This week, I was back in the Incubator at Northumbria University, coaching some of their newest and most ambitious entrepreneurs.
Every time I walk into that room, I’m reminded why coaching for graduates is one of the most powerful investments a university, or a young business owner, can make. Graduates today face a world that is full of opportunity, but also full of uncertainty, pressure, and competition. Having the right support can be the difference between staying stuck and stepping confidently into the career or business they want.
One of the inspiring students I met again today was Ellie Burston, founder of Fizzical Dexterity. Ellie is currently studying for her MA in Digital Marketing, and like many entrepreneurial graduates, she decided to create her own income stream to support her studies. But unlike most dog-walking businesses, Ellie has developed something truly special.
Fizzical Dexterity offers dog walking, dog sitting, training, and therapy services across Newcastle – but with one standout difference. Ellie’s USP is that she can train your dog while she walks them. This means clients aren’t just getting exercise for their pets; they’re seeing behavioural improvements at the same time. For busy dog owners, this is gold.
What’s even more impressive is Ellie’s commitment to supporting dogs who need extra care. She is fully trained in canine massage and laser therapy, offering tailored support for older dogs, injured pups, or dogs with additional needs. Her dream is clear and ambitious: to open her own dedicated centre where she can offer all of her services under one roof. And after working with her, I have absolutely no doubt she’ll make it happen.
The Power of Coaching for Graduates
When you’re a student or recent graduate with a growing business idea, the leap between “I have a passion” and “I run a successful business” can feel enormous. This is exactly why coaching for graduates has become so essential. Many graduates have the skills, creativity, and ambition, but lack the following:
– confidence in decision-making
– structure and direction
– accountability
– experience navigating business challenges
– someone objective to guide them
This is where coaching bridges the gap
The Incubator at Northumbria University does a fantastic job of supporting young founders through expert guidance, workshops, and a dedicated workspace designed to help them bring their business ideas to life. It gives students access to people who understand business, growth, mindset, planning, and resilience , all crucial skills that are rarely taught on a degree programme.
Ellie described her experience perfectly when she shared:
“The support I have received from the team at the Incubator has been so beneficial for my business. Having a dedicated space to work from and a bank of experts is invaluable. It’s been great to work on my confidence with Sam to help me to move out of my comfort zone and set goals for the business.”
Building confidence is one of the biggest outcomes of coaching for graduates. Many young entrepreneurs know what they want to do – they simply need someone to help them believe they can do it.
Why Confidence Coaching Matters for New Founders
Confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s something you build. And for graduates entering the world of business, confidence can make the difference between playing small and taking bold, strategic action.
Working with Ellie, much of our focus has been on:
– stepping outside comfort zones
– communicating her unique value
– setting clear, achievable business goals
– trusting her expertise
– recognising the strengths she already has
Confidence is the foundation that supports the strategies, marketing plans, and business decisions that follow. When a graduate believes in what they’re capable of, they execute differently. They show up differently. And their business grows faster.
Businesses Go Further, Faster With Coaching
Whether you’re a graduate, a career-changer, or a business owner with years of experience behind you, coaching gives you clarity, direction, and momentum. It helps you remove the barriers that hold you back so you can focus on building the business or career you want.
Seeing young entrepreneurs like Ellie take their ideas and turn them into something real is why I love the work I do. Graduates are talented, ambitious, and creative – and with the right coaching, they become unstoppable.
If you’re a graduate ready to grow your confidence or develop your business idea, or you know someone who could benefit from coaching for graduates, I’d love to help.
Get in touch below to book an introductory call and take your next step forward.