My Story

Strategic Business Mentor: 35+ Years Guiding Entrepreneurs to Sustainable Growth

My name is Guy Jean Foglino. For over 35 years—since launching my first venture in 1982—I've been building and guiding businesses through every economic cycle, from the pre-internet era to today's digital economy. Not as an external consultant, but as an entrepreneur who has walked the path himself and knows the challenges firsthand.

I didn't start as a coach. I started as a founder, building multiple sustainable businesses from the ground up. Today, I channel that hard-won experience into helping growth-focused entrepreneurs like you navigate the challenges of scaling without sacrificing what truly matters.

I've learned that rapid growth doesn't have to mean sacrifice. That you can scale without losing your values, your family, or your peace of mind. And that the greatest transformation doesn't happen in the business plan, but in the clarity and confidence with which you make decisions.

Guy Jean Foglino - Strategic Mentor
35+
Years Since 1982
15+
Countries

My Story

I didn't start as a consultant or coach. I started as an entrepreneur—building, failing, learning, and ultimately creating sustainable businesses from the ground up.

My entrepreneurial journey began in 1982 when I launched my first venture,GF Import & Marketing Services, which I successfully built and sold in 1992. From there, I earned my Wirtschaftsberater (WBA) certification in 2001 and transitioned into international financial advisory and strategic coaching. I wasn't following a blueprint—I was creating one through decades of real-world experience.

Over the years, I've worn every hat an entrepreneur wears: founder, strategist, problem-solver, firefighter, and yes—sometimes the person carrying the weight alone, wondering if I was making the right decisions. I've built businesses across financial advisory, business consulting, and international trade, each one teaching me invaluable lessons about what works, what doesn't, and what truly matters.

Along the way, I earned multiple professional certifications—Certified Investment Advisor, Specialist for Company Pension Plans, Portfolio Advisor—not because I needed credentials, but because I wanted to serve my clients with the highest level of expertise. I spent 8 years on the Executive Board of the French-German Business Club, bringing together entrepreneurs across borders and cultures, facilitating exchanges that created real business value.

Today, I work with the European Commission while maintaining my private coaching and consulting practice. This dual perspective—seeing business from both the policy/macro level and the boots-on-the-ground entrepreneurial level—gives me a unique vantage point that few advisors can offer.

But here's what I've learned: Success without peace is just exhaustion with better numbers.I've seen too many entrepreneurs—myself included—sacrifice relationships, health, and values in pursuit of growth. That's why my approach isn't just about strategy and systems. It's about helping you build a business that serves your life, not the other way around.

International Perspective

Experience Across Borders and Industries

My work spans different markets, cultures, and industries—giving you access to solutions that work elsewhere.

15+ Countries

From Europe to North America—I've worked with entrepreneurs in different markets and understand cultural nuances.

DACH, France, UK, USA

10+ Industries

Tech startups, e-commerce, consulting, traditional services—cross-industry expertise for creative solutions.

Tech, Services, Retail, Finance

3 Languages

Native competence in English, French, and German—I understand not just the language, but the business culture.

EN • FR • DE

My Journey

1982

Entrepreneurial Journey Begins

Launched GF Import & Marketing Services—my first venture. Built and scaled the business for 10 years before successfully selling it in 1992.

2001

Transition to Financial Advisory & Coaching

Earned Wirtschaftsberater (WBA) certification and transitioned into international financial advisory and strategic business consulting.

2004-2012

Deep Expertise Development

Earned multiple professional certifications: Portfolio Advisor (2004), Specialist for Company Pension Plans (2009), Certified Investment Advisor (2012).

2008-2016

French-German Business Club

Served 8 years on the Executive Board, bringing together entrepreneurs across borders and facilitating international business exchanges.

Present

European Commission + Strategic Mentorship

Combining macro-level policy insights with hands-on entrepreneurial coaching to help growth-focused entrepreneurs scale with clarity and confidence.

Education & Credentials

Foundation of Experience and Expertise

Education

Manchester Business School

Executive Education in Strategic Management

Certification

Certified Investment Advisor

geprüfter Anlageberater (2012)

Certification

Pension Specialist

Fachberater für betriebliche Altersversorgung (2009)

Position

European Commission

Current role with insight into European markets

Leadership

French-German Business Club

8 years Executive Board Member (2008-2016)

Certification

Business Consultant

Wirtschaftsberater WBA (2001)

My Philosophy

What I Believe

Growth Without Sacrifice

I firmly believe you can scale your business without sacrificing your values, relationships, or peace of mind. It just takes the right strategy and the right guidance.

Clarity Before Speed

Rapid growth without strategic clarity leads to burnout. I help you set the right priorities—so you move faster because you know where you're going.

Partnership, Not Just Consulting

I don't see myself as an external consultant who delivers solutions and disappears. I'm your partner—someone who walks with you, understands you, and shares your burden.

International Perspective, Local Relevance

My international experience gives you access to best practices from different markets—but always adapted to your specific situation and local context.

What Clients Say

Real feedback from entrepreneurs I've worked with

KD

Karl Dieterich

Business Owner

"In our coaching period, Mr. Foglino balanced very well an approach of challenging existing assumptions of a business model and at the same time being hands-on enough to know what to focus on in order to gain sustainable success for one's company at this specific stage. I enjoyed working with him as his professionalism helps to have productive working sessions with according preparations and summaries. In the end, he has got a very good feeling for the end customer's perspective—also as a result of his profound knowledge of customer segmentation frameworks."

PR

Peter Rauch

Company Owner

"Mr. Foglino advised us very well and in great detail on various insurance matters affecting our company and helped with implementation. I therefore consider him to be a very good and extremely competent contact person for companies and business owners who want to implement insurance concepts and retirement provisions for themselves and their employees."

Connect & Verify

Let's Connect on LinkedIn

See my full professional background, recommendations, and network on LinkedIn

Guy Jean Foglino

Strategic Growth Mentor | 35+ Years International Experience

European Commission
Manchester Business School
15+ Countries

See what other entrepreneurs and business leaders say about working with me

Why Work With Me?

What You Can Expect From Me

I understand what it means to carry the weight alone—I've been there myself for over 35 years, since 1982.

I bring international perspectives from 15+ countries that your local competition doesn't have.

I focus not just on your business, but on you as a person—your values, relationships, and future.

I give you not just strategies, but also the emotional security to implement them.

I work with only 10 clients at a time—you get my full attention.

I'm not just a consultant—I'm a partner who walks with you through the challenges.

Ready to Stop Carrying the Weight Alone?

If you're a growth-focused entrepreneur who's scaling fast but feeling the strain, let's talk. I work with only 10 clients at a time to ensure deep, meaningful impact.