“Curiosity drives exploration and discovery, it fuels personal growth and transformation”

Ever wondered how a chef becomes the leader of global procurement teams? I’m Dennis, founder of A Curious Adventure, and I’m on a mission to help procurement professionals unlock their full leadership potential!

With over 30 years of procurement expertise in top FTSE 100 companies like Aviva, AstraZeneca, Barclays, Centrica, and Rolls-Royce, and most recently consulting across FMCG, Defence, and Retail, my career has spanned various roles, from category management to spearheading major technology transformation sourcing programs. I bring a deep understanding of the procurement world and a proven track record in leading high-performance teams.

My journey from the kitchen to the corporate world has been quite the adventure. Starting as a chef, I learned the importance of precision and creativity, skills that served me well as I transitioned into procurement. Navigating the complexities of the corporate world, leading diverse teams, and negotiating multi-million-pound deals has equipped me with a wealth of expertise and insights.

This extensive knowledge, combined with my NLP and Transformative coaching training, allows me to offer practical, actionable guidance grounded in real-world challenges and successes. Through A Curious Adventure, I'm on a mission to support procurement professionals stepping into their first leadership role or aiming to advance to the next level. This program is designed to help you navigate these challenges and achieve your career aspirations.

I’m dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where you can confidently tackle leadership challenges and prepare for promotions. My goal is to help you gain the confidence and skills to lead high-performing teams and make impactful decisions. Together, we'll unlock your potential and navigate your career path with precision.

Dennis Stanley

Founder of A Curious Adventure

What Our Clients Say .....

"Engaging Dennis as a coach was a decisive step in strengthening my leadership and strategic capability. I wanted to grow personally and professionally and needed someone who could challenge my thinking and help me progress."

Through our work, I’ve learned to look beyond day to day pressures and adopt a broader commercial lens. I’m clearer on my strengths, more intentional in how I communicate, and more confident in presenting solutions. I’ve also addressed behaviours that were limiting my effectiveness. The impact has been substantial. I approach conversations and decisions with greater clarity and influence outcomes more effectively. The change has been noticed by colleagues, and I feel more grounded and capable as a leader. Dennis created a focused, supportive environment that pushed my thinking in the right ways. His commercial insight, curiosity, and emotional intelligence made the coaching both personal and effective. What truly distinguishes Dennis is his blend of real world experience and authentic coaching. He doesn’t give answers; he enables you to find them. That has driven real, sustainable change for me. I would recommend Dennis to any professional looking to elevate their impact and strengthen their strategic thinking.

Harry Hans, Head of IT Commercial Procurement

"Working with Dennis came at the right time for me. I had just started a new contracting engagement and felt under-utilised. I was questioning my purpose and struggling to understand what I was actually bringing to the table."

I’d known Dennis professionally before and trusted his approach, so choosing him for coaching felt natural. The early sessions set the foundation. He helped me pinpoint where the real pressure and frustration sat. That clarity pushed me to focus on small wins between sessions, and I began taking notes and reflecting in a written format to track progress. It made a real difference. I started to see where I was helping and why the work mattered. Dennis helped shift my thinking away from a negative lens. My fear of failure has always been strong, and he supported me in managing it rather than being ruled by it. Because of that, my confidence in my own capability has grown. He listens, he understands the realities of professional life, and he brings a level of credibility that only comes from genuine experience. I’d work with him again without hesitation and would recommend him to anyone looking for support, not just those in procurement. nd.

Jonty Casson, Procurement Interim

"Dennis is an exceptional listener who immediately puts you at ease. His approach is refreshingly honest, supportive, and grounded, and he often encouraged me to see things from new angles. This broadened perspective helped me develop greater confidence in my skills, abilities, and overall direction."

Throughout our sessions, I uncovered aspects of myself I hadn’t fully recognised before. Dennis helped me work through moments of feeling stuck, and I genuinely feel I’ve grown as a result. The practical exercises we practised are ones I still use today, and they’ve become invaluable tools for maintaining clarity, focus, and a healthier headspace. Working with Dennis was a brilliant experience, and I would recommend him to anyone seeking thoughtful, practical coaching and who is ready to grow both personally and professionally.

Rubie Jo, Graphic Designer

Together, we will develop a roadmap that aligns with your career aspirations and equips you with the skills and confidence to achieve your goals.

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“Curiosity drives exploration and discovery, it fuels personal growth and transformation”