Mel Cheeseman Founder of the
Committed to You and Your Personal Growth
Unlocking Your Best with Tailored Support
About Me
With over 35 years of experience in business management and leadership across charities, not-for-profits, financial services, and manufacturing, my journey has been defined by bold decisions and a passion for growth.
In my 30s, I took a life-changing leap-leaving my job to attend university for the first time. I earned a First Class Honours degree in Marketing and Events Management, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and later an MSc in Marketing Management at Bath University. Each step deepened my understanding of leadership, personal development, and the power of transformation.
Having navigated my own career pivots and overcome personal burnout, I was inspired to help others unlock their full potential. As a trained Positive Psychology Practitioner, Mindfulness Practitioner, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner, and Leadership Coach, I founded the Cotswold Leadership Academy to empower individuals and organisations to thrive.
My Approach
My coaching style is positive, energetic, and deeply invested in your success-think of me as your personal cheerleader. I create a supportive, motivating environment where collaboration and encouragement help you move forward with confidence. Like a cheerleader lifts their team, I’m here to uplift you through both challenges and triumphs.
Core Values I Bring to Every Partnership:
- Positivity: I celebrate your wins, encourage growth, and create a space where you feel empowered to take bold steps.
- Teamwork: Together, we build a dynamic partnership with your progress at the heart of everything we do.
- Adaptability: I embrace change and help you navigate challenges with grace, offering constructive feedback and empowering growth.
The Performance Acceleration Model
Through my Performance Acceleration Model, I offer tailored coaching, mentoring, and workshops focused on three pillars:
- Wellbeing: Optimise yourself-build the foundations for resilience, energy, and sustainable success.
- Mindset: Unlock your potential-cultivate a growth mindset that empowers you to embrace challenges and achieve more.
- Impact: Amplify your influence-lead with purpose and create meaningful change in your work and beyond.
Whether you’re developing your leadership, boosting personal wellbeing, or achieving new career goals, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Consultancy for Small Businesses
If you run a small business and need a trusted partner to act as a sounding board, provide advice, support, and inspiration, I also offer consultancy partnerships. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, brainstorm solutions, and drive your business forward with confidence and clarity.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s connect and start your journey to thriving-personally, professionally, and as a leader.
My Mission:
Empowering everyone to overcome life's challenges, inspiring personal growth in work and life, and crafting a better future together.
MY STORY
A Symphony of Passions
In the rhythm of life, my journey began with a love for dance, igniting a desire to inspire and guide others. This passion led me to assist younger classes as a dance teacher. Transitioning into the corporate world as a team manager at Nationwide Building Society, I found joy in developing my team and solving customer challenges. My managerial style prioritised people over processes, building a cohesive team through connection.
In my thirties, I delved into academia while supporting fellow students as a support worker. After graduating in Marketing with Events Management, I nurtured my passion for mentoring, helping students develop employability skills and connect with potential employers. Continuing my learning journey in my forties, I trained in teaching further education and pursued a master's in marketing management at the University of Bath.
During this time, I ran a freelance business supporting SMEs and attended a transformative summer school on Ethics and Sustainability in business at Utrecht University. It was there that I realised my heart craved work that made a positive impact on people, society, and the environment. This realisation led me to train as a Leadership Coach, envisioning a role where I could empower individuals to enhance all aspects of their lives and businesses.
Simultaneously, an opportunity in an environmental business aligned seamlessly with my leadership, marketing and social media expertise, and after 3 years I became the Managing Director. I pursued further professional development opportunities to align with my evolving passions. This included becoming a workplace wellbeing specialist, focusing on the emotional and mental elements crucial for fostering positive work environments including menopause support for women and mental first aid training with MHFA England.
Fueling my love for learning and development, I expanded my skills with courses as a positive psychology practitioner and a meditation and mindfulness teacher. I continue to explore the boundless horizons of personal and professional growth.
After leading teams for thirty years and a lifetime devoted to helping others grow, I've seen how putting people first can truly transform businesses. Sharing these experiences brings me immense joy, knowing that I'm empowering others to build not just stronger, but happier and healthier companies for the long haul.
In the rhythm of life, my journey began with a love for dance, igniting a desire to inspire and guide others. This passion led me to assist younger classes as a dance teacher. Transitioning into the corporate world as a team manager at Nationwide Building Society, I found joy in developing my team and solving customer challenges. My managerial style prioritised people over processes, building a cohesive team through connection.
In my thirties, I delved into academia while supporting fellow students as a support worker. After graduating in Marketing with Events Management, I nurtured my passion for mentoring, helping students develop employability skills and connect with potential employers. Continuing my learning journey in my forties, I trained in teaching further education and pursued a master's in marketing management at the University of Bath.
During this time, I ran a freelance business supporting SMEs and attended a transformative summer school on Ethics and Sustainability in business at Utrecht University. It was there that I realised my heart craved work that made a positive impact on people, society, and the environment. This realisation led me to train as a Leadership Coach, envisioning a role where I could empower individuals to enhance all aspects of their lives and businesses.
Simultaneously, an opportunity in an environmental business aligned seamlessly with my leadership, marketing and social media expertise, and after 3 years I became the Managing Director. I pursued further professional development opportunities to align with my evolving passions. This included becoming a workplace wellbeing specialist, focusing on the emotional and mental elements crucial for fostering positive work environments including menopause support for women and mental first aid training with MHFA England.
Fueling my love for learning and development, I expanded my skills with courses as a positive psychology practitioner and a meditation and mindfulness teacher. I continue to explore the boundless horizons of personal and professional growth.
After leading teams for thirty years and a lifetime devoted to helping others grow, I've seen how putting people first can truly transform businesses. Sharing these experiences brings me immense joy, knowing that I'm empowering others to build not just stronger, but happier and healthier companies for the long haul.
"I just want to personally thank you for everything you have done for me, thank you for all your understanding through some very tough times, and thank you for helping me unlock confidence in myself after being knocked down so many times by past employers."