Meet Charlie
Founder & Lead Coach at Untapped Potential
I help people who feel stuck, overlooked or unsure of their direction build clarity, confidence and momentum so they can create meaningful career success.
Meet Charlie Ford
Founder & Lead Coach, Untapped Potential
I’m Charlie. I work with people who feel stuck, overlooked, or unsure of their next step helping them find clarity, rebuild confidence, and take action with purpose.
Where it started
I grew up in a deprived area of Derby where expectations were low and opportunities felt limited. Like a lot of people, I carried the message that certain paths simply weren’t for me.
At 18, I chose work over university and started out in a call centre. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me the value of showing up, learning fast, and taking responsibility for my own progress.
The long way round (and why it matters)
Over time, I worked my way through roles in the sport sector and kept stepping into bigger challenges. Before I turned 44, I’d held three C-level positions across National Governing Bodies.
That progress didn’t come from having a perfect plan. It came from hard work, determination, and resilience especially in moments where self-doubt could have been the loudest voice in the room.
The turning point
Along the way, I was fortunate to meet mentors who saw potential in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. They helped me recognise my strengths, challenge the stories I’d been telling myself, and raise my expectations of what was possible.
That support changed everything not because it handed me opportunities, but because it helped me become the person who could step into them.
Why I coach now
Untapped Potential exists because I know what it’s like to work hard and still feel like you’re not getting traction. My coaching is about helping you uncover what you’re already capable of, build confidence from evidence (not hype), and move forward with clear, practical steps.
What you can expect
You can expect a supportive, honest space where we focus on your strengths, your values, and what matters most to you. We’ll turn insight into action so you leave each session with clarity and next steps you can genuinely follow through on.
If you’re ready to explore what’s next, book a free 30-minute discovery call and we’ll talk it through.
What it’s like to work with me
Human-first and strengths-led
We start with what’s already working. your strengths, values and wins. then build a plan that fits who you are.
Supportive, honest and practical
You’ll get encouragement and challenge in equal measure, plus clear actions between sessions to keep momentum.
Built for real life
Fully remote, UK-wide coaching with flexible sessions and tools you can use immediately in your job search or role.
A few words from clients
Here are a few words from clients I’ve supported. More testimonials will be added soon.
★★★★★
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have had Charlie’s support as a coach and mentor over the past five years. His guidance has played a hugely important role in shaping not only how I lead, but how I think, reflect, and grow within sport. Charlie has consistently challenged me to raise my standards, encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone, and supported me through both the highs and the more difficult moments. His ability to balance honesty with encouragement has helped me build confidence, resilience, and clarity in my leadership. As I move into the next phase of my leadership journey, I know I do so with a much stronger foundation because of his influence. The lessons, perspective, and belief he has instilled in me will stay with me, and I’m genuinely grateful for the time, energy, and care he has invested in my development.”
Danny
Birmingham
★★★★★
“A great coach not only shares knowledge but inspires action, and Charlie excels at this. He holds people accountable in a supportive fashion, encouraging progress without pressure. His integrity, professionalism, and authenticity create a safe space where you are made to feel comfortable being challenged and motivated to improve. From a personal and professional perspective, I have found Charlie to be an exceptional business mentor and coach. Having explored self-development through powerful questioning and reflection, I found his impact on me to be both immediate and lasting. He is highly skilled at breaking down complex problems, making them manageable, and building confidence in those around him. Having spent hours navigating emotional intelligence, psychology safety and imposter syndrome, I found his feedback to be clear, constructive, and intentional. I would argue that what sets Charlie apart is his ability to listen with empathy and criticality. He doesn’t just hear challenges, he takes time to understand them before posing questions that penetrate the barriers created by low self-confidence, failure and rejection towards uncovering solutions that are both practical and empowering. His guidance is never a one-size-fits-all anecdote, instead, he considers the person in front of him and tailors his approach to meeting your challenges. In doing so, I would say that he identifies strengths and addresses your development areas with honesty and respect.”
Sam
Bradford
★★★★★
“Charlie has been providing career coaching and guidance to me for several years now, and the sounding board that he offers is a consistent and safe space that I keep coming back to time and again. My career was at a stalemate and future path uncertain 4 years ago. When I first started working with Charlie, he provided me with the constructive feedback and space to learn for myself that I had been hoping for but not fully realised that I needed until I started seeing the results. I found my spark again, and a renewed drive to develop and work to the best of my ability, all whilst receiving the encouragement, reassurance and honest input that I needed to allow me to reflect and grow into a well-rounded leader. I highly recommend Charlie and am very grateful for all the time and support he has given to me”.
Avoen
Winchester