You hold everything together, but no one sees what it's costing you!
It doesn't have to be this relentless.... you can lead with balance, not burnout!
Imagine leading with a clear head, a steady hand, and the confidence to trust your judgement.
No more firefighting. No more second-guessing. No more carrying it all alone.
Imagine your business is thriving, and you thriving with it.
Feels good, doesn’t it?
BALANCE iT® helps you get there.
Book a discovery call
What is BALANCE iT®?
A 10-month journey for leaders of independently owned and family-run businesses to feel stronger, clearer and more connected in how they lead, and how they live.
You’ll step away from the day-to-day and into a trusted peer group designed for reflection, challenge and growth.
Through immersive retreats, outdoor challenges, real-time problem solving and one-to-one coaching, you’ll gain the clarity, confidence and tools to lead with purpose, not pressure.
Ready to lead differently?
Book a discovery call to see if BALANCE iT® is the right fit for you
It’s a genuine conversation, not a sales pitch, to help us build the right group and make sure the timing’s right for you.
Book a discovery call
What to expect?
Real leaders. Real businesses. Real change.
BALANCE iTⓇ is hands-on, not hypothetical. You’ll get time to think, space to breathe, and the structure to turn refection into action.
Through immersive retreats, outdoor challenges, practical tools and honest conversations, you’ll shift how you lead and come back stronger. Tools you can use. Conversations you won’t forget. A leadership language that fits your world!
Here’s how it works:
- Meet face-to-face at The Halcyon Club, a private performance retreat in the Lake District, and head onto the fells with Stoked Luke, whose outdoor leadership challenges shift perspective and build resilience.
- Get expert support from Thomas Jardine & Co, specialists in family and founder-led business growth.
- Take part in Agitation Sessions, live online conversations with proven business leaders who’ll challenge your assumptions and expand your thinking.
- Take part in Leadership Shadowing, pair with a fellow delegate, observe each other in action and gain real, grounded insights into how you lead.
- Join regular Leader Spaces – virtual group coaching sessions where you’ll unlock real-time business challenges and opportunities alongside your peers.
- Access the Thinking Room, our private online forum for sharing insights, posing questions and learning between sessions.
- Get focussed One-to-One Coaching to unlock stuck points, deepen your self-awareness, and move forward with clarity.
- You’ll complete a DISC profile to understand and flex your leadership style so you can build stronger teams and clearer communication.
BALANCE iT® isn’t a course. It’s a complete recalibration of how you lead, and how you live.
Ready to stop carrying it all alone?
Ready to BALANCE iT®
What you'll gain
BALANCE iTⓇ isn’t just about thinking differently, it’s about leading differently.
Over 10 months, you’ll work through real challenges in real time, gaining sharper self-awareness, stronger strategy and the tools to lead in a way that’s both effective and sustainable. From the fells to the boardroom, you’ll explore how you lead, how you’re seen, and how to build something that lasts.
Here’s what that looks like…
Clarity that cuts through the noise
Get clear on your role, your impact, and where you’re headed with grounded input from people who’ve been where you are.
Real insight into your leadership
Through coaching, DISC profiling and shadowing, you’ll see how you show up and where you can flex to bring others with you.
Fresh thinking, stronger systems
From strategy to succession, you’ll unlock new ways to move the business forward without burning out or bottlenecking growth.
A trusted circle of peers
Join a group who challenge you, support you and understand the reality of leading a business that’s personal.
Learning that sticks
Whether you’re on the fells, in the room, or back in the thick of it, you’ll be turning reflection into real-world action every step of the way.
The tools to keep going
Build habits and mindsets that last so you’re not just leading through this chapter, but ready for what’s next.
Walk away with sharper self-awareness, practical tools you’ll actually use, and a peer network that supports you long after the programme ends.
Ready for real traction, not just more talk? Let’s see if BALANCE iT® is right for you.
Book a discovery call
Who's it for?
You’re the one people turn to. The one who sees the big picture, keeps the wheels turning, and carries the weight when no one else will.
You might be leading a family business, scaling something you’ve built from scratch, or stepping into shoes that weren’t quite made for you. Maybe you’ve been in charge for years, or maybe you’re just starting to feel the pull to lead in your own way.
Either way, you’ve got a lot on. And you care deeply about getting it right.
You’re looking for clarity in the complexity. Tools you’ll actually use. Space to think and the right people to think with.
You want to feel steady again. To grow without losing yourself. To lead with confidence, not exhaustion.
You want to feel in control of your business and at ease in your own life.
That’s who BALANCE iT® is for
This programme isn’t for everyone. And that’s the point.
BALANCE iT® brings together a small group of leaders ready to grow, reflect, and support each other through real change.
If that sounds like you, let’s talk. We’ll make sure it’s the right fit for you, and for the group.
Book a discovery call
What past delegates say?
BALANCE iTⓇ is built on real-world leadership challenges and the results speak for themselves. Here’s what previous participants say about working with Thomas Jardine & Co:
“It was a game-changer for me. [Thomas Jardine & Co] were a real inspiration and I learned a huge amount. You will learn a lot about yourself, it will help you develop as a leader and you will make some great connections and friends along the way.”
Adrian Meakin
“I was struck by how many of the attendees, from completely different businesses, had a lot of common issues. It was enlightening to discuss business matters openly with likeminded individuals without the fear of judgement. BALANCE iT helped me assess my role within the business, and gave me a pathway forwards.”
Andy Walker
“I found the programme extremely helpful in assisting me and my business to grow. It’s very well run and executed. I would recommend it to anyone looking to move forward.”
Ben Fisher
“The biggest effect was the confidence it gave me in my leadership and decision-making. The culture of our business changed significantly because of the programme.”
Chris Cox
“Jacqui gave us space to reflect, challenge our thinking and build greater self-awareness. The practical tools and insightful conversations helped me explore new ways of influencing and navigating complex situations, which I’ve already been able to apply in my work.”
Tia Marcos
“The one-to-one sessions were extremely thought-provoking. They gave me the confidence to explore new opportunities for my business.”
Mark Butler
“Jacqui’s ability to connect theory with lived experience gave me renewed confidence in my leadership. There were differing personalities in the room, but she found ways to motivate and support us all.”
Ivan Durkin
“Jacqui has helped us unblock our thinking on many occasions to move forward in a constructive, strategic way. Her support continues at board level and as a personal coach.”
Gill Hall
“Do it. You won’t regret it. Jacqui is hugely empathetic and a great listener. The work around open questioning and role definition still sticks with me today.”
Michael Gibson
Ready to BALANCE iT®?
Step into a programme built for real leaders, running real businesses, making real decisions.
This is a small cohort by design, so every voice matters and the experience goes deep.
If you’re curious, let’s talk. We’ll help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you, and for the group.
Leadership CAN feel lighter… This is where it starts.
The next cohort begins February 2026, spaces are limited.
Ready to BALANCE iT®
BALANCE iT®, flex those leadership muscles, make better decisions with confidence, be the change you want to make!
Our BrochureTestimonials
Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our clients say about us!
Anshul Kapoor
Image Foundry
Taking part in Lancaster University’s LEAD2, with Jacqui as one of the leads, was a genuine pivot point. She’s skilled at drawing out ideas, challenging fuzzy thinking and turning reflection into action. Investing in your leadership is not a luxury, it is leverage: one sharper decision or new habit can return the full fee several times over. I’d recommend any programme she directs to independent business leaders who need clarity, accountability and practical momentum.
Michael Gibson
CEO Fuuse
From working with Jacqui on Lancaster University’s LEAD Program:
So much. Loads of things come back like – open innovation; swimming in a blue sea; what motivates team members; active learning sets; and much more. Wish I could do it all over again.
One of the simplest was essentially around product market fit and then how to focus the business on the core offer and deliver return. In the year following we trebled base line profit and exited the business.
Jacqui is hugely empathetic and a great listener. This allowed her to bring common solutions but focus them in a way that gave you the confidence to deliver on them.
It really focused the mind. Apart from a huge amount of learning and shared experiences, it allowed me to drive the outcome that we collectively wanted and sell the company. It made me better as a company leader and a person.
Do it. You won’t regret it. Time is a valuable commodity, which is what may stop you from joining but this will payback many times over and give you a framework to become an even better leader. And make a few friends too.
Chris Cox
Managing Director : George Cox & Sons Ltd
From attending programs led or facilitated by Jacqui.
Learning through shared experiences ; Meeting and talking to others owners, managers from a wide spectrum of businesses yet all with very similar issues Developing the technique of open questions
There was significant change in the culture of the organisation including better communications and addressing softer issues with the staff. We set up our own charitable foundation which employees ran and selected community projects to support. We started running staff conferences , workforce presentations and regular newsletter along with staff appraisals.
Jacqui brought practical ” down to earth ” experience , which contrasted with the overwhelming academic presenters at the time. Also your experience was at the helm of a business not just working for someone else as senior manager. It was your money and your family’s reputation that was always at risk. That brings perspective that no classroom can provide it also brought a trust that you knew our issues and understood them.
The biggest effect was to provide confidence in my ability as a leader, to introduce change. How to overcome challenges , many of them being self doubt and develop techniques at overcoming negativity . I have been Managing Director of the organisation for 33 years during which time we have experienced a 15 fold increase in turnover. There have been plenty of challengers , recessions and the odd pandemic to cope with. You have to believe in yourself and your team, but often you need the reassurance of sharing your experience with others who have been through it to maintain the energy, enthusiasm and drive to carry others with you.
The ability to learn and share with like minded people who experience the same challenges of leading an team or organisation brings.
Gillian Hall
Guardian of Great Cheese | 3rd Generation | Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses
Ivan Durkin
Co-founder and MD of STL Technology Solutions and Co-founder of Tyme Online
Taking the LEAD programme organised by Jacqui Jackson was a positive and helpful experience. What set this course apart was not just the content, but the way it was delivered. I recall Jacqui had experience of being involved in an Independent Family Business. This provided a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by founder led or family businesses.
I found Jacqui’s approach relatable and her ability to connect theory with lived experience gave many attendees renewed confidence in their own business leadership. There were differing skill sets and personalities, however Jacqui seemed to motivate the majority and mentor individuals when required.
I am confident when I say that many of the individuals and businesses involved in the LEAD programme led by Jacqui will have benefited from the course and I am sure they continue to use knowledge they learned from other attendees as well as Jacqui in their businesses today.
Amanda Wilson
Pie Mill
I found that as a group you really helped us to trust and feel like we were in a safe space to talk about our business, the bit that surprised me the most was how much I actually got from working with the lego!
I feel like I left the course with the tools to move forward with my ideas.
Tia Marcos
The Langdale Hotel & Spa
I found the mentoring sessions very valuable; they created space to reflect, challenge my thinking, and build greater self-awareness.
The practical tools and insightful conversations helped me explore new ways of influencing and navigating complex situations, which I’ve already been able to apply in my work
Rachel Suddart
Managing Director, Words by Rachel
What a brilliant, inspiring and very useful afternoon. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and it has left my mind awash with ideas and possibilities.
Adrian Cresswell
Managing Director, AM Support Services Ltd
Hearing the news from Jacqui that she was embarking on resurrecting her family businesses name and her vison of the new venture was great news, not only for Jacqui but also the local business community as I feel Jacqui has so much to offer them. My experience working with Jacqui over the last 18 months facilitating our group has certainly helped my business, her in-depth business knowledge is just first class and she always delivers advise that is clear and concise.
When I look for key roles within my own business I look for people whom are entrepreneurial, focused and have a can do, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in attitude, if a crisis ensues I can honestly say that Jacqui is someone whom you would want on your team.
I wish Jacqui, her family and Bruce and Luke’s Coffee all the success in the world and I am confident with Jacqui’s visionary skills, success is only around the corner.
Sandra Cottam-Shea
Managing Director, SCS Logistics Ltd
Jacqui has a range of highly developed academic capabilities and business skills, these make her versatile, knowledgeable and a go to person for advice. Working under Jacqui’s tutelage at Lancaster University gave me the opportunity to see what really counts in business and that is people skills.
Jacqui guided, coaxed and encouraged a diverse group of people running very diverse businesses and we all came away with the same understanding and confidence. We all felt very different to each other when we embarked on our LEAD course but by the end we acknowledged that we all had the same fears and challenges and that skills definitely are transferrable.
Apart from all that she is also a wonderful human being so you can’t go far wrong
Andy Hooper
Managing Director, Westlakes Engineering Ltd
As part of a group of business owners that meet regularly to review our businesses, Jacqui is a real asset to our group and is hugely respected for the insights and challenges that she offers to each of us. Jacqui is very calm, and considered in her views, always constructive and non-judgemental, she draws on her knowledge and experience to add value to each of our businesses, and to guide and encourage us in developing our businesses further. You know this comes not from a textbook, but from having been there, done it and got the t-shirt. If the opportunity arises for Jacqui to provide you with some support take it, you won’t regret it.
Jerry Marwood
Managing Director, AF Blakemore & Son Ltd
I’ve worked with Jacqui on three different occasions as both a colleague and as a consultant to our business, what was common to the experience was the level of understanding that she has of the way that business works from both the stakeholders’ perspective and in indeed the ultimate customer. The ability to look at a business from a 360-degree perspective and clearly see how to create shareholder value at the same time as delighting our customers is quite rare – Jacqui has it. The added benefit is that she is passionate about what she does and sensitive to the team around her which makes her a great team player and a pleasure to have around.
Gill Hall
Managing Director, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses Ltd
I’m very exited about Jacqui’s new venture for start up or aspiring businesses to come together in a supportive environment.
Personally I have found being part of a peer group with like minded companies invaluable in developing my family food manufacturing business. Jacqui has facilitated my group and brought a level of discipline and knowledge that has helped propel me and my business forward. I find her quiet yet steely style uplifting and I am constantly inspired by her depth of knowledge across a wide range of food retailing and family business issues, based on her personal experience.
The business mentoring, I have received from Jacqui has helped me navigate some challenging family business issues for which I am very grateful.
Good Luck in your new venture, access to support is exactly what start ups and small businesses need.