Why work with Scruffy Leadership?

So, you're thinking about getting a coach, and now you're wondering why you should choose me. It's perfectly valid question. The coaching landscape can feel a bit crowded, and it's important to find someone who's the right fit for you.

Let me tell you a bit about what you can expect if we work together, and how my own values shape my approach.

Firstly, after nearly thirty years in the tech industry, both here in the UK and across the pond in the US, I've seen a thing or two. I've been a software engineer in the trenches, managed and led teams through thick and thin, and experienced the rollercoaster of a startup growing into a global behemoth at Google DeepMind. That experience isn't just a list of job titles on LinkedIn; it's a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership in a demanding environment.

My background isn't just technical, though. My academic journey – a Computer Science degree followed by a Master's in Linguistics – has given me a particular way of thinking about problems and communication. It's about understanding the underlying structures, the nuances of language, and how we connect with each other.

But beyond my experience and background, my coaching is deeply rooted in my core values:

Kindness: I believe that growth and development happen best in an environment of support and understanding. I aim to create a safe and encouraging space where you feel comfortable exploring your challenges and vulnerabilities without judgment. Tough conversations might be necessary, but they will always be delivered with respect and empathy.
Integrity: You can expect honesty and transparency from me. I will be upfront about what I can and can't offer, and I will always act in your best interests. Trust is fundamental to a coaching relationship, and I am committed to earning and maintaining that trust.
Mastery: I am a firm believer in continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence. I will bring a commitment to helping you develop your skills and knowledge to the highest level you aspire to. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about building sustainable capabilities.
Control: Ultimately, your journey is yours. My role is to guide and support, not to dictate. I will empower you to take ownership of your goals and decisions. We will work collaboratively, and you will always be in the driving seat.
Happiness: While leadership can be challenging, it should also be fulfilling. I believe that a happy and engaged leader is a more effective leader. I will encourage you to consider your well-being and help you find ways to bring more joy and satisfaction to your work.
Independence: My goal isn't to create a dependency. I want to equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to navigate your leadership journey independently. Our work together will be focused on building your self-awareness and problem-solving abilities so you can thrive long after our sessions conclude.

If you work with me, you won't get a cookie-cutter approach. Just like "scruffy leadership" itself, my coaching is tailored to your unique situation, challenges, and aspirations. We'll explore what works for you, drawing on my experience and frameworks, but always keeping your individual context in mind.

I won't wave a magic wand and solve all your problems. But I will listen intently, ask challenging questions, offer honest feedback, and help you develop the clarity and confidence to become the best leader you can be. You'll likely find yourself thinking "well, that makes sense" at times, because often the answers are within us, just waiting to be uncovered with the right guidance.

If this approach resonates with you, if you value kindness alongside challenge, and if you're ready to do the work to become a more effective and fulfilled leader, then I would be happy to explore how we might work together. You can reach out to schedule an initial conversation. Let's see if we're a good fit.

“Ben was an absolute lifesaver during my time at GDM. As a woman of color in a leadership role, navigating complex organizational dynamics often felt daunting, especially when my role wasn't fully understood, requiring me to constantly drive clarity across teams. Ben consistently helped me approach tricky conversations with confidence, empowering me to maintain personal boundaries while delivering on priorities. He was exceptional at validating my perspective and experiences, helping me trust in my own significant impact even when others didn't fully grasp it. Ben also keenly recognized and helped me navigate the nuanced challenges that arose, providing invaluable guidance on how to manage these situations effectively."

Dorothy Chou

Director of the Public Engagement Lab at DeepMind & Angel Investor

“Ben was arguably the best manager I worked with during my 18 years at Google and DeepMind. He led with kindness and a deep respect for individual autonomy, creating the kind of environment where people could truly thrive. I always felt seen, supported, and trusted to do my best work. Ben brought out the best in those around him - not by micromanaging, but by believing in and empowering them. I’m thrilled he’s now coaching others, because his values and approach are exactly what thoughtful leadership looks like.”

Obum Ekeke

Co-Founder & CEO, MasteryHive AI
Ex Head of Education Partnerships, Google DeepMind

"Ben is a transformational leader and someone who I've turned to for advice many times over the years. When I was unsure what to do, Ben's wisdom, deep understanding of the technology industry and human touch, made him the first port of call. I've always left our conversations feeling clearer about the situation at hand, and grateful for his insight and perspective."

Iason Gabriel

Senior Staff Research Scientist at Google DeepMind
Time 100 most influential people in AI 2024.

"If you want someone who's great at seeing around corners and turning the gray areas into practical actions, speak to Ben—I’ve left many of our chats wondering, ‘How was that not obvious?’"

Dhavanthi Hariharan

AlphaFold Product Manager, Google DeepMind

"Ben's mentorship has been incredibly valuable to my professional development. When I began leading a complex initiative on language fairness, Ben's guidance was pivotal in my ability to effectively lead the team and positively influence others. I really appreciate how Ben took genuine interest in my career and spent time getting to know me as an individual. He helped me recognise my strengths as a leader and build confidence."

Lisa Anne Hendricks

Research Scientist at DeepMind

"Ben was a critical mentor for me when I was taking my first steps as a formal leader, first as TL then as manager. Among many other lessons, he taught me to always be humble and acknowledge that I will never have perfect information, and yet be confident in my decision making for the benefit of the team goals and individuals. Over the years he always modelled leading with kindness and supported me in navigating the most difficult turns in my leadership journey."

Luis Carlo Cobo Rus

Director of Engineering, Google DeepMind