Todd Eden
Smiling ex-head of innovation of FTSE 250 now running a performance coaching business focused on talented 25-40 year olds. I am looking to create positive social change by connecting talented entrepreneurs with their inner wisdom, and a generation of CEOs who lead their organisations with compassion.
Innovation leader meditates to find energy and focus from within
Having been self driven to succeed from my earliest memories, and with a proud catalogue of success stories in the bank, I began to search for a higher purpose to my life. The well paid, enjoyable corporate job wasn't going to leave me satisfied with my legacy to the world.So I began meditating, opening myself up to follow my heart, and becoming aware of the coincidences that guide you.
One year later, with a redundancy package in the bank, and a published book on a family European adventure, I have set up a performance coaching business which seeks to create positive social change by working alongside the next generation of CEOs who want results, a better world, and personal inner peace.
How I can help Esc members
OK, sales pitch first: I am a qualified coach with a reputation for connecting people's mission, the actions to make a change, and the internal energy to make it all happen. I also have a good eye for asking the critical business questions, fixing manufacturing issues, and establishing compelling visions of the future.
Currently...
Coaching talented individuals who want to marry financial success with broader personal riches, and give back to society. Being a new company, this inevitably means that the majority of day to day activity is about prospecting for business - interspersed with rewarding 1x1 coaching sessions.
Before I escaped...
For four years learning about business at Rolls-Royce: initially on their graduate training scheme, then as a strategic buyer. The last eight years have been at Britvic soft drinks, initially within their procurement team.Then followed roles in supply chain (developing new products and operational capability), project management (closing a production facility), and most recently, head of innovation (discovering, inspiring, and developing a pipeline of cutting edge technologies across all core brands).
My moment of truth...
I can't remember not knowing that I would one day work for myself - I saw corporate life as the way to build useful experiences, and learn. I have a failed business venture under my belt which I conceived and ran alongside the full time job - it was a low risk toe in the water, and another great learning experience.There was no single moment of truth, however, having my daughter meant re-appraising the important things in life, and was probably the single most important catalyst.
Planning for it...
Without having known this... it has been a life in the planning. I always saved, paid down the mortgage with bonuses, and sought learning experiences. In the final year I audited my expenditure, cut it hard, and set spending targets which I monitor monthly. With my living costs contained, and the lifetimes savings, I have a good 12 to 18 months to make this work.
The worst and best bits...
The best thing is the freedom - I only do what I enjoy, and I can work fast because I make the decisions. The tingle of joy every hour I'm working with a client is so energising.The negative is the stress of responsibility to my family to make this work - it's lonely.
Best advice...
Meditate, and believe in yourself.Useful resources and information...
It's the people around you that count - your friends, ex-colleagues, family, even strangers. When you open up to what you are doing, the challenges that you are facing, and what support you are looking for, I have been amazed by their generosity.Everyone wants you to be successful.