Hi, I’m Leon
I am an entrepreneur and new venture creation specialist. What this means is that I can help new and existing businesses with designing their innovative business models that can be scaled. I have extensive experience with startups since 2007. I apply an extra lean startup methodology, that are based on the 3 Dimensional Seven Level Business Development Blueprint which I call the Entrepreneurial Leadership Levels and Associated Complexity (ELLAC) model.
The approach I follow with all my consulting, facilitation and coaching is to help my client understand the duplicating and scaling effects of decisions made today. The lack of thinking at scale is the main reason why entrepreneurs are struggling in their business.
Make sure you book a strategy session with me, to see how I can help you to design a business that runs on autopilot, while you pursue the next exciting interest.
MY EXPERIENCES
I have a good mix of skills that includes understanding technology, people, business, economics and politics. I use this combination to guide my clients through challenging economic situations. Recently I had to assist my clients to steer their businesses through the severe challenges that were caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Pivot your business into the digital world.
- Innovate a new business model that are scalable and perhaps disruptive in your industry.
- Evaluate the right technologies for your business and its future.
- Build automated sales processes and develop distribution channels for small businesses.
Communication
80%
Business Models
85%
Technology
75%
Creativity
90%
Life coaching (I am not a life coach)
36%
Don't know what I'm doing
I had no idea what I was doing. I had to figure out how to get a group of students (my first new venture creation cohort) to start their own businesses. I did not know how to do that, where they would get money or funding and what will happen if they loose that money! I then figured they got to do it without money!
Feb 1, 2007
The first lessons: No money, no business plan, yet success
I figured out that you do not need a business plan to start a business, you also do not need money. Counter to popular belief! I did not know how to create a business plan, but my students knew. They were busy for weeks to build a business plan, and were not making money. I stopped them, and told them to start their businesses instead.
April 1, 2007
Started my first successful online business
Together with my mentor (yes I got myself a mentor, as I did not know what I was doing). And he showed me how to start a digital business, and getting deep into the six figures of turnover in less than 4 days. That business lasted for nearly 10 years before it was sold.
Apr 1, 2008
Obtained my PhD
Obtained my PhD. Yes I also did a masters and all of that. I however completed my PhD with the topic: Evaluating a New Venture Start-up eCoaching Programme.
Oct 1, 2018
From one dimension to three dimensional thinking
I analysed top African entrepreneurs, and it dawned on me that there are actually two other dimensions to our entrepreneurial leadership and associated complexity model. The missing link in the PhD was found - after the PhD! This paved the way to the unique scaling coaching methodology that yields fast results.
Nov 1, 2018
Scaled and Turnaround First Client
Developed a business model for a client and assisted the client to scale their business model with severe limited resources. First the business had to be made liquid, and then with the liquidity, it then can be scaled. We did both the turnaround and scaling strategies in 6 months.
Pandemic Medic and Pivot
Not a medic, but several entrepreneurs found themselves with a 100% drop of income. Yes all their income. I helped them (Pro-bono) to develop a different perspective, and they were able to successfully pivot their business. In less than a month, their incomes were recovered fully.
April, 1 2020
