MEET ELLEN DONNELLY,
UK BUSINESS COACH FOR ENTREPRENEURS
AND FOUNDERS
I believe that the right ask
changes everything.
Every entrepreneur arrives at the crossroads of … ‘What’s next’ and ‘What if I…?’, those moments when the thrill of success gives way to the weight of indecision. You know there's more to achieve through your growth, or more impact to make through a pivot, but the path forward isn't always clear.
And that lack of clarity isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a roadblock to your next breakthrough. Your success hinges on cutting through the fog with a razor-sharp vision, a clear head, and deep insights to guide your next move. Without them, you risk treading water instead of surging ahead.
As the Founder of The Ask and your coach, clarity is what I’m here to help you achieve.
I guide you through powerful questions to get unstuck and build your momentum: the questions that challenge your assumptions, clarify your vision, build your self-trust, and propel you towards your goals.
The Ask isn’t just a coaching method—it’s a call to the entrepreneurs ready to become the leader their vision demands. It’s for the doers, the ones who dare to actually pick up the dream and keep running with it. It’s for the relentless creators who understand that business building is as much about sharpening your own edge as it is spreadsheets and strategies.
So if that’s you, you’re in the right place.
I’m Ellen, your coach, co-pilot, and fellow founder
Coaching entrepreneurs to lead with vision, strategy, and decisive action.
Ellen Donnelly
Founder and six-figure business owner of The Ask
Accredited Diploma in Transformative Coaching, Animas Centre for Coaching (ICF-certified)
150+ clients coached through The Ask
8+ years in Talent Advisory and Headhunting for top executives
Gym bunny, world traveller, and improv comedian (really!)
The path to business success is rarely a straight line, and there’s no single right answer. That’s why I founded The Ask—based on my belief that it is in asking the right questions that we find what we are looking for.
My approach is rooted in years of hands-on experience, first as a headhunter and talent advisor, where I became an expert at understanding what makes people tick. I honed the art of the ask while interviewing thousands of individuals, from senior executives to startup founders, diving deep into what fuels their ambitions and challenges.
Working at a startup accelerator, I then guided founders through the complexities of launching their businesses and pitching to investors—connecting with over 700 founders in just one year!
And now, as your coach, I apply this unique lens on business building and decision-making to help you navigate your own entrepreneurial path, turning big questions into strategic action.
Today, The Ask has grown into a thriving coaching practice that helps transform ambitious business owners into industry leaders.
While coaching hundreds of entrepreneurs, one thing has become crystal clear: in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, success hinges on more than just a good idea.
It's about having the clarity to make bold decisions, the confidence to challenge the status quo, and the grit to keep pushing forward when things get tough. And that's exactly what the accountability and dedicated support of a 1:1 coach can help you achieve.
I’m here to bypass generic advice and empty platitudes to push you beyond your comfort zone, help you sharpen your edge, and unleash your full potential. I’ve seen time and time again that this transformation is what separates the true trailblazers from the rest of the pack.
So if you’re ready for your own transformation, I’d love to hear from you!
It’s an honour to be the one in your corner helping you succeed.
Curious about my coaching style?
Here’s what entrepreneurs across the globe have to say:
“Guided by poignant and thoughtful questions”
“Full of nuggets of knowledge or a framework that provides extra context or another way to approach something in business”
“Calm, knowledgeable, in control, amazing at processing large amounts of information and making it make sense (basically helping me make sense of my 1000 thoughts and feel more in control of them)”
“Chock-full of practicality, problem-solving and positivity. Not a platitude in sight!”
“No nonsense, matter-of-fact, but still empathic, creative, and out-of-the-box :)”
“Very practical and forward thinking”
“Warm and focused”
“Grounded in research, theory, and real-world experience”
The Ask is built upon…
Uncovering Individuality
What makes you unique underpins all of our work together. We bypass the gatekeepers and Other People’s Opinions to always filter every decision through the lens of what’s right for YOU and your business.
Future-Oriented Thinking.
Others might be preparing for the future, but you’re creating it. We work with your long-term vision, crafting strategies that don’t respond to change but actively drive it.
Self-empowerment. Why wait on a permission slip or a tap on the shoulder? Bet on yourself instead. Taking charge of your business growth and your personal development is always a strong strategy.
Cutting to the Core. No fluff, no speaking in riddles, no faffing about—clarity is everything. With a keen eye to what’s really important, we slice through uncertainty and complexity to quickly get to the heart of the matter.
Ready to make your own ask?
Ready to make your own ask?
Fuel your entrepreneurial journey with targeted, transformative coaching.
Whether you're facing a pivotal decision, preparing for a significant leap, or ready to take massive action towards your vision, I'm here to help you cut through the noise and gain the clarity you need.
Through our work together, you'll sharpen your decision-making skills, boost your confidence, and take bold steps forward to become the leader you’re meant to be.