This is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions we receive from owners and leaders during our initial discussions.

Is this coaching or consulting?
Neither — and both. We’re a strategic advisory that helps you find the real problem and then sticks around to help you fix it. You get thinking + doing, not just theory.

Are you a Business Consultant?
No. We are facilitators who work collaboratively with you and your team.

Are you a Business Coach?
No. We are facilitators who work collaboratively with you and your team.

What’s the difference between a Business Consultant, a Business Coach and what you do?

A Business Consultant is typically presented a problem by their client and after researching and investigating the issue, presents a solution in report form or presentation.

A Business Coach typically uses a pre-determined fixed model or process, often provided by a franchised system, to tell you how to run your business.

We are facilitators, who work collaboratively with you. This means we use our knowledge and experience together with a vast array of proven methodologies to help you understand the real cause of the issue(s) and together we work out the best strategies to resolve them. Our approach is more like having a business partner, teacher, friend and confidant that helps to guide and support you with your business journey.

Are you going to come in and tell me what to do?
No. Absolutely not. We work collaboratively with you.

What are your qualifications?
Dean holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland and is an Accredited Member of Mindshop.

What experience do you have?
Dean has been working with owner-operated businesses and mission-led organisations for over 35 years. He has worked with businesses in every industry and with every possible ownership mix and operating structure. He has owned and operated a financial services business and has assisted owners and leaders at every stage of their journey.

How fast will we see results?
Most clients feel clarity and pace within weeks; measurable gains typically compound across a 90 day cycle.

Will this add more work?
The opposite. We remove low value tasks and concentrate effort where returns are highest.

Do you work with our leadership team?
Yes. Your team is the multiplier. We align them to a simple, shared rhythm.

What does it cost?
We use a fixed-price model that is customised to every client based upon their needs, capacity and resources. Programs are scoped by complexity and objectives. We’ll outline options during our first conversation, with clear deliverables and pricing.

What’s your hourly rate?
We have moved away from an hourly rate model and provide our services via a fixed-price model which is customised for every client based upon their needs, capacity and resources.

Do you charge for phone calls and e-mails?
Yes, but it’s built into the fixed-price model for every client, so you do not pay extra if you have a question or need some ad hoc assistance.

Do you work with start-ups?
Absolutely, in fact we have a pricing model that works perfectly for them!

Do you only work with people with business experience?
No. We love the entrepreneurial spirit and have a program to help anyone get started.

Why is your business called ‘Stoked”?
If you look up the meaning of “stoked” you’ll find it’s an adjective meaning excited or euphoric. It is often used and associated with the surfing and skateboarding communities. Dean’s been surfing since he was 5, so when he saw the transformation in owners and leaders enjoying life again, ‘stoked’ just seemed to fit, as it described what clients were able to experience.