We love a bit of Zing!

Originating in the North of England, Zing is built on a spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving. Whether navigating complex challenges or seeking clarity on the next stage of growth, Zing exists to support leaders with experienced, hands-on advisory and mentoring. Our ethos is about challenging the status quo while grounding every recommendation in strong commercial fundamentals.

Founded by Paul and Vanessa Kollesoff, Northern Zing is a forward-thinking advisory and mentoring firm with a distinctly global perspective. Having spent their professional lives split between the UK and the USA, they bring international insight and real-world experience to founders and leadership teams operating in fast-moving, high-growth environments.

Zing brings fresh thinking and energy to businesses that want more than generic advice. The focus is on clear strategy, confident decision-making, and practical execution — helping leaders move forward with conviction.

Paul brings over 20 years of experience building, leading, and scaling businesses, particularly across the food, nutrition, flavour, and beverage sectors. His career spans senior roles in large publicly listed companies as well as founding and scaling innovative businesses from the ground up. Over the past five years, Paul has worked at the forefront of food technology, gaining first-hand experience of the realities founders face when growing, scaling, and navigating complexity. Today, he works closely with founders and executive teams as an advisor and mentor, bringing perspective shaped by having truly “been there.”

Vanessa complements this with a creative and structured approach shaped by years of hands-on project leadership and transformation work. With a strong understanding of how vision, planning, and execution come together, she supports founders in thinking differently, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking potential — always with a practical lens.

Together, Zing offers experienced, grounded advisory and mentoring for ambitious businesses ready to take their next step — with clarity, confidence, and a little Zing.