Jon and Mark, decision coaches standing outside with tree-lined street behind them.

WE HELP LEADERS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

Changing lives, one decision at a time

We strive to be better coaches asking better questions. Better questions stimulating better thinking. Better thinking supporting better decisions. Better decisions developing better leaders. Better leaders cultivating a better world.

Meet Jon & Mark

Co-founders and Decision Coaches

Jon Bircher, ACC

I am a leadership and decision coach, former CEO and a strategic advisor with over 25 years of Consulting, Pharma and Biotech experience.

As a coach, I bring a blend of questioning, listening, observation, empathy and challenge coupled with strategic know-how and leadership expertise.

I love walking alongside my clients as they find clarity of direction and confidence in decision-making.

Contact Jon

Co-founder Mark picture sitting at desk with cup in hands

Mark Herbert

I am a dynamic and creative leader and decision coach experienced in working in a diversity of sectors including education, not-for-profit, church and corporate leadership.

I bring a depth of experience working with leaders and next-generation leaders through behavioural profiling, greater self-awareness, and communications.

I love helping leadership teams move forwards with courage and clarity. I am the Author of I'm [not] a leader

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Our Founding Story

Salt & Light was founded by Jon Bircher and Mark Herbert inspired by a serendipitous meeting at a bustling coffee shop in Guildford, England. Jon initially reached out to Mark through a coaching network, seeking support and connection. Our connection was instant, and our shared ideas quickly blossomed into joint projects, eventually giving birth to a thriving coaching company.

Despite our different backgrounds and leadership journeys, we discovered common beliefs and values. We are committed to cultivating deep, enduring relationships built on trust, care, compassion, challenge, and encouragement. We both have a passion for walking alongside individuals as they navigate life's most significant decisions.

Our focus on better decision-making has grown over time, as we witnessed the transformation in ourselves, our teams and our clients.

For Jon, moving from, a career leading a healthcare consultancy, decision-making shifted from a strategic, transactional, and intuitive approach to a more thoughtful, relationship-centred one, fueled by curiosity and insightful questioning. This had a profound impact. For Mark working in education and church leadership, decision-making transitioned from procrastination and anxiety to positivity, discernment, and peace, empowered by the power of pausing.

These personal experiences have shaped our purpose, our focus and the core values of Salt & Light.

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Our Values

Being Salt & Light

Salt preserves and adds flavour. Light illuminates and provides a clear path ahead.

Pursuing Better

Pursuing high standards and staying curious so each piece of work and each interaction is better.

Walking Alongside

Creating time and space, we walk alongside our clients, always there to support them.

Bringing our Best Selves

Deepening knowledge, pausing, and refreshing in nature to be better coaches and colleagues.

paper posted on a wall with "Good News is coming" written on it.

Salt & Light?

People often ask us - "where does the name Salt & Light come from?"

Salt and Light are biblical metaphors. We work with leaders from multiple faiths or none, but as Christians, we are committed to being Salt and Light as Jesus encourages his followers. For us, this means adding flavour and value to our coaching conversations and spotlighting your genius and shining a light on a clear path ahead.

Matthew 5:13-16

Credentials

Level 5 certificate in effective coaching and mentoring

His coaching has made a tangible difference to how I have approached challenges both at work and home