A BOLTON personal development coach who became full-time in his own company during lockdown is helping other new business owners to thrive.

Rod Hahlo worked in learning and development in organisations including the NHS all his working life. In 2017, he became an NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Master Practitioner and started his own coaching and training business in early 2018.

After going part-time last year, he became a trainer of NLP then left the corporate world to become full-time in his own business – just after lockdown had been enforced.

“Leaving employment during a worldwide pandemic was not anticipated,” he said. “However, I believe that this is an opportunity for me to help support and develop others.”

So, Rod is now helping some of the many newly independent businesses springing up post-lockdown and assisting owners to adapt to the new business landscape.

He helps people leave their comfort zones “to find empowerment and take back control.”

He explained: “Follow your gut instinct, focus on what you want and, above all, be true to yourself.”

Rod uses a blend of coaching and NLP techniques.

When working with clients with imposter syndrome, self-doubt and limiting beliefs, he helps them find “a confident, resourceful mindset.”

“In addition to the demands of your business, it’s even more important to look after yourself,” he said. “Three actions to build into a positive habit are: Ask yourself when you wake up ‘How do I want to be today?’ Then enjoy focusing on the pictures, sounds, feelings and thoughts which link with this. Notice the positives. At the end of every day acknowledge and recognise the successes, even more powerful if journalled.

“Keep grounded. Get any ‘what ifs’ out of the head, written on paper with contingencies and stored. Think about how you can be kind to yourself and what helps your balance.”