Why me ?
I'm a commercially driven senior executive with over 40 years of experience founding, scaling, acquiring, and transforming businesses across the marketing, data, digital and technology sectors.
I bring a unique mix of entrepreneurial energy, strategic leadership, and M&A execution — with a track record in building client-first solutions, driving cultural cohesion, and achieving strong financial outcomes. I've successfully launched and exited multiple companies, turned around an AIM-listed group, and held senior executive positions at global firms.
What I offer is simple: deep experience, sharp thinking, and no corporate waffle. Whether you need fractional leadership, independent board oversight, or straight-talking advice, I'll show up as a genuine partner — invested in your success, not just my day rate.
Why High C's ?
The name does a lot of work — intentionally.
The C-Suite
CEO. COO. CDO. The level where strategy meets accountability — and where I've spent most of my career.
The High Seas
Business is rarely calm water. I help organisations navigate — plotting a course when things get choppy and finding wind when they go flat.
The High Note
On the trumpet, a high C is the note that separates the players from the pretenders. It takes technique, courage, and commitment — values I bring to every engagement.
How I work
I don't arrive with a pre-baked framework and try to squeeze your business into it. I listen carefully, ask uncomfortable questions when I need to, and then get to work on what will actually make a difference — not what looks impressive in a report.
I've founded companies myself, I understand what it feels like to have skin in the game. That shapes everything about how I show up.
• Commercially sharp — everything anchored in outcomes, not activity
• Founder mindset — I've built, scaled, and sold businesses
• Data-informed, human-led — good data plus good judgement
• No unnecessary complexity — clear thinking, clear communication
• Genuine enthusiasm — after 40+ years, still fascinated by how businesses work
Beyond The Boardroom
Amateur Theatre
Creative writing
Creative writing
I'm Chair of the Tring Theatre Company — a multi award-winning amateur theatre group. Collaborative storytelling keeps me sharp, humble, and occasionally requires me to learn lines in a hurry.
Creative writing
Creative writing
Creative writing
Good writing and good strategy have more in common than most people realise — both are about clarity of thought. Writing is how I process the world.
Music & Trumpet
Creative writing
Music & Trumpet
Music has always been a constant. Great musicians listen, adapt in real time, and create something better together than they could alone. Not unlike a high-performing leadership team.
Stand Up Comedy
Creative writing
Music & Trumpet
Stand-up teaches you to read a room, deal with uncertainty, and be absolutely clear about what you're trying to say. The feedback is immediate and brutally honest — which, as it happens, is exactly how I like to work.
Get In Touch
I'm always happy to have an exploratory chat — no pitch, no pressure. If there's something you're wrestling with, let's talk it through.
Email: steve@highcs.co.uk
Phone: +44 7905 258155
Web: www.highcs.co.uk
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/steve-mattey-b7aa3a1