About McManus HRD

I have been coached and mentored by Laurell for 2 years. She has supported me to develop my skills and focus as a leader of a large service that was newly integrating in 2011. Through our sessions I have been able to look at a wide range of work situations and issues – using the tools and approaches she has guided me to I have been able to deliver successful outcomes that have seen the service grow in size and scope. Laurell’s approach is very clear – helping me build on my strengths and identify where I need to develop further. This has supported me to understand issues and opportunities I am presented with in a more balanced way while enabling me to progress these aspects of work. Laurell is an incredibly strong and focused practitioner in her field. She has a firm understanding of Health culture and the pressures services face. Laurell uses a pragmatically reflective approach, challenging where necessary, drawing on her wide knowledge, skill and experience in business to support successful solutions and development of both me as an individual manager and of the service.

Head of Service, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital

“I thoroughly enjoyed my recent train the trainer session. Laurell’s professional and relaxed style of engaging the group combined with apparent mastery of the subject matter created a really valuable and motivating experience. Laurell is clearly highly capable and demonstrated so well how to apply in practice the techniques we explored, including very helpful feedback at the end of the day. I am already seeking out opportunities to apply what I’ve learnt in the coming months and years and very much hope to work with Laurell again in the near future”

Senior HR Business Partner - Lewisham Council

I first met Laurell in the capacity of a trainer for the ILM level 3 (13 month course) which I took between March 2012 and May 2013 and via this I asked Laurell for Personal Professional Coaching, which I received from September 2012 to September 2013. I was extremely fortunate to have Laurell as my coach at a very difficult juncture in my professional life. Laurell helped me to sort out my priorities, in term of balancing my responsibilities at home and work in order to help me see a path forward professionally. I would not be exaggerating to say she saved me professionally from melt-down and burn-out. Her ability to understand my situation, guide and support me to explore my options while making them very much ‘mine’, allowed me to see my future and make realistic and brave decisions about where to go next. She gave me invaluable faith in my own abilities which allowed me to stretch out into private practice, something that until then had seemed impossible. Laurell is a highly professional person who uses her wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to develop individuals. Laurell is able to bring out the best in people – she saw my individual strengths and helped me to bring them to the fore to improve myself and what I could provide professionally. Laurell is highly conscientious and focused in her work and served as an outstanding role-model for me. Her non- nonsense, ‘you can do it’ approach also inspired me to ‘get on with it’, which was extremely helpful. It was very easy for me to get on with Laurell and I enjoyed my work with her immensely. I would look forward to my coaching sessions to see where we ended up next, so much so that it did not feel like work at all, but more a ‘journey’ with a friend. Without doubt, Laurell’s direct, practical and focused coaching skills will be an asset to any business. I highly recommend Laurell as a coach to anyone needing professional support and advice as her flexible approach and wealth of experience could be useful to any staff group.

Camden Child Development Team, MOSAIC CNWL

I just wanted to extend a personal thank you to you for your training, support and words of encouragement. I do feel that the benefits of the all of the above have played a key part in my progression, management effectiveness and my overall contribution to Croydon College. I really do feel I could not have done this without your expertise. I look forward to working with you in the future and hope it will be a very long relationship! (although you may not benefit as much as I feel I have!) MANY MANY THANKS!

Experienced Strategic Leader in Customer Service, Admissions, IAG, Business Processes & Quality Service Development