Coach, founder, human

We are enough.
And capable of much more.

I truly believe that we are all capable of much more than we think.

I’m John. I create space for founders and leaders to think differently, reconnect with what matters and take their next step.

John Monks sitting beneath a willow tree

My approach

Your success.
On your terms.

I know the pressures of building a business and the pull to keep moving. My coaching creates a space to pause, think honestly and explore a different way forward.

We work with your definition of success, not somebody else’s. Alongside fresh perspectives, we build small, practical habits that help you move from insight to action.

I’m based in Cambridge and work with people in person and online. For collective team development and workshops, I work through Curve Cambridge.

The story so far

A life of
conversation.

People and possibility

I grew up in Brighton, surrounded by lively conversations and connections, thanks to my Irish parents who loved hosting gatherings. This environment shaped my passion for people and connection, which only deepened during my time at Oxford. There, I explored my identity and found freedom, eventually stepping into leadership roles that set the stage for my future.

A different path

After university, I chose an unconventional path, starting as a freelancer before moving into management consulting. My experiences at PA Consulting, where I first saw the power of well-facilitated workshops, inspired me to explore new horizons. It was these insights that led me to found Curve version 1.0, focusing on public sector transformation. But it was in New York, working to bridge the cultural divide between the police and fire departments, that I truly understood the importance of collaboration and cultural change.

Ideas that create change

Returning to the UK, I embarked on another pivotal chapter in my journey - this time at digital ad agency DigitasLBi, where I discovered the incredible impact of a powerful idea. In advertising, the ability to craft a compelling message that can spark change in people’s behaviour fascinated me. However, I also saw a common misstep, mistaking a deck or presentation for real change. This realisation reinforced my belief in the importance of authentic, transformative interactions and further shaped my vision for the future.

We are enough

I co-founded Curve version 2.0 with a mission to revolutionise leadership and team success through innovative workshops and coaching. It was here that we crystallised the idea of ‘we are enough’. That belief still underpins my approach.

Today, my one-to-one coaching focuses on the individual founder or leader. We combine fresh perspectives and practical steps with habits that support lasting change.

John writing by the river
Room to reflect, in Cambridge and wherever life takes you.

Learning & experience

Always
still learning.

  • THNK School of Leadership

    Creative Leadership qualification, Creative Leadership & Innovation.

  • Academy of Executive Coaching

    Diploma in executive coaching; certified systemic team coach.

  • New York University

    Management & Leadership, Organisation Leadership.

My systemic team coaching background informs my experience. Team services are offered through Curve Cambridge.

What matters to me

The values behind the work.

Freedom to explore and choose

I value the freedom for everyone to explore their passions, overcome life's constraints, and make choices that lead to a life of fulfilment and potential.

Power of collaboration

I value the magic that happens when people work together, combining their unique strengths to produce spine-tingling moments and achieve extraordinary results.

Kindness in action

I value the profound impact of kindness in fostering fairness, empathy, and a sense of community, creating positive ripples that transform lives and relationships.

Start wherever you are

What feels impossible?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Let’s make a little space to explore it.

Let’s talk ↗