Thank you for checking out my profile. I'm an ICF-accredited coach with over 10 years of experience and 2000 hours of 121 and group coaching under my belt.
I specialise in helping professionals in their 30s and 40s to conquer impostor syndrome and the anxiety and sense of overwhelm that can come from being a high achiever.
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7 customer reviews
Matthew
I cannot recommend Laurence enough. I reached out to him for his life coaching; I felt I was the world's most singularly unhelpable person.
A misguided notion that Laurence soon disproved.
This man radiates empathy, wisdom, patience and understanding. He helped me see that anything is possible. If he's done that for me, just think what he could help you to achieve...
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Olivia
I only had a dim view of what I wanted out of coaching. I felt I was at some sort of turning point that could turn out well or badly, and I had the sense that it would help me to organise a lot of confusion to talk it through with somebody who didn't know me.
Laurence created an open and reassuring atmosphere in which I was able to do this honestly.
The impact of the work I did with Laurence is becoming clearer to me as I get greater distance from it. For me, Laurence had this unusual ability to set off a great deal of creative thinking and pattern spotting during and after sessions, resulting in what felt like real breakthroughs and progress on blind spots.
Prior to working with Laurence, I felt as though I was caught in a very tiring back-and-forth of ricocheting between confidence and overwhelm, focus and apathy, optimism and negativity and I wasn’t much liking the ‘story of my life’ at the time.
If you are at a similar juncture, I highly recommend working with Laurence. He may well be able to help you weave that range of feelings into a better, more coherent and equally accurate story that enables you to finally get on with writing the next chapter.
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Jennifer
I reached out to Laurence March of this year as i was at a time in my business where i was taking some big leaps which were taking me out of my comfort zone which i felt i needed some professional support with to ensure i made the best of the opportunity's arising.
During our sessions we explored my anxiety's around stepping out of my comfort zone and looked at some incredible techniques such as visualisation and anchoring but most importantly Laurence helped me to connect with my first experiences with anxiety and how these were linked. I felt incredibly motivated after our sessions and my work in delivery continues to keep flowing.
Since our sessions i believe i can achieve almost anything i set my mind to if i take the necessary steps. I would highly recommend Laurence if you are looking to elevate in your business or career.
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Andrew Cane
I started working with Laurence as I was stuck in a job search and feeling aimless. I had not worked with a coach before, and was expecting useful but surface-level support with motivation and accountability.
Laurence was very helpful in this job search, but I was pleasantly surprised that this became only a small part of the work we did together. Laurence understood me. He quickly got to the root of what I actually wanted from my life, which was to have the confidence to pursue success in creative projects. Getting a job I enjoy became just a by-product of this!
He started to support me in putting together a history tour (combining my passions of history, creating things, walking, and talking at others). I don't remember any lengthy discussions of what exactly would make me happy or fulfilled to come to this decision. It came out so organically, which is testament to his ability to facilitate discussion of what drives a person.
I often get intimidated by putting myself out there, and this project has been no different. But Laurence was excellent in helping me to see just the next step, and applying just the right amount of pressure that would push me past my comfort zone, but not put me off.
Just over a year later, I have been working with Laurence fairly consistently. The first history tour turned into a regular thing, which turned into setting up a small business, which has turned into a second tour which will soon be up and running in Manchester City Centre! Of course, I have done the work towards this, but I am certain that I would not have persevered without Laurence's support.
This project has formed the basis of our partnership, and I am so pleased that I went to Lawrence for a job search, but I have come out with a whole new raison d'etre! However, the skills I have learned in the process have been almost as important. Our partnership has resulted in increased assertiveness, self-awareness, better communication, and an ability to self-motivate my work (most of the time!).
Over this past year, my self-image has improved enormously. This is largely a result of feeling like I have my own 'thing' now, which Laurence helped me to find. I am excited for the coming year, and what I can create. I will definitely be enlisting Laurence's help for whatever the next step is.
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Russell Leslie
When I reached out to Laurence, I was completely lost and scared. I had been working since I was 13 (now 36), had a masters degree, had a list of unfulfilled dreams as big as the yellow pages, and recently lost my job.
I had no idea where I was going, what I wanted, full of anxiety, and zero belief in myself.
He helped me build a foundation in understanding, knowing and believing in myself. Provided great reading material, showing a healthy and authentic perspective in which to view the world, and myself.
The changes I have experienced since have been tenfold. I am happy, content, and at peace. I am focussed on my dream career – a career I never gave myself permission to think was possible - and have the tools to tackle everything life will throw at me.
With this comes an assured and authentic confidence I have never had before.
I cannot recommend Laurence enough to anyone. He helped change my life into the life I deserve.
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Regina Khanum
Laurence delivered an exceptional team building exercise for Manchester City Councils' Strategic Housing Team. The overall approach was truly inspiring and made a significant impact on all of us.
Laurence took time to prepare the session and tailored it to our needs, making the day both meaningful and relevant.
The day was not only productive but also enjoyable, thanks to his skilful guidance and insightful contributions. Laurence's expertise and way of being created an environment that encouraged collaboration and brought out the best in each team member.
The positive energy and camaraderie fostered during the exercise will undoubtedly contribute to our team's success moving forward.
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Jo
When I first began coaching sessions with Laurence I was a little lost, to say the least. I was at a point in my life where I felt I had achieved a lot on a practical level but felt empty and directionless.
Laurence helped me to focus my goals and manage my emotions in a challenging work place and as a working mum and simplify my life, so it just felt much more manageable.
Laurence knows how to assist and guide people towards making decisions and achieving things in the face of adversity. He is a warm and engaging person but he won't let you off the hook- he will make you work for it!
I am now in a much better place and moving forward with things I would have never thought possible and I can see the joy in daily life. I credit Laurence for his part in this and thoroughly recommend him as a coach and a source of support.
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What do you love most about your job?
I love to see my clients come alive as they tap into their hidden potential and move forward in life with confidence, ease and joy. As Joseph Campbell said, it's a privilege of a lifetime to become who you really are. I help my clients step to step into their power as creators of both themselves and the life they desire.
What inspired you to start your own business?
In my former career as a consultant in business support, regeneration and community development, I loved hearing people's stories and soon realised that people under-estimate and undervalue themselves. I felt most alive as I helped them own their narratives, successes, and passion for what is most important to them. My love for coaching and helping people realise their potential was born here, and I have loved serving and supporting people through the power of coaching ever since.
Why should our clients choose you?
I bring 100% commitment to serving my client, always led by their agenda and what matters most to them. I bring energy, insight and just the right amount of challenge to bring out the best in people. I bring presence, creativity and years of experience and knowledge to each conversation, which is always unique. I have a toolshed of techniques and models, which i draw upon to best serve the needs of the person in front of me.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
I work on Zoom or phone as well as in person. I offer the option for clients to record sessions on Zoom.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
My coaching office allows for social distancing, and I always ask what will be most comfortable for my clients.
Life Coaching
You have a strong feeling that there is so much more to life and you fear settling for mediocrity. When you look at the different dimensions of your life, nothing particularly stands out as being excellent. It can feel like life is either coming is at you or is passing you by.
When you ask yourself what you really want, you feel stumped or unsure. Those close to you offer well-meaning advice and suggestions but nothing is really landing. You want to give yourself permission to dream, to rediscover your inner spark and that joie de vivre that you have lost touch with.
You look at people around you who seem to be thriving and feel you are missing out in some way, and ask yourself:
Surely there is more to life than this?
You are aware that taking a stand for yourself and gaining clarity on who you want to be will open a doorway into a life less ordinary. It’s time to fully own your power to transform yourself and start creating a more meaningful impact whilst experiencing greater joy, freedom and love in your life.
You know deep down that if you can transform your inner world, you can create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Career Coaching
You are feeling unfulfilled or dissatisfied with where you are at in your career, and want to reach the next level, make a sideways shift or take the courageous step to move in a completely new direction*.
You are aware of (but perhaps undervalue) the many talents and abilities you have but these are either not fully expressed or recognised by the team or organisation you currently work in.
You may feel stuck or frustrated and feel overwhelmed by the multiple possibilities that exist for you. You are also conscious of wanting to make the right decisions, but at the same time don’t want to live with regrets of not stretching yourself. Fear and insecurity cloud your ability to gain clarity on the vision and accompanying bold actions that will move you in the direction of what will bring you more meaning and fulfilment in your life and career.
The cost you are currently paying is one of comfortable complacency, which contaminates your wider life including your relationships, health and general wellbeing.
Fundamentally you want to ignite the spark of inspiration that will motivate you to stretch yourself out of your comfort zone and take the boldest next step to create a career you love.
*For those looking to step in a whole new direction I am a licensed Firework ™ Career Coach. The Firework ™ methodology offers a structured process made up of three phases: Explore, Dream and Discover, where I guide you through carefully designed set exercises to reveal your vision and next steps in your career change that will bring you fulfilment, happiness and sense of purpose. I
Leadership Coaching
You have either recently been promoted and want to develop your leadership presence and impact or have been leading a team or SME and are struggling to achieve balance and a consistent level of healthy high performance (less stress, more success).
This is for you if you want to grow as a person and as a leader whilst achieving results that get noticed, feel rewarding to you and are sustainable.
You know that leading and inspiring those around to a higher standard of excellence can only come from leading yourself from a self-aware, authentic and values-driven place. You want those who you lead to step up, taking greater responsibility and accountability so that you can focus on the bigger picture.
Public speaking and workshops
I offer two keynotes that can run from 30 - 60 minutes
a) WHY SPIRITUALITY BELONGS IN BUSINESS AND WORK.
b) INVISIBLE POWER – THREE INSIGHTS TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.
I also run workshops and team development sessions using the guiding principles of my keynotes, and tailored to the needs and interests of the group, which can help:
a) Inspire and motivate
b) Increase resilience
c) Faciliate team effectiveness
d) Enhance communication
e) remove unhelpful thinking
f) create meaning and purpose
g) reduce stress and overwhelm
Meaning, Purpose & Spirituality
I love helping my clients tap into what is most important to them. I find that clients find the deepest sense of meaning and purpose when they both feel connected and in service of something greater than themselves
My coaching has strong spiritual foundations, drawing on Eastern philosophy and a simple yet profound understanding of the mind known as the Three Principles (aka The Inside Out Understanding).
"All we are is peace, love and wisdom, and the power to create the illusion we are not." - Jack Pransky.
I help my clients tap into their deeper nature, which transcends the personal through connecting to our deepest identity, where our wisdom, love, and resilience reside. This helps us lead more loving, compassionate and psychologically freer lives.
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
