Client Stories

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Andy Wilson, Financial Services

“Sean is a highly motivated and focused individual, who firmly believes that coming second is never an option. Not only does he believe it, he inspires the same self-belief in others (many of whom initially and sadly lack his motivation, drive and ambition). He inspires confidence and motivates. Sean has enjoyed many life experiences over the years which have rounded his assertions that if you want to be something badly enough, you can do it. You just need a cunning plan, dedication and a 'failure is not an option' attitude. ”

Ashley Harrison, Director

“I’ve been working with Sean for a while and have found doing so to be really helpful, particularly during the challenging COVID period, both from a business and personal growth perspective.
Sean has an understanding of business and peoples individual problems and needs and is able to help bring focus to difficult areas in both, clarifying issues and possible solutions and courses of action.
I would highly recommend Sean’s services to anyone who wants to clarify their thinking and understanding of themselves, and consider alternative view points and strategies to identify solutions to issues.”

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Joe Cheetham, Zenscape

“I think the most valuable thing that I’ve taken from working with Sean is he's taught me to have a process of thinking behind solving any problem and it's almost a strategy or formula that works for most problems. It's the same sort of strategy or approach. So, when something unexpected happens, whether it's a good problem or a bad problem, it feels that a solution is achievable every time. Emotionally and personally it helps keep me calm and it helps me not to allow business to overtake personal life.

Since working with Sean I’ve been able to commit myself to being in a state of mind where I am living in the present as much as possible. So, when I am not at work I am purely focused on spending time with my family and spending time for myself. The amount of staff that we have has tripled, our turnover has more than tripled and most importantly we're representing ourselves the way we want to be represented."

“He's got a fabulous talent for getting the right things out of people. Sean has helped me with numerous problems and I seriously don't know what I would do without him. I feel a lot more on top of the business now. Instead of feeling that the business was taking over my life, I’ve managed to structure my days. Before I joined Sean I was answering emails the minute they came in. I was answering text messages at 11:30pm or 12am at night because I thought I had to…I’m still working on things like this. I’ve got a long long way to go but at least I know I’m not on my own and I’m heading in the correct direction.”

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Shane Robison, Active Edge Sports Therapy

“I have been working with Refinity since the birth of my Sports Therapy business. Having Sean as my coach has enabled me to learn and grow at the same rate as my business - starting as a sole-trader to incorporation, and becoming an employer. From the daily responsibilities of running a business to some more uncommon tasks, his coaching has helped me to understand exactly what needs doing, why it needs doing, and how it needs doing for maximum effectiveness. The greatest challenge for me is productivity. And, having Sean there when I need him to boost my productivity most-likely saves me a lot of money and heartache.”

“What can I say about Sean @ Refinity, I’ve been in business for 13 years. Always felt I was just going with the flow. When the first government lockdown came in March. I knew things or I had to change. My Business wasn’t profitable and I couldn’t bury my head in the sand much longer. Sean is a client of mine, so I reached out for some advice.
Sean has worked with me to help me work on my self limiting & negative behaviours. I am more confident now in everything I do, He’s made me see that I have no boundaries , this has inspired me to see their no Limit in my-full potential .
I our weekly meetings, We discussed what’s happened During the week, he’s is a great sound board of advice.
I learn so much about my self in these Little lessons by reviewing and analysing my own action and performance in a way I’ve never thought of about.
Sean even got me to celebrate, Little achievements.
Sean is also help me to create structure to my business, Creating a strong vision & mission. We’ve also set out clear values and goals. ”

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Benedict Heaver, Streets Heaver

“I've been working with Sean for about a year now, I didn't have any sort of preconceptions about necessarily what what was going to come out of it but I knew what I didn't want and I didn't want someone who was very formulaic. Sean's been a really good sounding board for going through some of the contradictions in my thoughts.

I think Sean's got a unique outlook on life, he's got an ability and a personality that's not afraid to to challenge you, you've got to be open enough to be vulnerable and be able to talk about almost anything with him to get the full benefit.

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Martyn Solari, Best House Lettings

“Many business owners do not value the benefit of having a coach or a mentor, not being able to grasp the concept of ‘the investment in themselves’. This is a shame.

The call we had to discuss a particular problem I was having was a real eye opener. I am truly grateful for your assistance in your careful listening and subsequent advice, which completely put a new spin on how to resolve the problem.

Being able to discuss things with someone who has years of experience in helping business owners was extremely helpful, and I am sure has set us on the right path.

I would highly recommend contacts and colleagues to Refinity Coaching and Consultancy, especially if they wish to fast-track their level of success with clear, well-thought out decisions.”

Glen Settle, Windows Door & Conservatories

“Recently I asked you to provide me with your services. I have been thinking about using a business coach for nearly a year but never really committed to using anybody. That was until I spent some time with you and you made me realise where I needed to focus my energy within my business.

Already, after just a few well spent sessions I feel that Glen Settle windows is moving in the direction that I want it to, at a greater pace!  I will happily refer anybody that I know that is looking to grow as a company.”

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Anton Fowler, Bubble Design

“I wanted to thank you for the recent work you have been doing with me in terms of coaching. I know coaching me was never going to be an easy thing, but you rose to the challenge, so to speak.

If I’m being honest, I was worried about using a coach, in that, I know my own weaknesses and felt that drawing those to the surface would be an unpleasant and unwelcome task. I have to say, you did none of that.

I find your style very accepting of where someone is at, and drawing from their strengths over time eradicates the areas of improvement (weaknesses). I feel that you are someone I can look forward to meeting up with every session and I thoroughly look forward to our time together.

I am a very busy man and I appreciate being able to ‘cut to the chase’ and get to where we are going each session. I never feel patronised and I always come away with something valuable. I am always keen to try and improve who I am, and how others feel having had some form of interaction with me. I feel as though you are really helping me to this end. It may take some time, but time well spent.

Your professionalism truly speaks for you and I would have no recommendations in passing your name to anyone who is in need of your services. You are a sound investment and offer an invaluable commodity that I believe everyone can and should tap in to.”

Elena Munns, Bespoke PA

“I have the greatest of pleasure in providing this testimonial for Sean Barkes of Refinity Coaching & Consultancy.

I have known Sean for quite some time, and over the years I have grown to absolutely trust his honesty, integrity and acumen.

His ability to see clearly and, perhaps more importantly, his ability to help others to see clearly how they can change themselves and their circumstances is rooted in his many years as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and martial arts teacher.

Sean’s ability to promote clarity of thought and confidence in the decision-making process is as clear cut and decisive as the language he uses to communicate his thoughts and ideas.

It is this unique combination of skills that makes him such an insightful coach.

Despite my certainty that I would gain a great deal from engaging with Sean as my coach, I was, for quite some time, of the mistaken belief that I couldn’t afford to do so, I understand now that I couldn’t afford not to.

I have more clarity about the direction I want my business to take and more confidence that the changes I need to make will be accomplished in a manner that is beneficial to me and to my clients.

I feel much more motivated in areas that have proven to be a challenge and I know I have someone I can trust to give me honest, appropriate advice.

I very much look forward to the opportunity to recommend Sean to clients and friends.”

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Tim Rinaldi, Rinaldi Furniture

“During the short time I have been using Refinity Coaching & Consultancy, Sean has helped me identify and clarify what I was actually trying to achieve with my business. This has enabled me to focus and develop a consistent brand and plan future marketing activities better to suit that end. Sean has also helped with procurement of services enabling me to waste less time and money through poor communication of my requirements.

Sean provides someone to answer to; tasks that have been put off for years suddenly become more important – and get done.”

Inga Raziunaite, Branston Ltd.

“I was introduced to Sean and his coaching programme by my manager to help me develop more effective communication strategies at work.

I had fortnightly one-to-one sessions and they have helped me develop in the following ways:

1. Learning to pause and think before answering questions or approaching stressful situations.

2. Learning to deal with change in a positive manner.

3.  Becoming less self critical, and more understanding of other people’s management styles.

…and a lot more. It takes time to put some techniques in place but it was a hugely helpful coaching program.”

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Ken Marshall, The Amazing Website Company

“Thanks for the coaching sessions. Things are now all falling into place and becoming a great deal more clear and focused. While there are still habits that I need to fully embed and get running as smoothly as possible I do feel that real progress has been made.

Your coaching allowed me to fully process what we are working on in order to get the next phase of our business and personal lives structured to build on what we have accomplished so far.

We covered the new era that is about to commence well. The business is now focusing on the value we want to place ourselves in alignment with in our new business structure that we will be working on and building together.”

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