Eric Schneider
creative coach, consultant + catalyst for change
He is also passionate about nurturing and encouraging creative and innovative thinking in individuals and teams who don't traditionally see themselves as creative, and in supporting those with responsibility for managing design, innovation and generally leveraging creative resources.
Eric specialises in helping creatives to achieve their full potential, and in assisting others to think more creatively.
Eric's background as both a management consultant and coach (building on his London Business School background, he has over 30 years of experience advising creative organisations and individuals) and a creative (he's also an Architectural Association trained architect, and a photographer) means that he is able to understand both the challenges facing creatives and what it takes to succeed.
WHO ERIC WORKS WITH
Eric works with creatives of all kinds - from designers and architects to those in the arts, media, music and fashion sectors, and including individuals, teams and organisations
And he supports CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners who often need to be creative in order to stay ahead of the pack, and to stay positive and energised in the face of endless challenges.
Eric is also very aware in his coaching of the power of the mind and how ways of thinking can affect a person's behaviour and effectiveness.
Not least this includes how our internal 'saboteurs' can hold sway. In this regard, he works with clients to help ensure the brain really is working as a friend and not a foe and amalgamates his approach with Shirzad Chamine's Positive Intelligence techniques that make a major difference in helping the initial positive results of the coaching and consultancy endure.
He is happy to work on a face to face, online +/or telephone basis.
WHAT HIS CLIENTS SAY
"I had reached a plateau in my career progression and Eric has been very helpful in creating a framework for me to organise my thoughts and ambitions on how I could progress in the future.
Eric's warm and encouraging manner dispensing positive criticism has helped boost my confidence. The 360 degree review was very illuminating and helped me to develop ideas for what I should focus on going forward.
We covered a lot of ground during our sessions, which carried on successfully via video during lockdown. (Even when the) sessions were completed, Eric still took the time to check in on me and ensure that the office was aware of my progress."
Karen Fuller, Barr Gazetas
“I used to have sympathy with the view that management consultants simply borrow your watch to tell you the time, only to walk off with it.
My experience with Schneider has been very different. Eric borrowed my watch, told me why it was running slightly out, then gave it back - pointing out that with a bit of cleaning it would be worth more than I had thought possible.
Eric Schneider gave my consultancy the kind of invaluable independent perspective that I hope we give to our clients”
Robert Smith, Jog Limited
"…Throughout this six month process Eric delivered insight, knowledge, financial acumen and most importantly intellectual challenge to the business planning process. The initial benefits are a practice reinvigorated, recharged and most importantly ambitious to face a new decade of challenge…”
Mark Hobson, Maber Architects
“Eric is the only businessman I have met who is also both a genuinely skilled and observant “creative” and an effective and gritty strategic consultant, able intelligently and articulately to evaluate the needs and objectives of others on their own terms, rather than simply by reference to himself…
… throughout, I have also valued Eric’s ideas and contributions on diverse small issues such as logo-design, the content, tone & ‘pitch’ of web sites and brochures, aspects of overhead management and even preparation for important meetings and presentations.
What I like about Eric is that he is prepared to get to the nuts & bolts; he can bring real rigour to the table. He can also be relied on to take a step back from time to time and try to lift one’s head up to the horizon that lies ahead.”
Chris Agace Chalk Hill
“having taken a slightly sceptical approach to the process, I found the whole exercise very rewarding. Eric has the knack of getting to the nub of an issue quickly and without fuss giving us a clear set of issues to address”
Ian Yallop, Stephen George + Partners
“Eric Schneider came highly recommended for the task; he exceeded expectations. Through his astute and tactful guidance we have and are achieving development ambitions which I would have not thought possible”
Lyn Edwards, GMW Architects
“Eric Schneider is an outstanding management and business consultant. Even his free up-front session gave me invaluable ideas for growing my business. In the paid consultancy which followed I have gained a clear idea of where I am heading and what I need to do the get there. I have already taken significant actions that are moving my business forward. Eric's consulting is worth its weight in gold”
Graham Price, CEO Abicord
“I just thought you might like to know that Strides has got a new word doing the rounds: "Being Schneidered." It made me laugh. I want to become a word someday … Your presence has "unstuck" us and pushed us forward, for which I am extremely grateful. Thank you and well done. I hope you enjoyed the process, others certainly did.”
Elizabeth Kavanagh, Head of HR, Stride Treglown
“The process has opened up many new fields of discussion within the office. Everybody on the staff enjoyed meeting Eric. Often now when we have a problem someone will say: 'what would Eric say?'!”
Alistair Barr, Barr Gazetas
HOW HE WORKS
Combining the role as a coach, consultant, and creative, Eric provides a creative approach to executive coaching and consultancy tailored to your specific needs.
First and foremost he brings an independent, empathetic perspective, and acts as a sounding board - a safe 'psychological space' - to explore issues, ideas and experiences.
He also works in a manner that is structured but flexible and responsive tailored to the specific needs and situation of his individual clients. In particular he aims to understand your situation, putting himself in your shoes, so he can work with you to innovate effective solutions, and navigate how they will most effectively instigated.