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Sam Macqueen | Balance Consulting
What's your 30-second elevator speech?
Balance Consulting helps individuals and organisations reach their potential. I utilise a holistic approach as who we are as people, and our wellbeing, are critical to how we function in a professional capacity, particularly in a year such as this one! I employ evidence-based approaches developed in the coaching psychology unit at Sydney University to ensure the efficacy of my approaches.
Coaching is a creative and collaborative process – I support, challenge and hold my clients accountable which helps scaffold them into higher levels of performance and growth, both themselves as people, and in their businesses. And if it’s all too comfortable you’re probably not growing or getting real value out of the process - we have to approach the tension to find the real growth.
I also design and facilitate bespoke workshops for organisations subject to their challenges and needs. These often involve utilising psychometric tools including emotional intelligence and mental toughness to help inform developmental and growth pathways for both individuals and organisations as a whole.
Who inspires you the most to be the best you can be as a person?
I’m inspired by anyone who is prepared to put themselves out there, to back themselves and have a go, despite the risk of failure. Getting “in the arena” as Brene Brown would say...
I’m also inspired by leaders who really walk the walk and not just talk the talk...it’s the truly tough decisions that define good leaders, and not many can genuinely hold true to their espoused values when push comes to shove, and profits and returns are on the line.
My family also bring constant inspiration to me on so many levels. And with 4 children so young the reflection opportunities are constant...
When did you start your business, and where did you get your experience and passion to help guide your clients to reach their desired outcomes?
After spending 25 years in the corporate world and assorted leadership positions, I found that my real passion is around helping people to grow and be as successful as they can, in all aspects of their life. I had been coaching and mentoring people for a long time in my various roles and capacities across the financial services domain, but putting a post graduate qualification and some real rigour and process around how I do it has helped the process become far more informed and effective.
My consulting business was originally founded in 2013, but it took a few more years and roles before I finally committed full time to the space in July this year, and it’s been a truly liberating experience. Supporting people and helping them on their journeys is infinitely satisfying and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be doing what I am now.
Can you tell me about one of your client success stories?
Two former team members at a trading technology business I ran are probably my biggest sources of pride – they were both hired in junior positions (office manager and junior admin role) in the Australian office, and through coaching over many years (both as their manager and then as an external consultant/mentor) one is now head of the whole Australian operation, and the other is Head of People and Culture for the Asian region. They both really stretched and challenged themselves, undertook extensive external learning and development and have grown so much, and the responsibility they now both have is really inspiring to see.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Motive Coworking?
I love the relaxed vibe, the richness and variety of people and connection in the space, but mostly beating Jack in ping pong. The fact my commute is only 5 minutes and I drive North now, not south into the city is pretty good too!
What does life look like outside your business profile? What do you like doing for fun?
Surfing and mountain biking are my go-to activities whenever I get a window, and I’m super grateful to live somewhere where I have both of them literally right on my door step. I love getting into nature and generally being active with my family. Beach time with them, or chasing the kids around the lake on their bikes, or the local skate parks is always fun, and I love getting out of Sydney and camping as much as we can.
Is there anything you would like to share? Or anything you’d like to offer help with?
With so many people working mostly independently on their own businesses these days, we’ve lost a lot of the collaboration, deep connection or the perspective and support that traditional office spaces and/or managers can bring.
If anyone would like to connect and learn more about my process, I’d love to engage with you and explore whether I can support or challenge you in any ways, to help get the most out of yourself and your business!