He was recommended to me by someone who I'd trust with my life and I was excited to have the opinions and guidance of an expert who wasn't connected to me or my business.
I thought I'd get 100% honest feedback from him - he has no skin in the game here - and that's exactly what I got. It's what I need. A kick up the arse, if you will. A clarity of thought that was missing before. That's the main thing. Also - information on what you can and can't do.
Richard is clearly an expert in business, but he's also switched on at a human level
He knows the boundaries of the law but also understands that sometimes, people are people. I'd say that Richard brought a straight-talking and methodical approach to the problem. This is pretty unique for me - in the past, I've listened to talks or podcasts and a lot of the business advice is bollocks to be honest. Airy fairy nonsense about thoughts and feelings and no actual detail or pragmatism.
That's what I got from Richard - a nod to thoughts and feelings but guidance based more on the reality of business than what colour you are on a personality test or what your most listened to artist on Spotify says about you as a leader. It's David Bowie, by the way.
I liked his approach a lot
It was clear, concise and easy for someone with my limited ability to understand. It was like what football was once upon a time. Sure - you have tactics, but your objective is to win and the manager told you how to achieve that without filling your head full of nonsense about a midfield pivot or an inverted wingback. - it was well thought out and considered and very memorable.
I also enjoy his style. He's clearly very good at what he does and very knowledgeable but talks on layman's terms and is human in his approach, not a robot like a lot of people.
He's also very likeable and enjoyable to be around. A different view in how to approach hiring new staff. A different approach in how to motivate and manage a team. A better way to evaluate my own worth, or sometimes lack thereof, in my own organisation. Some of the ideas he presented were not his own, but he told me that - he didn't try to take credit for it. It was open, honest and refreshing.
Would I recommend Richard?
100% yes. Why? Because you'll get to the root of the problem in a way that's probing without being intrusive. It's like keyhole surgery - it's precise, it's accurate, it fixes the problem but won't leave you flat on your back for a week after it.
You can work with Richard and take the things he tells you and run with them the very next day - which is what I did.
Also, if you've been struggling with a business issue for a long period of time, then talking to him even on the phone will help to bring some clarity of thought. You can't put a price on that.