Mike founded youbecome in 2004, after a successful career in sales, becoming Regional Sales Director of Experian QAS, a leading provider of contact data management (CDM) software and services. In setting up his own company, Mike combined his entrepreneurial flair – he started selling things at his dad’s shop when he was 14 – and his passion of training and people development. As well as being the inspiration behind youbecome, Mike is an executive coach working with over 30 active clients.

In his spare time Mike is the proud coach of Reeds under 14s rugby team. He loves ice hockey and is a keen follower of the Philadelphia Flyers. He would base his business in the Alps if he could get away with it as he loves to ski! Mike is also a committed Christian and is happy to explain why to anyone who wants to ask.

Click to see Mike’s LinkedIn profile.

Neil joined youbecome in 2009 to manage the development of the company’s unique software. Before joining youbecome, Neil spent 9 years in various senior roles in the software development team of dunnhumby, the leader in personalising the world’s experience of retailers and brands and the company that devised Tesco Clubcard. Neil started his career as a Quantity Surveyor before spending 7 years with Thomson Reuters as a Senior Analyst and Programmer.

Carol’s career began in the hotel and catering industry and whilst she loved being around food knew she hadn’t found her niche. Following a move into training and then management development with Safeway Stores, Carol gained expertise in job profiling, competency analysis and behaviour based learning, assessment and development. For the last 15 years she has been working with a wide range of organisations to help them define the competencies that will support their future business success. For youbecome she leads the creation of development guides and toolkits that support individuals’ learning.

Carol has just completed her second degree with the Open University. She has three other passions; tennis, her cats and her yellow VW Beetle, and she would love to drive around Britain in a VW Camper van.

Click to see Carol’s LinkedIn profile.

Margaret has changed her career direction 3 times and has now found her niche.  She had a successful career in Human Resources and Sales in IBM and Hogg Robinson.    She now enjoys the flexibility and challenge of HR and Sales.  She is an excellent facilitator and has trained and supported many individuals who have faced redundancy.    She was also a consultant in the Cabinet Office for 8 years co-ordinating specialist training across central Government.

Margaret has an Open University degree in Psychology, holds the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development by examination and is accredited by the BPS Certificate A and B to run Psychometric Testing.

In her spare time Margaret also enjoys a variety of interests.  She is an active member of the Rotary Club of Ewell organising major charity events and conferences.  She is also helping housebound elderly residents use a computer for the first time via Age Concern.    She loves tennis, swimming and singing, as well as visiting her house in Spain. She has tried to speak Spanish but not quite mastered that skill yet – still time!

Click to see Margaret’s LinkedIn profile.

Martin joined youbecome at the end of 2011, bringing strong entrepreneurial and business skills to the business. Martin has 22 years Board level experience in both Executive and Non-Executive roles most recently as Managing Director of MKH Advertising Ltd, the UKs 5th largest recruitment advertising agency and with a sales turnover of £43m. Martin’s experience encompasses Change Management, Organisation Design, Cultural and Behavioural change, Sales Management and Leadership Coaching. His knowledge and experience is an essential ingredient in understanding a client’s needs and in identifying a meaningful solution.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Steve Freedman’s experience in the business world extends from corporate Management Accountant and Financial Director positions, to financial consultancy with Binder Hamlyn, before becoming an equity partner with BKR Haines Watts Chartered Accountants, one of the top 20 firms in the UK. He became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Consultants in 1995 and is also qualified under the United Kingdom Financial Services Acts.

Throughout his career, Steve has enjoyed the challenge of starting up and supporting new ventures, and today he describes himself as a ‘serial entrepreneur’, an adviser/director to some 30 owner managed businesses at any one time. He gets a real buzz from developing a business and offering strategic and commercial advice to help organisations grow from a bright idea to successful and flourishing companies.

Steve is a keen sportsman, supporting Watford FC, enjoys music and is known for the “unusual” holidays he takes!

Born and educated in France, Annick has spent all her working life in the UK.
Since founding The Rooster in 2001, she has been advising small to medium-size companies on how to leverage their strengths and be noticed in the market.

Annick’s marketing career took her to such prestigious organisations as Avon Cosmetics, L’Oréal, Chesebrough-Ponds, and Seagram Wines & Spirits where she was VP Marketing & Strategic Planning for Global Brands. As European Communications Director for Dell Computers, she worked with Michael Dell, promoting the company across Europe. Her most recent corporate role was running a well-funded dot-com in recruitment.

Annick is an Alumni of ESCP Europe, a member of the Marketing Society, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and WACL (Women in Advertising and Communications, London). She is the Marketing Practice Leader for Link Management Group and former Chair of The Executive Network.