Ben Lightfoot
Executive & Leadership Coach
Think more strategically. Lead at CEO level.
Ben works with ambitious founders ready to grow – without the chaos. He helps leaders step out of operational quicksand and into long-term, scalable success.
For business owners struggling to find good people or feeling like they must do everything themselves, Ben builds systems that allow the business to run without constant involvement. He works exclusively by referral with a small number of clients, going deep into each business to ensure growth is sustainable and leadership capacity is built across the team.
Lead with clarity. Inspire high performance.
Ben empowers leaders to see the bigger picture and focus on what truly moves the needle – for their business, team, and life.
His coaching is centred on sustainable growth through proven systems, strategic insights, and continuous learning. As a certified ActionCOACH in Business Coaching, Executive Coaching, CEO & Leadership Coaching, and Culture Change, Ben draws on decades of experience to help SME founders and CEOs build clarity, confidence and capability.
Unlock time freedom. Build capacity. Thrive.
Ben’s coaching is about more than business growth – it’s about creating the freedom to live and lead on your own terms. He helps clients build businesses that work for them, not the other way around. By focusing on the highest-value activities, leaders boost results and profitability while stepping back from the day-to-day grind.
This shift not only drives financial success but also restores balance, giving leaders time for what matters most – whether that’s family, travel or pursuing new opportunities. With Ben’s guidance, clients don’t just scale their businesses, they transform their quality of life.
Expert led exit strategy.
When it’s time to exit, Ben helps owners prepare their businesses for maximum value. He guides founders through the entire succession process – from building an exit strategy to coaching leadership teams as they transition into ownership.
Through one of his other businesses, Ben also provides access to a unique financing model for employee-led buyouts, ensuring continuity and cultural stability beyond the sale.
With over 25 years of international leadership experience, Ben has worked across advertising, communications and technology in New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
He has held CEO and senior executive roles with McCann Worldgroup, Publicis Group, Saatchi & Saatchi and Facebook (now Meta). His career spans leadership of cross-functional teams across HR, Finance, IT, Sales, Marketing, Operations and Strategy – with a consistent focus on cultural change, business improvement and growth optimisation.
Ben’s achievements include Cannes Lions, D&AD Awards, EFFIEs and more, recognising his excellence in both creativity and strategy.
Chairman & CEO, McCann Worldgroup
Ben led one of the largest global advertising networks, steering the business through periods of significant transformation. He worked closely with teams across Asia Pacific to strengthen client partnerships, accelerate growth and champion creativity on the world stage.
Group CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi and Publicis
Ben was responsible for driving growth and innovation across two of the world’s most influential creative agencies. His leadership focused on delivering bold strategies, elevating creative output and embedding high-performance cultures.
Managing Director, Ogilvy
Working at one of the most iconic names in advertising, Ben combined creativity, innovation and business coaching to deliver results for clients across diverse industries.
APAC Head of Large Advertiser Marketing, Facebook (now Meta)
Ben led cross-regional teams and shaped digital strategy for some of the world’s biggest brands. His leadership spanned brand management, creative strategy, integrated marketing and digital transformation, ensuring advertisers maximised the power of emerging platforms.
Chief Marketing Officer, BAXE
Ben helped shape the world’s first truly open and connected digital economy. By bridging the gap between traditional financial institutions and the emerging digital landscape, he played a pivotal role in positioning BAXE at the forefront of blockchain technology, decentralised finance and digital strategy.
The Coaching Program
Ben’s Executive Coaching Program is a high-performance partnership for founders, executives and CEOs who want to amplify their impact. Drawing on 25+ years of experience with top-performing organisations, Ben delivers a tailored program that equips leaders to make smarter decisions, lead with clarity and drive meaningful results.
Make faster, bolder decisions with the support of an experienced sounding board.
Motivate, align and hold your teams accountable without burning out.
Accelerate growth
and profitability
Apply proven frameworks to shift from working harder to leading smarter.
“Before working with Ben, I felt like my business was running me instead of the other way around. Within just a few months of coaching, I had a clear 90-day plan, my team aligned on goals, and cash flow finally under control. Ben has a way of simplifying complex problems and holding you accountable in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming. My revenue is up 38% this year and, more importantly, I actually get my weekends back. I can’t recommend him highly enough.”
Sarah Mitchell
Owner, BrightPath Marketing
“What impressed me most was how quickly Ben identified the root issues in our business. We thought we had a sales problem—but through his coaching, we realised it was actually a time and leadership issue. The DISC profiling of our team was a game-changer, and the fortnightly coaching sessions gave me both clarity and confidence. Today, our management team runs more independently, and I’ve been able to step back from the day-to-day without the wheels falling off.”
David Chen
Managing Director, Precision Electrical Group
“Working with Ben has been transformative for both me and my business. I’d been stuck in survival mode for years, constantly reacting instead of planning ahead. His structured approach using the ActionCOACH six-step framework gave me a roadmap to follow. The combination of tough accountability and genuine encouragement pushed me further than I thought possible. We’ve doubled patient volume in under 12 months and are now planning expansion. Coaching with Ben has been the single best investment I’ve ever made.”
Amanda Roberts
CEO, Horizon Wellness Clinics
Business Growth Week
SAILING THE GREEK ISLES
22 to 29 May, 2026
Imagine a full week aboard a private yacht, sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea with a group of like-minded, successful business owners and world-class business experts. This is not just a trip – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine adventure, luxury, and strategy.
Spend seven days island-hopping through some of Greece’s most breathtaking destinations, while diving deep into conversations about multiplying your business growth. With only 12 places available, you’ll be part of an intimate group exploring bold ideas for the future of your business – all while enjoying sun-soaked days on deck, swimming in hidden coves, dining on fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and soaking up the rich culture of the Greek islands.
Whether you’re steering your business toward its next big goal or just taking time to think bigger, this week offers the perfect balance of focused growth sessions and unforgettable experiences at sea.
Each afternoon, we will come together to discuss different ways of multiplying a business. In past years, we have discussed subjects including:
Every attendee will be given the opportunity to present their biggest opportunity or challenge and have the rest of the group brainstorm ideas for them.
In addition, there will be almost unlimited opportunities to talk with other attendees and business experts, either 1:1 or as a group, during the course of the week.
Guiding you throughout the week will be Ben Lightfoot — successful entrepreneur, business coach. Ben brings decades of experience helping business owners scale, build high-performing teams, and achieve extraordinary results. His facilitation style is dynamic, engaging, and designed to spark breakthrough thinking while keeping the conversations practical and actionable.
OUTSTANDING VENUE
You’ll be sailing aboard a luxury private catamaran, complete with spacious cabins, sun decks for relaxing, and panoramic views of the sparkling Aegean Sea. Your floating home is fully equipped with everything you need for comfort and connection – from elegant lounges and al fresco dining areas to easy access for swimming in secluded coves. Each evening, you’ll anchor near stunning islands, giving you the perfect mix of privacy, adventure, and breathtaking sunsets over the Greek horizon.
THOUGHT-PROVOKING SESSIONS
Each day, Ben Lightfoot personally facilitates engaging, high-impact sessions designed to challenge your thinking and spark new ideas. Together with other leading business experts, Ben guides conversations on the most relevant and pressing topics in today’s business world.
The agenda is co-created with participants, ensuring that every session addresses real challenges and opportunities you care about — from scaling strategies to leadership breakthroughs — so you leave with fresh perspectives and actionable insights to take back to your business.
PARIDISE FOR SAILORS AND NON-SAILORS
The Greek Islands are a dream destination for experienced sailors and first-timers alike, with calm, clear waters and countless bays to explore. Whether you want to take the helm, learn the basics of sailing, or simply sit back and enjoy the journey, there’s something for everyone.
For those who prefer to stay on deck, your days can be spent soaking up the sun, swimming in hidden coves, exploring charming island villages, or enjoying long, lazy lunches at waterfront tavernas. Every evening brings a new harbor, a new view, and a new adventure.
MAGNIFICIENT SURROUNDINGS
Whether it’s the crystal-clear waters or the golden sunsets, our experience shows that the beauty of the Greek Islands creates the perfect environment to open your mind and spark fresh ideas. Sailing from one breathtaking destination to the next encourages creativity, deep thinking, and meaningful conversations — making it an ideal setting to step back, reflect,
SUPERIOR HOSPITALITY
You’ll be cared for by a dedicated crew who ensure every detail of your experience is seamless. Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast on deck as the sun rises over the Aegean, enjoy light snacks and refreshments throughout the day, and savor sunset cocktails with canapés before indulging in a beautifully crafted dinner under the stars each evening.
LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
You’ll be joining a select group of successful, ambitious business owners and leading business experts — all committed to growth, innovation, and thinking bigger. The small, intimate group size ensures meaningful conversations, genuine connections, and endless opportunities to learn from one another.
Whether it’s during structured business sessions on deck, over shared meals, or while exploring a new island together, you’ll gain insights and build relationships that last well beyond the trip.