frequently asked questions

i hear that you sometimes coach people and do not charge. is this true? can i apply for this free coaching?

yes & yes. contact us, we'll speak with you and see if it's appropriate.

the three transformational coaches in the business (brian, martin & cathie) and laura who does skills coaching have all over the years given their services for free to individuals, organisations, charities and institutions in the uk and around the world. the desire of all employees and associates to contribute to the transformation of life itself (whether it be paid or unpaid) is part of the reason they are all employed here at mermoz.

brian’s efforts in this area point to the commitment in this area behind the organisation.
 
brian more than matches his paid work with unpaid work every year. he has done this throughout the lifetime of the business and before the business was in existence. (brian was a transformational coach before creating the business.)

his unpaid works have enabled him to make a difference with people and organisations who cannot perhaps afford mermoz’s services. we liken it to ‘pro bono’ work undertaken by solicitors. to give a flavour of some of the areas he has worked in without remuneration i mention the following: he has worked extensively with young people (8-12 years old) and teenagers (13-17) from all over europe, middle east, united states and china. he works with a school in suffolk transforming the lives (and grades) of gcse-age young people considered to be ‘under-achieving.’ he has worked to practically impact and transform the lives of 10,000+ filipino maids in singapore. he has brought together children from all parts of the community in northern ireland to share the joy of flying and to realise that ‘they’ are no different from ‘us.’ he has worked with many community groups from ‘marginalised’ communities in nottingham & manchester – particularly black, sikh and muslim – to transform the futures of women and young people in particular. he has contributed to the transformation of one notorious estate in the north east of england - reducing asbos to almost zero (from a record [national] high.) he has worked with many charities, particularly childline (now part of nspcc), to impact the lives of young people. he has been introduced to the us ambassador to the uk and ester rantzen during that time – so he must have been doing something useful! ;o)
 
the other employees and associates of mermoz have contributed in similar ways over the years of the business & before.
the world is a better place because we have done this work. we are profoundly grateful to have the opportunity to contribute in these ways.

our model of leadership is to transform what’s possible through conversations with the leaders/ community leaders so that our role is rarely visible. we are like a powerful force, the wind, rarely seen, but its effects show that it has been there. the leaders/ community leaders etc. get the credit. we like it that way. we soon disappear from the stage (more accurately, the wings) – fondly remembered by those who dealt with us – but unknown by the vast majority of people who benefit (and continue to benefit) from our interventions. [unfortunately we occasionally get ‘caught out’ and have to meet famous people (like ester!!) and receive public profusive thanks! occasionally, since we are a business, we need to put together stuff for the website and reveal some of our impact.]

in 2011 brian has taken on raising £1 billion via £1 donations (no more, no less.) you can find out more and maybe donate £1 here: one in a bilion for water aid

what is your policy towards the environment?

our 'policy' is to take care of it. really this means taking care of humanity. since 30th june 2010 we are net co2 'taker-outers' and will continue to be every year. this has been done by installing a large solar array and solar thermal on the home of the directors. in 2013 they will take delivery of a rhd tesla model s which will be charged (mostly) from the solar panels - meaning that we will take out even more co2 every year than we do now! all previous emissions from the business have been offset. brian has offset his lifetime co2 emissions and 'offset' his lifetime water usage by paying towards water & sanitation projects around the world. as far as the environment is concerned - it's as if we're not here! our coaching in countries outside england, scotland and wales is done by telephone, skype or facetime. the results are still transformational. you can find more details of some of our environmental actions by following this link.

how long does the coaching typically take?

the coaching typically takes place over a 9-12 month period. view our 'what to expect' page.