Hear from the leaders who have worked with Success Through Leadership led by Fintan Donohue
Sale of the company
Neil King
"To maximise the value of our business at the time of the company sale we needed to demonstrate that we had communication systems, supply chain management, a leadership team and management practices of the highest calibre. Fintan Donohue OBE joined us over the 18-month period leading up to the sale as non-executive board director and as an organisation development consultant. He developed a PR strategy and communication process that ensured a favourable response from stakeholders, employees, suppliers, and purchasers to the sale event.
​Most importantly, he facilitated a leadership development and planning process that gave the purchasers of the company confidence in succession planning and the team that would continue to manage the business for the new owners. As an experienced CEO of a multi-million-pound corporation, Fintan brings exceptional experience to any team embarking on a journey of growth and investment."
Supply chain improvement
Stan Ramirez
We engaged Success Through Leadership to design and develop an entrepreneurial leadership training project in the Middle East. Lockheed Martin wanted to develop a more entrepreneurial culture and mindset in its supply chain. The project involved a deep understanding of Lockheed Martins’ objectives and a very high level of confidentiality. It also required sensitivity in understanding of custom and practice in Middle Eastern countries.
​Fintan Donohue, managing director of Success Through Leadership Ltd worked with us to design a process that engaged each of the suppliers in advance of the training program. Fintan interviewed suppliers on a one-to-one basis in order to customise a training event that would connect with different aspirations. Most importantly, Fintan was able to bring an outstanding professor of entrepreneurship from Babson College USA into the delivery of the program.
Feedback from all participants was very positive. We all gained a much deeper understanding of entrepreneurial culture and the tools that could help suppliers develop it within their businesses.
Company acquisition
Chris St George
When we acquired Be Military Fit, Europe’s largest outdoor fitness operator we recognised the need for stronger leadership, greater autonomy, and consistency across the business. Changing the business from an owned business to a franchise business required expertise in franchising and a strategy to engage people positively in the shift from employee to business owner.
Fintan Donohue gained the respect of the new franchise network by assisting them with marketing, communications, and member engagement during the demanding period of the pandemic. Working in the company with executives just four days per month he took ownership of issues, established himself as a trusted team member, and facilitated leadership development and strategy sessions with the senior team. Fintan, has the versatility to engage with senior executives at the strategic level and the pragmatism to get inside a business at every level in order to better understand culture and practice.
Senior Leadership and CEO coaching
Peter Croney
As CEO of Empowered Brands, one of the UK’s largest franchise operators, I have benefited greatly from 1-1 coaching provided by Fintan Donohue. Using his in-depth experience as a CEO and as a consultant across a diverse range of businesses, Fintan is able to provide insight and objectivity that helps me and the senior team to step back and consider alternative approaches to problem solving, innovation and conflict resolution. Importantly, I know I can share sensitive information with confidence.
Fintan is also an excellent communicator who has designed and delivered much of the important communication that has accompanied acquisition and market updates over a prolonged period. His non-executive contract came to an end this summer, but he remains a valued consultant/advisor who we can and do call on for strategic insight and advice.
Connecting with best in class
Dr Len Schleissenger president Babson College USA 2013 (currently Professor Harvard University).
"Babson College USA is widely regarded as the number one college in the world for undergraduate and postgraduate education. We are excited to be partnering with the unique Gazelle Colleges Group led by its CEO Fintan Donohue and fellow CEO members.
The Gazelle leadership programme will focus on a transformational agenda that will bring entrepreneurial leadership into the public sector as a force for change. It will enable leaders to better connect with employees and to open up new career aspirations for vocational students."