Matt howcroft

executive coach

I’m here to help you THINK differently,
LEAD authentically, and achieve
RESULTS that matter to YOU


My coaching is built on a foundation of
TRUST, CREATIVITY, and a genuine
BELIEF in your potential


Whether you’re navigating a specific
CHALLENGE or looking to GROW as a
leader, I’ll be your partner in unlocking the
EDGE you need to SUCCEED


My Commitment To
You!

Coaching | Mentoring | Consultancy |
Leadership Programmes

What am I about....?

I’m Matt, a proud Yorkshireman....yes I do love Yorkshire Tea, Yorkshire
Cricket, Yorkshire countryside and Yorkshire beer!


A Coach, Mentor and Consultant with over 30 years of experience in
leadership and hospitality.

I believe that anyone has the potential to transform their thinking and
unlock new possibilities—whether that’s for themselves, people they lead
or organisations they work for


My clients tell me working together feels more like having a trusted friend
in their corner - one who's not afraid to tell it like it is and push them to be
better


No corporate fluff, just real conversations, practical solutions and a
partner who's genuinely invested in your success!



My Journey

I started out studying Physical Education and Social Sciences at York St. John University,
dreaming of being a PE teacher, but a part-time job in hospitality lit a spark that grew into a
31-year adventure and discovering a passion for Coaching that led to my qualifications along
the way!


Roles I have played: Silver Service Waiter; General Manager;Service & Productivity Specialist;
Area Manager; Director of Commercial Services; Head of Operations


Some Companies I have played in: MAB (14 years); CDG (Bella Italia); Marston's; Stonegate
Pub Partners & Purple Story


Sectors I have experienced: Managed Pubs (branded & unbranded); Casual Dining Brands;
Fresh Food Restaurants; Student Union Venues; Leased & Tenanted Pubs and Restaurants;
L&D Consultancy


A wealth of experience I am putting to use as a Mentor and Consultant, alongside my
Coaching passion and expertise
—enabling me to help teams and individuals find sustainable
success.



Measurable Impact

real-world actions and results

Accredited & Qualified

Association for Coaching accredited Executive Coach

Lived
Experience

over 30 years in Hospitality
and Leadership

Why Me?

My Philosophy


People at the Heart: Relationships are the foundation of effective leadership. I focus on
understanding your challenges and building trust so we can work together to create
meaningful change


Challenging the Status Quo: I’ll encourage you to think differently, step outside your
comfort zone, and embrace creativity to unlock new opportunities


Leading Authentically: Leadership is most powerful when it reflects who you are at
your core. I’ll help you align your actions with your values to lead with integrity and
purpose

1:1 Coaching That Actually Works

  • Focus on the real matter at hand
  • Own the reasons it’s not working for you
  • See possibilities from a fresh perspective
  • Feel empowered to act with courage

Multi-Site Leadership Mentoring

  • Think and Act Strategically to Smash Targets
  • Engaging and Developing your Team
  • Find Time for You and ALL your Tasks
  • Lead with a Confidence that Inspires
  • Hospitality Industry Game-Changing Consultancy
  • Operational Excellence and Guest Experience
  • Ways of Working and Effectiveness
  • Productivity and Labour Deployment
  • Maximising Profitability

Think Differently Programs - 1:1 or groups

  • Challenge the "we've always done it this way" mindset
  • Break free from the norm
  • Create your own rules for success that sticks
  • Lead the way for others to follow
  • Team Development Workshops That Last
  • Build effective teams that trust and challenge each other
  • Take a proactive approach to hit targets
  • How to turn change into a positive thing
  • Unlock the secret to stretch performance

My Services

Book an introduction here
to see how i can help

Student union

Student union

venues forum

venues forum

Workshop delivered
January 2025

Working with Matt was a
fantastic experience. I
began collaborating with
him when I felt
overwhelmed in my job,
questioning whether I was
on the right path, and
struggling with significant
imposter syndrome.
Although
80% of our
sessions involved me using
him as a sounding board, he
consistently identified the
main issues and offered
practical solutions for me
to implement. For me, one
of the most important
things was that I never felt
judged and always felt
supported


I have known Matt in
various capacities for a
good number of years.
Matt is my go to person
when I need support.

I know he will challenge
me and ask me the best
questions without any
judgement. I feel I can
be very open and
honest and always walk
away from those
conversations with
clarity and action.

I would not hesitate to
recommend Matt for
coaching or training
sessions. Anyone who
uses him will get results.


Matt helped me grow
as a leader and take on
greater responsibilities.
He supported

my development,
recognised my
potential, and worked
with senior company's

leadership to secure a
more impactful role for
myself. As a result, I
transitioned from

leading a busy food and
beverage operation to
contributing to the
mobilisation and

launch of a new hotel
site, enhancing my
strategic and
leadership skills.



Faith Morgan,

Digital Marketing

Business owner

Gemma Zweck

Chief Commercial

officer

Dimi Vemis

F&B Operations

manager

signet hotel group

What do clients say about being my
Thinking Partner...

© The Thinking Edge 2025

All rights reserved

Let’s work together
to make it happen!


If you’re looking for someone who’ll cheer you on while helping you tackle the tough stuff, I’m your guy.

07704 684 619