Coachee & Client Comments

Matthew Walker

Chief Executive, Leeds Federated & Chair of PlaceShapers

(PlaceShapers is a national network of housing associations.)

I have worked with Paul for over 15 years as coach and mentor. Paul has regularly helped me navigate through the challenges of being Chief Executive, sometimes by asking searching questions that led to my finding solutions, sometimes by sharing his experiences in similar situations and sometimes by creating links with others who have trodden that path before. I have found his support, perspective and objectivity really helpful. He is an excellent coach and combines his knowledge of the housing sector, the commercial world and a strong value base. I am amazed at who he knows; his networks and the guest speakers he arranges to speak at our Executive Business Academy.

Charlie Norman

Chief Executive, MSV

‘MSV has worked with 3Dk for many years across a broad range of consultancy services.  We have found their support invaluable – Paul and his colleagues have supported us through a successful merger process, provided sound governance support, helped with board recruitment, delivered excellent executive, networking and leadership support and worked with us on long term strategy planning. The services provided have been completely relevant in this complex operating environment, extremely supportive,  innovative and all based on a foundation of sound ethics and principles.  We love working with Paul and his associates and highly recommend them to anyone looking to work with a company with great values and a pool of brilliantly talented people. Paul, you have been amazing, keeping us all connected and sane! 

Jane Ashcroft

former Group Chief Executive, Anchor Hanover

At Anchor Hanover we are committed to developing our leaders and quality coaching is an important part of this commitment. The Coaching Team from 3Dk have been exceptional, all have been grounded in key business roles and are brilliant coaches who have added value to the individual leaders and the organisation as a whole.

Amanda Garrard

Chief Executive, Berneslai Homes

Having known Paul for many years I knew when I started as a CEO he would be the person that could coach and mentor me on the journey. His approach, insight and unique style (which sometime involves walking and talking up mountains) gives you the space to reflect, to be challenged and give a fresh perspective. Building on my  personal experience with 3Dk, we have used the team to  provide coaching to our rising stars and work with the Board on how we become the best we can be, and develop staff to their full potential.

Faye Williams

Head of Finance, Berneslai Homes

The coaching has been great. Will created the right environment for me, to come up with my own answers. The conversations we had led to some really important decisions for me and my career. Will's background really helped me to take a full life perspective and I am really enjoying my role now as a Board Member of a Housing Association, giving me another view. Honestly, coaching has been really good for me. 

Jo Sugden 

Executive Director of Corporate & Compliance, Ongo 

Paul and 3Dk Solutions have provided me and my colleagues with  invaluable coaching services for nearly 4 years yet it still remains fresh, vibrant, challenging and stimulating. The service is second to none – tailored to meet  specific and changing needs; it’s engaging and supportive. For me it is a time to reflect and importantly in a safe environment, think the art of the impossible and explore new ideas for me as well as my organisation. I love the outward thinking perspective; the wider strategic discussions and debates, taking me out of my comfort zone and connecting me with new ideas.  

Kevin Rodgers

Group Chief Executive, Citizen Housing Group 

What a coach brings to a conversation and relationship is really special. I have worked with Paul for 9 years and his insights, questions and challenges, and most of all his support, have been very,very helpful.

Karl Dean

Executive Director, Grosvenor Homes

I have worked with Paul and the 3Dk team for many years. They have provided support to me and my businesses on coaching, governance, executive development and business planning. The reason I have enjoyed such a lasting relationship with 3Dk is that Paul and his team, are in my view, the best at what they do.

Nick Atkin

Chief Executive

Yorkshire Housing

Paul and his 3Dk colleagues have been a source of advice and support for over 16 years. The insight Paul has provided, as both a coach and in the range of consultancy services offered, has been an invaluable part of the success achieved over this period. His wide network of contacts from across a range of business sectors and how he then links these to the individual needs of my business is exceptional. To this day I still don’t know how he does it! Despite being from Yorkshire I can definitely say that every penny spent with Paul has been not just money well spent, but has been an investment that has had a direct benefit to the business and my own personal development. 

Jan Lycett

Executive Director

Wrekin Housing Group 

The coaching team from 3Dk were brilliant. The team supported all our Leadership Team over 12 months, through the pandemic. Without doubt, it was a great move for the Wrekin Group and we were really pleased to access so many talented coaches. We are now working on the next phase to develop our talent further. Individual coaching and the impact are noted in the comments below from our Leadership Team were: ‘The coaching gave me a safe space to consider my own feelings and come up with my own solutions….’ ‘…. the (coach) was a lifesaver’ ‘It allowed me time to focus on myself and my impact as a leader’ ‘The coach gave me confidence and made me think about the longer term.. It helped me more than I realised at the time even’ Has helped me to make sense of a lot of things, to step back, not take over, and be more self aware. It was really good personal growth and development and he (coach) has wet my appetite to try more things

Andy Bounds

The Jelly Effect

Author of the international best selling business book on Communications and Networking -  'The Jelly Effect'. Paul, thank you for working so closely with me to help improve the networking skills of your colleagues. I am delighted by the success our work together had. The feedback was excellent.