John C's story
John C, a former car valuer/buyer who lives in Nottingham, left his job at a dealership after feeling like his heart wasn’t in it anymore.
John is a talented writer and performer who is also neurodivergent. After six sessions of Life Coaching with Ben, John committed to carving out a new path as ‘the Car Showroom Poet’. All he needed was someone to believe in him and give him the structure to help turn his dreams into reality…
“At the end of 2024, I was staring down the end of my role at a dealership, which was a part of my life I never thought I’d walk away from. But deep down, I knew it was no longer where my heart was. When I saw an email offering life coaching through Ben, I thought maybe this would help me. At that time, I felt detached, almost alienated from everything. Reaching out to Ben felt like someone finally saw me and understood that my journey, although unconventional, was valid.
“When I made that first call, I felt seen — the support team simply listened. As a neurodivergent person, I often struggle with overwhelm and procrastination. I needed someone to believe in me. I had committed to writing a book and preparing a one-man show for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025. My first coaching session began just as I was diving into writing my book. From there, the pace was gentle and the sessions were spaced out enough to give me room to breathe and create.
“Coaching helped me break my ambitions into bite-sized steps, turning inner chaos into real progress. I felt heard, valued, and, most importantly, capable of moving forward. Coaching was more than pep talks, it gave me structure. By the time we had ended the final session, I held a completed manuscript in my hands, ready for publishing. The process helped me refine my writing and helped me to believe in myself — I am a writer. I needed encouragement, clarity, and a voice in my corner. Ben provided all three. Now, my book called The Car Showroom Poet is due to be released soon. My one‑man live show will debut at Surgeons’ Hall during the Fringe from 11th-16th August.
“Ben’s help meant that I mattered. My story — being the first poet to emerge from a car showroom — is unique. It didn’t come with a roadmap so I’m carving one out. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced bias in the automotive industry, but coaching helped give me a voice. The Ben team listened to me as a writer, performer and singer. The process truly transformed me.
“Without Ben, I’d probably still be muddling along, letting deadlines slip and feeling like I was swimming through treacle. Without the structure and support, I think the project would have lost momentum in a fog of isolation and indifference. Instead, thanks to coaching, I have a completed book to be released and a stage show ready to launch!
“Right now, I'm finalising the formatting of my book and rehearsing the show, balancing the promotion, logistics and practice. It’s busy, but since coaching, I'm much more focused and driven. Looking ahead, I feel really positive. My song parodies, Super Cali Lotus, I Will Drive, Always Drive on the Right Side of the Road, I think they'll resonate. And my core poems, like Showroom Wonder and Make Amends, speak to people who've had challenges in life.
“As for future challenges, I feel equipped. Whether my book launch is a whisper or a blast, I know I can handle triumph or setback with resilience. This journey has been about personal growth, and no matter what happens, I’m emerging as a stronger, better version of myself.
“To anyone thinking of contacting Ben, don’t underestimate your story or downplay your struggles. Even if your path feels unusual, reach out, Ben will listen. Ben will meet you exactly where you are, whether you have a problem big or small — just take that first step.”
The Car Showroom Poet book will be available for sale in UK/EU from Amazon on 4th August, one week before John's debut performance run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 11-16 August. For further show information and tickets see The Car Showroom Poet | Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
