Send your business growth into outer space like a rocket ship

New world thinking

I’m a former business founder turned marketing and business strategist. A thinker, and doer, a change-maker. A gatherer of people. Joiner of dots. A grower. A keeper.

I’m available as an advisor / coach / strategist / marketer / partner.

I work with business founders and leaders - some of whom are stuck, others who are working hard to make it to the next step.

My backstory and achievements

I founded and ran a leading consumer insight business for many years, growing it to a couple of million revenue. We worked internationally from bases in the UK and US and had the likes of Google, BBC, Open, P&G, Jaguar Land Rover, BBC and Netflix as our clients. We created insight platforms, innovation opportunities and the bedrock for countless product and brand development initiatives and marketing campaigns - all highly culturally stuff.

We also led the way in understanding minority audiences and fringe consumers, and how to bring about change and greater social equality. Our work won a number of awards including the prestigious MRS Awards for Cultural Insight for our work with Channel 4. We really were the experts to turn to.

Prior to this 15 year chapter I was a marketing and growth specialist working at creative, design and brand agencies where I got to work with clients like Adidas, Harrods and KPN Telecom. I also led regional growth for a digital agency specialising in search and web development for a time, which opened my eyes to the future of digital technology and social business design.

I exited my business in 2022 following the sale of it's advanced technology to Toluna, and after 15 years and a short break I now wear several hats - from advising, to marketing, incubating new ideas and active investing (in business like What3Words and Mami Wata).

Stephen Cribbett

Advising & Coaching

You’re stuck because you’re trying to do everything. I help leaders get clear on what really matters, and work with them to build predictable, healthy growing businesses that work for them. Learn more.

Marketing

Most companies compete by being slightly better. I’ll help you win by being radically different. Go-to-market strategies and marketing programs that make your brand the only choice. Learn more.

Writing

I turn your expertise into a weapon by writing with clarity and authority so your ideas travel further, attract sharper minds, and open doors you didn’t know existed. Learn more.

Strategy

Strategy isn’t a document, it’s a weapon. I work with founders to create ruthless clarity so every decision, every action, every resource drives growth without burnout. Learn more.

Special projects

I take on complex, intriguing or just downright fun projects that need clear thinking, unconventional firepower, and a refusal to play by the rules, ranging from motorsport management to cultural semiotics.  More.

AI & Automation

Lost in the AI noise and hype?. I’ll help you harness AI to streamline workflow and increase your capabilities, so you move faster and build an unfair strategic advantage. Learn more.

What’s been said..

  • Dave Kaye, founder of FieldNotes. A smiling man with short, dark hair and a beard, wearing a black shirt outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

    "Stephen is the real deal when it comes to entrepreneurship and business acumen. He isn't just a theorist; he's someone who has rolled up his sleeves, built, and successfully sold a thriving business"

    Dave Kaye
    Founder, FieldNotes

  • Shifra Cook. A woman with short dark hair and blue eyes, wearing a black turtleneck, stands in front of a wooden bookshelf filled with books and a carved wooden statue of Ganesha.

    "Stephen's own experience as a founder means that he coaches and advises with real empathy and strategic foresight. Because he’s been in my shoes, he is able to help me see things more clearly and quickly avoid the pitfalls."

    Shifra Cook
    Founder, AYDA

  • Annie Auerbach of Startling Strategy. A woman with short red hair wearing large black glasses smiling at the camera.

    "Stephen is incredible at connecting like-minded people, creating spaces for collaborative thinking and starting fires which turn into big ideas."

    Annie Auerbach
    Founder, Starling Strategy

  • Richard Chapman of Richard Chapman Studies. A smiling man with a beard in a light blue striped button-up shirt against a neutral background.

    Stephen’s approach is powerful but human. He helped me clarify my offer and modernise our marketing, guiding me towards predictable revenue and a sense of calm. For the first time in a long while I feel excited about what we’re doing today and our plans for the future.

    Richard Chapman, Founder
    RCS

  • Mike Clear Clear, co-founder of Made Clear Studios. Black and white headshot of a man with short dark hair, wearing a white collared shirt, smiling slightly, against a plain light background.

    Stephen's calm, measured advice was hugely welcome at a time when we needed helpful guidance.

    Mike Clear
    Founder, Made Clear Studios