START THE CONVERSATIONS THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS DEPENDS ON...
Helping family and founder-led businesses navigate the human dimensions of succession and change.
Most business owners think a lot about the future of their business.
But knowing what you want to happen - and getting the people around you aligned to make it happen - are two different things.
Sometimes the challenge is having the conversations that everyone has been avoiding. Sometimes it's about preparing the next generation, developing a leadership team, hiring or retaining key people, handing over control, or getting the business ready for a successful exit.
And sometimes you just need an independent perspective to help work through whatever is getting in the way, make better decisions and protect relationships and business value.
That's where we come in - providing independent advice, facilitation and coaching to help you have the conversations that matter and create clear options for the future.
To find out more, let's talk. No pitch, no pressure, just a chat to see if we can help.
About Us
Chris Bates (Founder)
After an initial career in insurance and financial services and observing both of his parents farming families take different succession pathways, Chris founded a strategy and leadership firm in 2004 (Checkside) that he sold via a progressive partner buyout in 2021. He moved to an Advisory Board role whilst transitioning into a CEO role for a diversified mid-market family business (Waringa Farming, Aviation and Distribution) for 4 ½ years - successfully implementing his own succession plan.
With experience as a business owner, CEO, coach and adviser, Chris relates to what is important to clients and works effectively alongside accountants and other advisers.
His qualifications include a Bachelor of Business degree from Curtin University, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors course (GAICD) and Certified Chair with the Advisory Board Centre.
Chris has helped over 200 mid-market clients with strategy, leadership and succession challenges over the years. He retains a passion for coaching, both in business and sport, to help people reach their full potential.
Ward Dedman (Adviser)
After moving to Perth to play Rugby League for the Western Reds IN 1994, Ward built a successful career in the insurance industry, becoming a shareholder, director and CEO of one of the largest independently owned firms in Australia, EBM Insurance and Risk.
Since retiring from his executive role in early 2026 he has focused his time on long-term family office investments and select non-executive director roles.
With his experience as an owner, business investor, non-executive director and CEO, Ward provides well-rounded leadership, risk management and governance insights to both clients and professional services partners.
Ward completed the Stanford University Executive Program for Growing Companies in 2019 and holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Broking). He is passionate about family and enjoys supporting his adult children pursue their own career and business interests.
Who we help
Our clients are typically mid-market family and founder-led businesses (circa $5M to $250M revenue) - the engine room of the economy.
We are sector agnostic, with experience across almost every industry, including farming and agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, mining, civil, transport, technology and professional service firms.
For businesses at this scale, succession is nearly always a strategic priority but carries a high degree of complexity when it comes to dealing with the human and emotional elements of leadership transition and business continuation.
And for accountants and other advisers, we provide a reliable solution when an independent facilitator is needed or conflicts arise.
There are simply not many experts available who do what we do, with relevant first-hand experience in family and founder-led businesses.
Sidelight fills that gap.
Our Services
Delivered separately or sequentially to suit your situation. Call us to find out more.
Discovery
The best results come from conversations with each stakeholder first, not putting everyone in the same room too quickly.
Facilitation & Alignment
We help family members and stakeholders understand each other's perspectives to create alignment and clear options for the future.
Design
Right people, right structures. Reduce principal dependency and build management depth to be transition or exit ready by design.
Sounding Board & Coach
Perspective and insights for better decision making, development and leadership transition.
Advisory Boards & Family Councils
As an independent Chair or member, we help you with right-sized meetings, governance and advice.
Testimonials
"I've worked with Chris for over 20 years across my own businesses and have also referred him to other business owners.
What differentiates Chris from other coaches is that his advice is grounded in real commercial experience. He understands first-hand the realities of running, growing and exiting a business and that comes through in the quality and practicality of his guidance."
Eric Cain
CEO - QPR Premium Funding
"Chris worked with me and my leadership team at Fleet Network over a 3 year period. He brings a commercially astute lens to coaching and it was always clear that he believed in and cared about our team reaching our full potential.
His work helped prepare us for our next stage of growth and has endured, including our brand promise that remains core to the way we work at Paywise today."
Frank Agostino
CEO - Paywise
“I am so grateful that you were able to get all the family prepared to speak openly at our alignment meeting. It’s daunting feeling like you are about to air all your issues to an 'outsider', but the way you made everyone comfortable to share and get us back on track was first class.
I really enjoy our revised family meetings too. They feel more meaningful and productive with your input. Thanks again...”
Sarah
Director - Private Family Business
“Thanks for all your guidance for our family over the last few months. It was feeling a bit like an uncontrolled rocket-ship ride before, but the org structure and role clarity has helped a lot and the feedback from our management team from your sessions with them has been excellent.
I think we're all getting a lot of clarity from the way you challenge us while still bringing a sense of calm to our conversations…”
Paul
Founder - Private Family Business
Start the conversations the future of your business depends on.
Call Chris on 0428 419870 to find out more.
Or submit a meeting request and we will call you.
