On Tuesday, 13 May 2025, Mont Rose College welcomed esteemed guest speaker Matt Whittingham for a dynamic and inspiring business workshop titled “Building a Thriving Business: Strategies for Growth and Efficiency.” Delivered as part of the college’s commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world practice, the event attracted a full-house audience comprising students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and staff members from various disciplines.
Matt Whittingham, now a senior coaching partner at ActionCOACH, brings over 25 years of experience driving growth for leading global organisations. His impressive career includes leadership roles at BT, Microsoft, Vodafone, and SingTel and significant contributions to developing digital consultancies and tech startups in the UK, Singapore, and Australia. Having held senior executive positions such as CEO, Chief Digital Officer, CMO, and VP of Marketing, Matt has consistently delivered transformational results across diverse sectors. His approach is grounded in strategic clarity, operational efficiency, and an unwavering focus on outcomes—principles he passionately conveyed during the workshop.
From the outset, Matt established a strong rapport with the audience. His delivery was engaging, articulate, and insightful, underpinned by real-life experiences and practical advice. He did not rely on abstract theory; instead, he guided attendees through proven frameworks and shared tools that could be applied immediately to real-world business challenges. With a natural ability to distil complex ideas into accessible, actionable strategies, Matt captured the entire room’s attention.
The session explored key themes critical to sustainable business growth: time management, effective prioritisation, goal setting, and strategic decision-making. Matt challenged students to shift their mindset from reactive to proactive, emphasising the importance of focusing on long-term impact rather than short-term urgency. He encouraged attendees to build systems that enable businesses to run efficiently, empowering leaders to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on innovation and growth. Through compelling anecdotes and reflective questions, he helped students understand how consistent habits and disciplined structures are essential for scaling a successful business.
Another session highlight was Matt’s exploration of marketing and brand positioning. Drawing on his global experience, he underscored the importance of clarity, trust, and storytelling in building a strong brand. Students were encouraged to think beyond traditional marketing tactics and consider how meaningful engagement, consistency, and a customer-centric approach can drive genuine, long-term loyalty.
The atmosphere throughout the session was one of energy and focus. Students were highly engaged, taking notes, participating in discussions, and asking thoughtful questions. Matt responded enthusiastically and sincerely, offering personalised insights reflecting his deep understanding of business theory and practice. The workshop broadened students’ perspectives and reinforced the relevance of entrepreneurial thinking in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Mont Rose College is proud to have hosted such an enriching event. The workshop exemplified the College’s dedication to providing transformative learning experiences that prepare students for professional success. We extend our sincere thanks to Matt Whittingham and ActionCOACH for delivering a session that was both motivational and deeply informative. We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing to bring leading industry voices to our students through future events.
