Why I started The Ventured Journal (and what it’s really about)
Short version: I’m an engineer turned business coach who helps technically minded leaders turn purpose into performance—without burning themselves or other people out. This Journal is where I share the frameworks, models, systems and mindsets that make that happen. Expect the odd meandering story too.
Why this exists
Many years ago, I discovered a love for writing while building and scaling a startup. Before you judge, this wasn’t some procrastination tactic or mindfulness tool (although it did serve both masters), it was a necessary part of building a brand, a voice and a clearer thinking as we positioned ourselves as thought leaders in the field we operated.
After that chapter ended, I missed the practice of “creative” writing. Since then, I’ve been an engineer, supervisor, founder, strategist, and coach. I’ve worked in big corporate and small business. Different contexts, same fascination: how do smart people build businesses that unlock the potential in people, not limit and frustrate them?
Who this is for
You began with an idea and developed the expertise to back it up. That carried you far. But to keep growing, something had to shift—the toughest problems stopped being technical and started being human - alignment, decisions, rhythm, trust. If you’ve felt that turn, you’re in the right place. I write for owners and leaders in engineering, consulting, and professional services who moved from expert to leader: owners, principals, managers, executives.
What you’ll get here:
We all come to the world of business and leadership with our own stories and experiences in life. And so, I use life as my teacher and inspiration to share, coach and guide others along the journey of running their business, growing as leaders and being the people they aspire to be.
Fear not, amongst the storytelling, I promise to give you practical systems for running a purpose-led business and leading teams that thrive. My goal, to help you move from technical expertise to sustainable growth:
Frameworks you can sketch on a whiteboard (e.g., Source Behaviour Outcome; Values as Operating Code).
Decision filters that reduce escalation and rework.
Rhythms (daily/weekly/quarterly) that keep teams calm and moving.
Field notes—anonymous stories from the work: problem → intervention → result.
Stories from life – subtle observations with lessons you can apply in life and leadership
Tools—one-pagers, checklists, scripts.
Always one clear action you can take in <15 minutes.
What this isn’t
Not (exclusively) motivational quotes. Not corporate clichés about “transformational leadership.” I’ll share my hard-won catalogue of what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference.
Think of this as a place for practical reflection — real lessons from life and the field about how businesses grow, cultures shift, leaders find clarity and people grow.
A few beliefs up front
Purpose is the centre of gravity. Values are what puts that purpose in motion – proved in behaviours we can see, count and coach.
Strategy should be collaborative, evergreen and outcome focused. Not written in isolation on a stone tablet (or worse not written at all).
Structure unlocks functional performance. It’s not just about reporting lines and job title.
Discipline equals freedom. Small rhythms, routines and cycles prevent big chaos and unlock creativity.
Overcommunication is almost never the problem. Bring others along for the journey, because In the absence of information, we make up stories which are almost never helpful.
Why “Ventured”
I called my business Ventured Co because the most meaningful work lives just beyond our comfort zone. When we venture—on purpose—we discover most of what held us back was noise. My coaching is about helping owners, leaders and teams step into that unknown with clarity, confidence, and simple systems to make decisions, and walk the right path when they need to.
How to use this Journal
Read with your business or team in mind.
Steal the frameworks.
Try the one action at the end of each post.
Hit reply and tell me what changed.
Stay up to date
Subscribe to The Ventured Journal on Substack and never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox.
One action now (5 minutes): Reply with the biggest bottleneck in your team today—decision speed, feedback, structure, or rhythm. I’ll point you to a tool or write a Field Note on it.
Thanks for being here,
Mark Campbell
