Design Business Council > Mentor and coach

Practical advice from experienced practitioners

We've successfully ran our own creative business for over 30 years. We know what it's like to have skin in the game.

For over a decade we've been using that hands-on experience, plus global research to help other creatives gain confidence in their business decision-making.

We help designer manage their business better.

“I’ve been working with Carol and Greg since 2021 and cannot *believe* I’ve not written a formal Google review yet! This may be because I verbalise my gratitude (profusely!) for their knowledge and insight into the design industry every time we work together.
Through our mentorships, round tables, and volunteer activities, I’ve found their advice is 100% practical, tangible and my return on time and investment has been thousand-fold …

…They even take the time to tailor their advice to my needs and client base, proving their tireless dedication for the best practice of design business in Australia. I highly recommend any graphic designer running their own business (agency or freelance), to get in touch with Design Business Council.”

Rach Viski, Founder, Creative Director Minta Viski
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Flexibility is key

Mentoring is our core product but how we deliver is flexible and tailored to suit each client:

  • For those wanting to restructure, realign or reset their goals, our Chair program has a 6 month structured agenda we know delivers change. You can read more here.
  • Our Business of Design program is a masterclass to help designers build business knowledge and confidence. It’s over 3 sessions and completely flexible, tailored around your needs and your business. More here.
  • We do single-issue mentoring – perfect when you needed a trusted, experienced practitioner to suggest options, or help make a decision. You can read more here or book a session here.
  • For the past 6 years we’ve run facilitated group mentoring sessions. We curate roundtables of similar but non-competing creative businesses who have similar challenges and experience. They’re perfect for business owners wanting to learn leadership and management skills alongside colleagues. You can read more here or email Carol for information on the next roundtable.

    I worked with Carol and Greg for 2 months as part of their advisory package offering. Their combined industry expertise and experience was so valuable and perfectly aligned with the support and advice I was seeking to solving to real business problems in the brand and design space. Their attention to detail and ability to identify risks and opportunities provided a level of value which far outweighed the cost of the initial investment to collaborate with them.

    I would highly recommend them both as mentors, coaches and leaders. They are providing a service like none other, one which is truly impactful. Most importantly, they are using their time and energy to knowledge share and give back to those that walk the path they have once walked themselves

    Chloe Leatherdale, Brand and design lead