About

Hi, I'm Karen Goldfinch

Owner/Founder, Your Business Pilot

Welcome to Your Business Pilot — where mentoring meets real-world experience and a big dose of honest and supportive encouragement.  I've spent years guiding small business owners, creatives, social enterprises and community changemakers through challenges and growth. Whether you're just starting out, well established, or ready to take bold new steps, I’m here to help you find clarity, build confidence, and make progress with purpose.

My self employed journey began in 2001, when I launched my first business — giving me firsthand insight into what it takes to lead, adapt, and thrive through the highs and lows of running a business. During that time, I’ve served as a board member, chair, and advisor across various sectors, always championing inclusive practices, strategic planning, and positive impact.

I work especially well with clients navigating ADHD and neurodivergent experiences, offering support that’s adaptable, empowering, and built around real needs. My approach is practical and personal: together, we cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and move forward with strategies that support financial sustainability, personal wellbeing, and meaningful change.

Your Business Pilot: Helping You Navigate What’s Next

Support that starts from where you are and helps you grow to where you want to be.

Strategic Support for Founders & Senior Leaders

Support for founders and senior leaders to thrive with clarity, confidence, and inclusion through mentoring, workshops, and training.

Inclusive Mentoring for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs

Strengths-based mentoring for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and business owners with tailored sessions, events, and resource guides.

Creative Growth for Founders, Makers & Creatives

Strategic support for creative businesses and ventures with mentoring, planning, development workshops, and space to explore new ideas.

Business Growth for Founders & Owners

Planning and tools for small businesses to shape sustainable growth with practical support via mentoring and training.

Strategic Support for Social Enterprises

Purpose-led planning and partnership engagement with mentoring, workshops, and sector insight.

New Founders & Early-Stage Venture Support

Strategy and confidence-building for new founders through mentoring, clinics, and planning resources.

Mentoring for Young People & Emerging Talent

Opportunities for young people via mentoring, collaborations, work ready and entrepreneurship workshops.

Consultancy for Local Authorities & Public Sector Partners

Experience-led services linking business with public sector strategy through consultations and Covid recovery leadership.

Peer Learning for Founders & Local Changemakers

Mentoring, workshops and accountability groups to build confidence, share wisdom, and foster growth.

Chart your next course

Let’s plan your next step together - book a free discovery call today.

Find out more

Trusted by

Michael Peeke-Voult
Michael Peeke-VoultBusiness Development, Graduate Futures, Northumbria University

Having known and worked with Karen for over a decade, she’s been a great sounding board for advice and support over the years. She is passionate not only about the region, but also about driving businesses forward and is always willing to support in any way she can. Having held positions of senior leadership, she’s not afraid to have the hard conversations, to ensure we have a better North-East to live and work in. I’d be happy to recommend to my network and for anyone looking for any business coaching.

Nicola Jayne Little
Nicola Jayne LittleCEO, Chief Activator & Founder of Celebrate Difference Ltd.

I've worked with Karen for many years in various different guises; self-employed , Chair of the Board, mentor/mentee and more!
Karen has a real understanding of enterprise and the self-employed landscape derived from her own lived experience of running small businesses.
Whether retail or B2B, Karen's advice and support will always be matched for her enthusiasm to guide people to their preferred outcomes.

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Want to know more?

If you’d like any more information about anything or to request a free 30 min no obligation chat, please reach out using this form.  I’d love to find out more about you and your business or organisation.