Building Organisations that Perform and Endure

For ambitious organisations facing complexity, change or rapid growth, I develop the teams and systems that translate bold strategy into resilient execution.

From scaling tech unicorn Deliveroo 500-fold as one of its earliest operators to leading soldiers in Afghanistan and managing humanitarian operations in Africa and the Caribbean, I’ve spent my career building organisations that perform and endure.

Now I bring that experience to founders and leadership teams, solving the challenges that determine whether their vision becomes reality.


About

Paul David Mather – Operations, Leadership & Risk Management, Career Development

Operator, entrepreneur and former Army officer. Born in Salford, I studied at Oxford, worked in France and Russia, led soldiers in Afghanistan, then joined Deliveroo in London as employee 15 and the second operations hire. Our early team built the operating model, expanded internationally and scaled the business 500-fold in five years. Beyond commercial ventures, I’ve trained a search and rescue team in Antigua and managed safety and security for a major humanitarian NGO in Sudan.


How to Build an Organisation that Performs and Endures

Every organisation has a strategy. Far fewer have the systems and operational rigour to deliver it sustainably. I work with founders and leadership teams to develop teams capable of sustained performance through complexity, change and growth.

Key Components of Success
Translating Strategy into Execution

Ambitious organisations rarely fail because they lack ideas, they fail because strategy isn’t translated into clear priorities and accountable actions. I help leadership teams turn strategic intent into practical execution by aligning objectives with delivery.

Developing Teams that Perform

High-performing organisations are built by high-performance teams. Whether you’re scaling an organisation or navigating changing priorities, I help create the clarity and structure that enable people to perform confidently and consistently.

Building Systems that Endure

As organisations grow, so does complexity. I develop the systems, processes and ways of working that enable organisations to scale, adapt and continue performing as demands increase. The result is a resilient organisation, set up for long term success.

Fostering Resilient Leadership

Leadership is tested when conditions become uncertain. Drawing on my experience in military operations, tech scale-ups and humanitarian response, I help leaders make sound decisions, build trust, manage risk and maintain momentum through adversity.

Learn More

    Why work with me
    • 18 years’ experience building and scaling operations, in business and the military.
    • Employee 15 and second operations hire at Deliveroo, scaled 500-fold in five years.
    • Advised and mentored founders from seed to series A, bootstrapped to VC-backed.
    • Hired and developed more than 100 operators, from entry level to executives.
    • Described as challenging yet collaborative, pragmatic yet optimistic.
    How we can work together

    I typically work with organisations on fractional, advisory and project-based engagements. Each engagement is structured around the outcomes you need to achieve.


Partner Success Stories

Launched Covid Testing Partnership / Mentored Ops Director
Launched Covid Testing Partnership / Mentored Ops Director
Advised Ops Team / Hired VP Ops, CoS, Ops Managers
Advised Ops Team / Hired VP Ops, CoS, Ops Managers
Designed & Delivered Leadership Training for Big Techs
Designed & Delivered Leadership Training for Big Techs
Advised Founder / Hired & Coached CoS
Advised Founder / Hired & Coached CoS
Mentored Head of Ops
Mentored Head of Ops
Redesigned Employee Onboarding
Redesigned Employee Onboarding
Advised & Mentored COO
Advised & Mentored COO
Mentored Head of Finance & Ops
Mentored Head of Finance & Ops
Advised & Mentored Ops Director
Advised & Mentored Ops Director
Advised Founders on Ops / Hired COO, GM, Ops Manager
Advised Founders on Ops / Hired COO, GM, Ops Manager
Advised Founder on Ops / Hired Head of Ops
Advised Founder on Ops / Hired Head of Ops
Advised Founders on Partnerships Strategy
Advised Founders on Partnerships Strategy


Career & Leadership Mentoring

Alongside my work with organisations, I help ambitious operators develop the clarity, confidence and leadership capability to take on bigger roles and greater responsibility.

Key Components of Success
Career Direction

Clarify your strengths, values and ambitions to define a career that genuinely fits.

Personal Positioning

Develop a compelling professional narrative and strengthen your CV and LinkedIn.

Strategic Career Development

Create a focused plan to access the right opportunities through networking.

Leadership Development

Build the confidence, judgement and operating mindset to lead effectively

Performance & Progression

Strengthen your performance in role and position yourself for long-term success.

Learn More

    When I can help
    • You're unsure which direction your career should take next.
    • You know where you want to go but need a clear strategy to get there.
    • You're applying for opportunities without getting the response you deserve.
    • You're stepping into greater responsibility and want to become a more effective leader.
    Why work with me
    • 15 years' experience mentoring founders, executives, operators and emerging leaders.
    • Led teams of >80 and hired dozens of operators, at Deliveroo and other companies.
    • Mentored diverse people globally, at all levels, including veterans.
    • Trained and accredited as a mentor by The Portfolio Collective.
    • Described as action-biased yet strategic, direct yet empathic.
    How we can work together

    These are my most popular services, which I will adapt to your needs and budget:

    • Strategic Career Development – ongoing mentoring tailored to your goals.
    • Career Pivot Programme – intensive support for major transitions.


Mentoring Success Stories


Connect with Me

I don't hide behind assistants or AI. Book an intro call for an open, honest conversation.