Paul Culshaw is the founder of paul., a digital strategy business that helps female coaches, consultants, and small business owners succeed by simplifying the complexities of digital marketing with a strategy-led approach.
With over 25 years of experience, Paul has a knack for turning intricate digital challenges into straightforward, actionable strategies that drive growth and visibility.
Throughout his career, Paul has led successful campaigns for major brands like the UK’s biggest theme park, Alton Towers Resort, Manchester University, and pharmaceutical giants, AstraZeneca. His work spans across industries, bringing a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to every project.
Whether it’s consulting on business strategy or mentoring his entrepreneurial clients in foundational business steps, content marketing, SEO, copywriting, automations, and AI tools, Paul’s holistic approach ensures that his clients are always a step ahead in the digital world.
Paul’s signature Growth Optimiser system—Foundation, Framework, Fellowship, and Finesse—is at the core of his methodology. It’s a system that not only builds brands but also establishes his clients as experts in their fields. His clients appreciate his patient, considered approach, and his commitment to transparency and authenticity in all interactions.
When he’s not strategizing for clients, you’ll find Paul running The Digital Success Academy, where he shares his insights through live sessions, a comprehensive online training library, and interactive discussions.
Based in Manchester, UK, Paul works with clients across the UK, US, Canada, and Europe, helping them achieve their business goals and empowering them with the strategy and skills to succeed.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
A fitting mascot for my business would be a compass in the form of a character, such as “Compass the Strategist.”
Here’s why:
Guidance and Clarity: A compass symbolises my role as a guide, helping my clients navigate the complex world of marketing and strategy with confidence and direction.
Strategy: It aligns with my focus on building clear, efficient strategies to grow businesses, always pointing clients toward their “true north.”
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while running my own business is essential, and I use a mix of strategies to ensure I stay productive and prioritise my wellbeing.
I use time blocking in my Google Calendar, working in 45-minute focused intervals with regular breaks. This structure keeps me productive while reducing screen fatigue.
I prioritise my health by going to the gym during the day, several times a week. I believe that taking care of my physical and mental health is vital because, without it, I wouldn’t be able to serve my clients effectively or grow my business.
To maintain balance, I structure my week strategically. Mondays and Fridays are dedicated to working on my business, allowing me to focus on my own goals and development. Client meetings are scheduled mid-week, ensuring I have clear boundaries for client-facing work.
I’ve also set firm communication boundaries with clients. They know they can contact me during specific hours and that they’ll receive a reply within 24 hours. While I often respond sooner, these boundaries ensure I can separate business and personal time, which is key to maintaining balance.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
When faced with unexpected detours in my business, I take a step back to reflect and think through the situation.
My first focus is on gaining clarity, understanding what’s required and identifying the necessary actions to navigate the detour effectively.
Rather than seeing it as a disruption, I look at how I can integrate the unexpected into my week, ensuring it aligns with my priorities.
For me, it’s about being flexible but intentional. I assess what matters most in that moment and schedule time accordingly, balancing the detour with existing commitments.
I also choose to see these situations as opportunities, a chance to adapt, grow, and show resilience. This mindset not only helps me move forward but I hope also inspires others to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and possibility.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
I measure the success of my business beyond financial metrics in a few key ways:
Customer Satisfaction: I rely on Google Reviews to gather authentic feedback. These reviews provide valuable social proof and insight into how my services impact clients.
Social Proof & Engagement: I gauge customer connection through social media interactions—comments, direct messages, and overall engagement. These conversations provide qualitative feedback on how my content resonates with my audience.
Community Engagement: I analyse data from my Facebook group, tracking likes, comments, and other engagement metrics. This helps me identify which posts and topics resonate most with members, allowing me to optimise content and deliver more of what they value.
By combining these methods, I ensure that I’m consistently meeting my audience’s needs and building a connected, engaged community.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
A significant and memorable moment of transformation in my business was when I became a CPD Certified Business Strategist.
This accreditation elevated my credibility and allowed me to expand my offerings in a way that truly set me apart from other coaches and consultants who often lack formal accreditation.
Clients frequently expect more from their business coach, particularly when it comes to growth advice. Having the CPD accreditation means I can meet and exceed those expectations, offering clients a structured and recognised foundation in business strategy.
It also created an opportunity for me to share this accreditation with others. I now offer the CPD Accredited Business Strategist Certification as a course, empowering business coaches, strategists, and professionals looking to pivot into strategy with a high-demand qualification.
This development not only strengthened my business but also allowed me to support others in transforming their careers.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship plays a crucial role in the success of small businesses by offering expert guidance and providing a clear, structured path for growth. It equips business owners with the knowledge and tools to tackle challenges effectively, often breaking down complex skills into relatable, actionable steps. Beyond practical skills, mentorship supports personal development, which is just as vital for building a resilient and thriving business.
My own entrepreneurial journey has been deeply influenced by mentorship. Working with business strategy and mindset coaches has been transformative, helping me navigate both personal and professional challenges. Access to resources like training libraries, combined with one-on-one and group sessions, has given me invaluable insights. Learning alongside other like-minded individuals has broadened my perspective and strengthened my approach to growing my business.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
My work is all about helping coaches and consultants grow the businesses they desire by simplifying online marketing and business strategy. I guide them to create efficient systems, achieve greater visibility, and develop a strategic approach that builds recurring revenue and long-term success.
How Does It Make a Difference in the World?
My business makes a difference by providing clarity in an area that often feels overwhelming: marketing and strategy. By guiding clients from confusion to clarity, I empower them to take action with confidence, reduce stress, and find joy in building a business that aligns with their goals. This not only transforms their business but also their mindset, enabling them to focus on what truly matters and make a greater impact on their own clients and communities.
