On the spot: Mark Williams - TAB Leeds Central

Mark joined us in August 2024 as a TAB facilitator for Leeds Central. In this quick-fire interview, Mark shares a deeper insight into his career, motivators, and the time he ate a sake-infused KIT KAT.

What inspired you to pursue your current career?

I’ve always enjoyed coaching and mentoring individuals and teams throughout my career. When I left a corporate role and joined a marketing start-up, I learned a lot on the job. Scaling that to a point that enabled us to sell was an incredible journey, but also one where a bit more peer support and advice would have helped immensely. So when I came across TAB, it seemed like a great fit for me to continue learning, set up a new venture, and give something back.

Can you describe a moment that changed your perspective on business?

Moving from my corporate career and becoming an owner/leader in an SME was a pivotal moment for me. The autonomy and pace of decision-making and the freedom to do what I felt was right were incredibly liberating, but with that came a sense of loneliness and pressure that I had not fully experienced before. However, it showed me how rewarding being a business owner could be and also what a difference I could make to my teams and customers. I’ve never looked back.

What hobbies or activities help you unwind after a busy day?

I love walking - I'm trying to achieve over 12,000 steps daily! So, an after-work walk, come rain or shine, is always on my agenda. I also love my sport, I’ve played a lot of Squash and Cricket over the years, but since snapping my Achilles a few years ago ,I’ve moved onto sports that are less stressful on the tendons! So now I try and get out on the golf course at least once a week. I’m also an avid reader, losing myself in a good story or biography really takes away the pressures of the day.

Who has been your biggest mentor, and what did you learn from them?

It’s a guy called Chris Bush. He was my mentor and manager when I started my career at TESCO. I was straight out of university and thought I knew it all. He brought me down to earth with a hefty dose of reality, showing me the value of believing in and encouraging people to reach their goals. When I started, he was a regional director. Still, as his career grew ( eventually becoming Tesco UK MD), he also kept an eye on me, always checking in and always offering support. I’m still in contact today.

What is a book that had a profound impact on you and why?

I recently read Rob Burrow’s book “Too Many Reasons to Live.” Living in Leeds, Rob’s story and his journey with MND has greatly impacted the local community, not just rugby fans. I've been fortunate to meet Rob and couldn’t help but be moved by his book, which charts his life in Rugby League right through to his diagnosis and living with MND. His resilience, generosity, and always striving to be better are inspirational. RIP, Rob.

How do you stay motivated during challenging times? 

I usually take myself out for more walks. Trying to get a fresh perspective on a challenge is a lot easier on top of a big hill or surrounded by nothing but open countryside. I also remind myself that doing tough things and facing challenges is the best way to resolve them.

If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t take yourself too seriously, laugh as much as you can and don’t worry. It will all work out well in the end.

What are the core values that guide your leadership style?

Encouragement, support, honesty and making it fun

What future trends will shape business coaching in the next decade?

AI is a hot topic in all aspects of business and potentially our lives.  It will provide significant opportunities for businesses to revisit and potentially dramatically change their business models. This will, however, require business leaders to be open-minded and embrace change. Coaching is often about helping leaders manage change, so as coaches, we need to be clear about the opportunities AI is bringing and look to support businesses to embrace the opportunities, and not to stick their heads in the sand on it.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d like to be able to fly for no reason other than I think it would be cool to soar in the sky and get a totally different perspective on the world from above!

What's the weirdest food combination you've ever tried?

Sake-infused KIT KAT. Nestle has developed numerous flavours of KIT KAT in Japan. A colleague of mine visiting Walmart in Japan brought back a few flavours. Whilst the Durian fruit flavour was probably the worst, the Sake-flavoured version was definitely a weird combo.

If you could switch lives with any fictional character for a day, who would it be?

“M” from James Bond. I’m a bit nosey and always fancied myself as a spy chief, but I'm not brave enough to be on the frontline - I'm more in charge in the shadows!

What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you at work?

Probably the answer to the next question... It was a work conference with several European marketing agencies from the Omnicom Group.  The German hosts insisted on someone singing from each company.  I added some flair with a bit of dramatic dancing too!

What song would you choose if you had to sing karaoke right now?

Bon Jovi, "Livin on a Prayer". I did, in fact, sing this at a karaoke bar in Frankfurt!

About Mark Williams

Mark's career is marked by a wide range of leadership and commercial experience, particularly in the retail and marketing sectors. His extensive career has seen him lead teams and businesses of all sizes, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

Mark has over 25 years of experience in large commercial organisations, including numerous roles in the retail sector, where he worked in senior leadership roles across all disciplines for retailers such as Tesco and ASDA. He has also held leadership roles managing various marketing agencies for large global marketing networks such as Omnicom and Advantage Solutions.

Having most recently led and grown a retail-focused marketing agency from its early years through each stage of its journey, concluding in a successful sale, Mark understands the pressures facing an SME business and the challenges business owners face to survive and grow.

Mark is experienced in leading, developing, and motivating teams of all sizes. As an executive coach and mentor, Mark has a passion for developing others to be the best they can be by focusing not just on the vision for the business but also on the business owners' and leaders' personal vision and goals. In his role at TAB, he can combine his experience and passion with unrivalled tools and processes to help do just that.

Get in touch with Mark today to learn more about how joining TAB can help you and your business thrive.