Laurence Knott

Thank you for checking out my profile.
 
I help my clients to navigate change and step into a new chapter of their lives. I work with a) anxious high achievers, b) seasoned but jaded leaders looking for a new start and c) ambitious young creatives who want to express their unique gifts.

As well as 121 coaching, I deliver a range of leadership training and workshops in Manchester on leadership styles, self-sabotage, peak performance, team-work, communication, trust and resilience.

Since taking my first personal development course 20 years ago, I have been fascinated by what it takes to thrive and to lead a meaningful and enjoyable life. I offer both deep exploration and practical support. My job is to help you make progress, get results in the world, and embrace life’s journey with more confidence, clarity, and a sense of possibility.
 
My coaching is 100% focused on meeting you where you are at in life. I see coaching as offering a safe and secure space to explore what is most important to you in life. A question I often ask my clients, and myself is:
 
What is life asking of me now?
 
My coaching is all about activating leadership, which starts with self-leadership.
 
From my work with hundreds of clients over the years, I have seen how the key lever for creating meaningful and sustainable change in our lives comes from developing a healthier and more self-aware relationship with ourselves. This combined with fearless action and a willingness to step into the unknown. Yes, that can feel scary, but from what I have seen in myself and in my clients, is that we under-estimate our capacity to be resilient, creative and resourceful. When we tap into the powers within us all, combined with clarity on what you want, this can make you unstoppable.
 
But how do we do that?
 
My coaching takes a four-phased approach:
 
STEP 1                   WHERE ARE YOU TODAY?
 
I find that many people never give themselves permission to pause and reflect. That is what a coaching space can offer you.
 
There is a saying that ‘what got you here, won’t get you there.' In short, to create teh new, we need to let go of the old.
 
In this phase, we will examine your skills, experience, knowledge, and what you have learned along your life journey so far. We will explore your values, what makes you unique, and what lights you up. At the same time, we will examine what you struggle with, what stresses you out, and your level of satisfaction with different areas of your life whether that is career, relationships, health, or life in general, or the different ways you express your uniqueness.
 
We will also look at how you manage your own mental fitness. Like going to the gym to work on our physical fitness, if we do not develop our psychological muscles, we can be overcome by doubt, lack of confidence, feeling like an imposter and live at the mercy of our ‘inner critic'. Developing your mental fitness will help you navigate the complexity and uncertainty of the world we live in today, helping you maintain a sense of calm, centredness and confidence as you navigate whatever life throws at you.
 
the clients who have made the biggest gains all realised that they were living in a mindset that puts all the power in the outside world—in the opinions of others, attachment to success, and a belief that happiness and fulfilment live ‘out there’ in the future. Through our work, we turn this on its head: thriving in life is 100% an inside job, and when we learn how to harness the power of our minds, we gain access to our true power as human beings.
 
STEP 2                   WHAT DO YOU WANT?
 
Together, we will explore what is most important to you and create a roadmap for a compelling future for you to live into. Through imagery, exercises, and visualisation, you will see yourself thriving, living life on your terms, and living your best life.
 
I will help you clarify not just the direction you want to take but also why you want it. When we have a clear sense of purpose, stepping into a future that excites and enlivens becomes more effortless.
 
We may focus on one area of your life, such as your career, or take a holistic approach, looking at every dimension. My job is to help you create a life you love. Why tolerate and be content with average? This does not mean we have to have big, audacious goals, though they can be great for some people. For some people it is about enjoying the simple pleasures of life, connected relationships, meaningful hobbies, being of service or enjoying and appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
 
My job is to help you dream, to come alive and to embrace the game of life with a renewed sense of passion and purpose. We only get one shot, and I will help you say, ‘Hell Yes!’ to both yourself and everything that the rich tapestry of life is offering you.
 
STEP 3                   WHAT MIGHT GET IN THE WAY?
 
In Stoic philosophy, there is a saying that ‘the obstacle is the way’. This recognises that life will always throw us new challenges that can test our resilience to the maximum, and it is how we embrace and respond to these challnges, that we grow.
 
I will help you clarify what might prevent you from making the progress you desire, so you can stay on the path and embrace life with confidence and agility.
 
Winning the inner game and shifting from reactivity to clear-sighted and calm responsiveness is key here. One of my favourite quotes is:
 
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our happiness." 
 
And in every difficulty lies an opportunity to learn something new, to challenge yourself, and to grow. I will help you tap into the resourcefulness and resilience that have helped you get you where you are today.
 
We will also look at how you relate you other people – those closest to you and those you work with. When we develop a healthier and more rounded relationship with ourselves, connecting with and understanding other people becomes so much easier. We are not here to fix or control other people. We are built for meaningful connection, and I will help you become a better listener and an effective communicator, to have healthy boundaries and to be able to discern what is your responsibility and what is not. The happiest people I know are comfortable in their own skin and that alone can move, touch and inspire those we spend time with. When we experience peace of mind, we unconsciously give permission to those around us to find theirs: we become a beacon for authenticity and wisdom.
 
STEP 4                   FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION
 
The magic of coaching lies between sessions, where you take action.
 
In our sessions together you will have an opportunity to experiment, to try something new, practice or rehearse the new version of yourself that you are stepping into.
 
I will support you in becoming more consistent and persistent in taking the actions that lead you in your desired direction. I can help you craft the routines, practices, and systems that help you take the tiniest steps, which all add up and compound over time. You may be surprised by how quickly you make progress.
 
I will support you in being accountable, acting with integrity, and doing what you say you will do.

But I recognise you are human. There will be times you don’t take action, where fear, restlessness, avoidance, distraction, or old sabotaging patterns get in the way. These are all rich learning experiences from which you will grow and a natural part of the journey of creating the change you want.
 
There is a choice: to live a default future based on our habits and programming or to live a created life, making conscious choices, living mindfully and embracing the unknown, seeing every day as an opportunity to learn, grow and, most importantly of all, enjoy.
 
WHAT NEXT?
 
If you’ve read this far, I invite you to contact me so we can arrange an exploratory call.
 
I will listen to you
I will coach you
I will help you gain one insight, which alone could change everything for you
 
At the end of that conversation we can look at what a coaching partnership that serves you could look like.
 

Call me today on 07540 845 390 or send an email here.

SOME TESTIMONIALS

"I wanted to extend my heartfelt appreciation for the transformative impact your coaching has had on my professional and personal journey. Your guidance has been instrumental in providing the clarity I needed to hone in on the specific areas I wanted to focus on. The sessions we've had were not just informative, they were enlightening and empowering.
The insights you shared and the thoughtful questions you posed helped me navigate through the complexities of my goals, bringing a level of clarity that was previously elusive. I feel a renewed sense of purpose and direction, leaving our sessions on a tremendous high. Your expertise and dedication have equipped me with not only the understanding of my focal point but also the tools to sustain and enhance this newfound clarity.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your unwavering support, encouragement, and the positive energy you brought to every session. Your coaching has been a catalyst for positive change, and I am truly grateful for the impact you've had on my growth.

Thank you once again for being an exceptional coach.

Chris Buggie, Senior Technology Leader

"Laurence and I have worked very closely together over the last nine months and I'm very grateful for wide ground we covered. I clearly set out my intended areas of development and after ordering them by priority we tackled them one by one and I've really been reaping the rewards of this.
It’s no coincidence to see the opportunities that have surfaced for me both personally and professionally during that time and I'm very glad I made the jump to work with Laurence. It’s something I didn't have any second thoughts about doing."

Jack Palmer,  BDR Manager/Coach/Musician

"Laurence and I worked together over a six month as part of a life coaching package. Whilst much of it revolved around work, we inevitably touched all aspects of my life and how it plays into a bigger picture. I'm not someone who would have engaged with a coach in the past, attempting to take “control” over much of what I do myself but after feeling stressed for a number of years I thought it would be worth a try and, as a result, I wasn't disappointed.  In my experience over 12 sessions we built a close relationship of trust and I was able to confide in Laurence on all manner of challenges I was facing.  Rather than trying to overcome many of the battles I found myself in, he helped me to realise there are other ways to handle challenges and to take a different view on things.

Over the 12 sessions he's helped me to rewire my thinking, giving me time back in my life to appreciate what I/we have as a family and the joy that can be found in the things we do, not just moving on to the next thing. As a result it's given me reduced stressed and a whole and that and has improved my quality of life immeasurably.  I've probably put off going to a coach for a couple of years but after spending time with Laurence I wish I'd done it sooner.

Thanks for all your help and support, your wisdom is invaluable.

Ant Holland, Technologist

• Tangible results such as a new job, a change in career or improved income
• Greater sense of ease and enjoyment of life
• Greater productivity and more energy and enthusiasm for life
• More deep and meaningful relationships
• More ease in handling stress and the ups and downs of life
• More abundance and results in career and business
• Inner peace with self and the past

"What got you here, won't get to the next level."

As we get older our priorities begin to change. I help successful people take stock, reassess and make either major or subtle changes that set the foundation for a happy and healthy next phase of life.

Other clients are ambitious, hungry and tomorrow's leaders. I help these clients build a compelling vision aligned to their deepest values and to start taking the massive action required to create impact, success and prosperity.

My fees for 1:1 Coaching are as follows:

💡 Breakthrough Strategy Session (90 mins) – £250
Get instant clarity on what’s holding you back and leave with an action plan.
🚀 3-4 Month Intensive – £1,250
Focus on overcoming obstacles, building confidence, and taking bold action.
🔥 6-12 Month Transformation – Starting at £2,500
For those ready for deep, lasting change in their leadership, career, and life.

If you live locally to Chorlton, I would be very happy to conduct some of our sessions walking in the local nature reserve (the Ees), weather permitting of course.

Who are you being?

I support both my short and long term clients to create mastery goals and to get crystal clear on their intentions. Whether it’s a new job, a change in direction, or growing into oneself and finding greater balance and peace, we can use words as a powerful vehicle of self-expression.

My coaching is founded on the following principles:

• You are unique, there truly is no one else who thinks and feels the way you do.
• Your experiences, challenges, traumas, stories, highs and lows, and personal history may have shaped who you are today, but they do not dictate is what is possible for you now and in the future.
• You have access to an infinite source of creativity, resourcefulness and resilience inside of you, which is only ever one thought away.
• The outside world cannot control how you think, act and feel.
• Words like impossible, difficult, scary, stuck, confused, uncertain are all made of thought and are not fundamentally true.
• When our thinking changes, our reality and what becomes possible for us changes.
• The more we fall down, the quicker we learn to get up. There is no failure, only information and feedback.
• Action is where we learn, where the rubber meets the road, where results are created.
• An open mind, a state of curiosity, a growth mindset and a thirst for learning all make for a good life.
• We are all Kings, Queens and Sovereigns in the making. We have control over our own destinies and the shape of our inner and outer kingdoms, we simply need to choose into and not fear our powers.
• Honesty, humility and kindness are the values of true leaders.
• Self-awareness, taking absolute responsibility and truly owning yourself are the master keys to personal transformation and evolution.

What is it like working with me?

• I bring presence, connection, wisdom and peace to our conversations, my state of being evoking a sense of calm, quietness and space for clarity of thought
• I create a safe container for you, to be listened to like you have never been listened to before.
• I meet you where you are at, I honour your uniqueness, I respect who you are in the fabric of your being.
• I will celebrate you, challenge you, provoke you all in service of bringing out the best in you.
• I will be endlessly fascinated by how you think, act and feel the way you do. I am in your corner, I am on your team.
• I will invite you to step outside of your comfort zone, to be daring, to be bold, to no longer fear your shadows.
• I will be unerring in my belief in you.
• I will bring love, respect, humour, joy, artistry and magic to our coaching relationship.
• Thorough pure coaching conversations, visioning, visualisation, journaling and stories our work together will create the foundations for your success.

I invite you into a 45 minute exploratory call to establish what it is you really want to change, what might be holding you back. You book in with me here or contact me directly by email or phone:

https://calendly.com/laurenceknott/45min

And a quote I live by:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: 

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”

W.H. Murray

I also run workshops on resilience, wellbeing, team building and peak performance for businesses. When social distancing measures have lifted I will be running workshops in my home in Chorlton.

Testimonials

I had the pleasure of working with Laurence for over 12 weeks helping me unravel and explore my core beliefs, values and purpose. Laurence naturally created a welcoming, calm, and non-judgmental atmosphere during our first session which made it easy for me to open up and delve deep into what I was searching for.  If you are wanting life-changing and inspiring conversations, along with experienced coaching, I can't recommend anyone better than Laurence. Thank you for everything, truly.

Sophie Adams, Operations Manager, 2B Talent Solutions

I have been working with Laurence during lockdown. It has been a incredible experience helping me to understand how my own mind works and how we build our own life experience. We examined a number aspects of my life both professional and personal in a very calm and thoughtful way. I can definitively recommend him.  Harmesh Jassal, Strategic Manager Planning and Building Regulations at  Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Working with Laurence has been a fantastic experience for me. He has helped me both for Sports Performance and also for Business development as well as general self improvement. His way of thinking and depth of experience has really helped me focus on being calmer and being far more in control of my environment. I highly recommend Laurence and his coaching.
Peter Armistead, South Manchester's top residential Property Developer

The last 12 months have surfaced challenges in every aspect of my life, from parenthood to business direction, with my values and leadership tested on a moment to moment basis. Laurence has helped me to utilise this experience to deepen my commitment to leadership and to further my search for authentic self . Laurence is helping me to develop the clarity and perspective that facilitate the journey of self mastery - he is an essential partner on the journey to being a better Director, Dad, partner and human being.
John Kenny, CEO of Valeo Management Europe

Laurence's coaching has enabled me to gain a much higher level of self-awareness, confidence and resilience. He is very perceptive, asking the right questions to help you take action.The coaching sessions with him have been extremely insightful and helpful for my professional development. Maria Rodrigalvarez Trapero - Senior Account Executive, Enterprise at BigCommerce