“Stephen Baxter and Nine Dots Coaching have been instrumental in my transition from professional rugby league player to Chief Executive Officer within the relational business of sport.

Through LeadersLab, one-to-one coaching, and facilitated strategy days, Stephen has an exceptional ability to create the conditions for meaningful growth. The journey has felt like The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — not in illusion, but in personal discovery.

Stephen has helped me find greater courage 🦁, deepen my empathy 💙, and apply wisdom with clarity 🧠, all whilst navigating the inevitable distractions and “broomsticks” 🧹 that appear along the yellow brick road.

Stephen doesn’t give you the answers — he helps you uncover the ones that were already there.”

“Having owned and run the business for 26 years, I was in a routine that kept me plodding on. I hadn’t realised that I was leading with one hand on the handbrake.

The coaching experience is fantastic, I really look forward to the individual coaching sessions and the Leaderslab group days. It’s really refreshing to spend time working ‘on’ me and the business. Rather than ‘in’ the business. A great experience that I can highly recommend.

An unexpected bonus has been developing my own coaching skills to approach daily issues with a more pragmatic, coaching, leadership style.

I am more reflective, enjoying my job more and because of this a better leader. I am more capable of helping the team fulfil their hopes and dreams through empowering them to grow our business.”

I’ve worked with Stephen for the past two years and can honestly say that the executive coaching has had a real impact on both my personal and professional growth as a leader.

One of the biggest things I’ve taken from our sessions is learning how to reposition and reframe situations. Stephen has helped me step back, look at things from a different perspective and think more strategically, rather than simply focusing on what is immediately in front of me. That shift in thinking has given me greater clarity and confidence in how I lead and make decisions.

Stephen is an invaluable sounding board. Our sessions give me the space to explore ideas, work through decisions, and think about opportunities from a different perspective. He has helped me become more self-aware, more considered in my approach and ultimately a better leader.

What I value most is that Stephen doesn’t give you the answers. He asks the right questions, encourages you to think differently and gives you the space to find these for yourself.

I’d highly recommend Stephen to any senior leader looking for genuine personal and professional development, and a trusted partner to help them think differently.

“Stephen has been a brilliant mentor and I would highly recommend anyone needing someone to help them find the best version of themselves.

From a business to personal level, Stephen has managed to make me realise what i need to do to make small changes to what i do, to make me more successful in both home and work life.

His relaxed and positive way of thinking made all the sessions easy to understand with a lot of positive outcomes, i really looked forward to each session, finding out more about myself.

100% Recommend.”

“We recently worked with Nine Dots Coaching for our yearly business planning event.

Steve is exceptionally disciplined, clear, and concise in his approach. He kept us focused and on track ensuring that we were productive and goal-oriented. His ability to bring our team together was outstanding. Stephen’s coaching style combines professionalism with practical strategies that deliver real results.

If your organisation is looking to strengthen teamwork, improve clarity, and achieve impactful business outcomes, Steve is the person you need!

Thanks again, Steve.”

“Cannot recommend Stephen highly enough! His programme is transformational in so many ways as he guides you along a journey of self- reflection, self-discovery and success! Be kind to You, value You and unlock your full potential……I did not think I would end up where I did at the end and I am so grateful. Since working with Stephen I feel a greater sense of peace and balance. I am conscious of my thoughts and behaviours which has shifted perspectives both at home and work. The answers were always there but his delicate questions helped me gain clarity and focus to understand what really matters. I understand that I need to take a step back and stop being “ultra” and working hundred miles an hour as there is no benefit to me. Cannot thank you enough and keep doing what you do best. Bhavna”

“Steve has helped me grow in

confidence and has acted as a brilliant thinking partner, unlocking ideas,

offering valuable insights, and facilitating reflections that have moved my business forward.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Steve to anyone looking for experienced, genuine, and impactful mentorship.

Thank you, Steve!”

“I had the privilege of selecting Stephen as my mentor through the HTG course, and from our very first meeting, he exceeded all expectations. He took the time to understand me even before we met, recognising key traits and personal milestones that made me feel valued and understood. This foundation of trust was strengthened over time as he consistently remembered important moments in my life, creating a mentoring relationship that was both professional and deeply personal.”

“I was trepidatious about my first meeting with Stephen thinking that being coached was not really my thing. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Stephen challenged me to work to find my own solutions and find a way through to enable me to make decisions. His clarity of thought was immensely helpful to me. I would not hesitate to recommend him.”

“I have known Stephen for a number of years and have been constantly impressed with his achievements.

His clients and contacts hold him in high regard and when beginning his journey to become a coach, I felt the time was right to seek some support.

My experience through a period in my career where things were moving and changing fast was superb. Stephen was able to calmly and effortlessly work with me to navigate many challenging situations and allow me to focus on leading a team and achieve positive outcomes.”