The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning talked to Sarah Coleman, international business consultant and coach, about her experiences of helping companies to grow and scale. She also discusses how she applies her expertise and experience to mentoring would-be entrepreneurs studying on the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship programme.

Sarah's career has developed from working in ICT with a focus on change management and business strategy to business consultancy and coaching across many different industry sectors. Her experience of working with companies has led her to believe that a particular skill-set and attitude of mind is required to grow businesses. A good business leader needs to have clarity of focus and to communicate well with people so that they understand what needs to be achieved and everyone is aligned with the overall strategy and vision.

Sarah brings a breadth of experience across different industry sectors to the mentoring on the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship programme. She considers her main role is to support the student entrepreneur and give them confidence. Sarah quotes the late Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, who said, "Be courageous because it's one of the few places that's left uncrowded." She firmly believes all entrepreneurs need to maintain and nurture the passion for their idea but also remember that developing a business is more of a marathon than a sprint.