TOM Diagram

The TOM Diagram Explanation:

In Bed With James The TOM Framework

The vertical flow
(Vision → Governance) gives strategic clarity.

The horizontal layer
(People, Tools, Processes, Values) is the operational shell that enforces and reinforces the strategy daily.

This creates a dynamic yet grounded business that adapts, scales, and stays aligned.

VISION & MISSION      
Why the business exists. The guiding star.                      

STRATEGY  
High-level plan to achieve the vision.  
Defines priorities, objectives, direction.                      

ENFORCED & RE-ENFORCED BY:
People & Roles
Systems & Tools
Processes & Rituals
Values in Motion
FAQs
What kind of businesses do you work with?

I partner with founder-led businesses doing £1M–£50M+ in revenue who want to scale with intention. You need to be past product-market fit, profitable (or close), and hungry for a serious exit or transformation. I don’t do vanity projects.

What’s your consulting structure?

There are three core ways to work with me starting with a Fit Test (£500 for 30 mins, refundable against future services). This is a high-signal call to assess founder–advisor alignment and project viability which in select cases may be waived at my discretion.

1. One-Hour Strategy Deep Dive — £2,500 flat

A high-impact working session to solve a specific challenge, reframe strategy, or identify leverage points.

Best suited for targeted interventions or founders in transition.

2. Fractional CEO — £30K/month (flat)

Ongoing embedded leadership across strategy, brand, growth, operations, and capital — typically ~1 day per week.

Best for founders needing high-level partnership, calm execution, and full access to my ecosystem of talent, capital, and infrastructure.

3. 90-Day Sprint — £95–150K+ (scope-dependent)

A time-boxed, outcome-driven engagement designed to unlock major shifts — whether that’s a launch, restructure, raise, or pivot.

Pricing varies based on complexity, timeline, and resource input.

Most clients work on a hybrid model (fee + equity) with clearly defined deliverables and aligned incentives.

What is the Earth, Wind, Fire, Water framework?

It’s my elemental approach to diagnosing and scaling businesses:

• Earth (Foundations): Brand, strategy, team, core operations.

• Wind (Revenue): Acquisition, sales funnels, expansion.

• Fire (Efficiency): Burn rate, margin structure, automation.

• Water (Sustainability): Resource allocation, resilience, future-proofing.



Every engagement I take on uses this structure - whether you’re a D2C brand, service business, or something niche. It keeps things simple, smart, and effective.

Do you ever work purely for equity?

Rarely. Only in supernormal situations with massive upside potential, where I truly believe in the founder and business. Otherwise, I prefer a hybrid of fee + equity, so we’re both invested and moving fast.

Advisory & NED Support?

For businesses seeking long-term strategic partnership:

Advisory Support May Include:

• Quarterly board or strategic sessions
• Always-on founder support (email, Slack, WhatsApp)
• Hands-on input: brand, growth, ops, and commercial model
• Access to plug-in ecosystem: vetted executors, tech, agencies, investors
• Calm counsel during high-stakes moments (fundraising, exits, crises)

Typical Structure:

£10K/month retainer
1–2%+ equity, vesting over 12–24 months
• Formal NED roles may include Companies House registration and governance participation

High intent only. I don’t do vanity board seats.

What’s your availability like?

I keep my client base lean. No more than 2–3 businesses at a time, so you get the attention and speed you’re paying for. I’m not here to sell time - I’m here to create leverage.

Can I book you to speak?

Yes. I do select keynote talks and panels around entrepreneurship, sustainable business, and founder psychology. You can book via this link or reach out for custom sessions.