If you’re tired of not knowing what words to say, feeling ignored but afraid to be seen and spend too many nights lying awake, replaying your day worrying about what went wrong or what you could have done differently, then I can help.
Many SBLs struggle with knowing how to effectively demonstrate how fabulous they are in order to get the recognition they deserve. Through my coaching programmes, I help SBLs to build their confidence, take action and be heard.
In the fifteen years I’ve worked in education leadership, I’ve been talked over in meetings, iced out of senior leadership teams and been blamed for things I had no control over. So believe me when I say I’ve been where you are; feeling like you’re not good enough, struggling alone and spiralling in a cloud of negative thoughts.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
I help SBLs just like you who need someone to talk to – someone who knows exactly what you’re going through.
After working with me, you’ll know exactly what to say, exactly what to do and how to do it in a way that makes people sit up in their chair, listen to what you have to say and recognise you for the kick-ass SBL that you are.
How does it work?
Schedule a call with me, we’ll make a plan and then we’ll get to work.
Click the button below to book a free 30 minute planning call so:
- You can tell me where you are and where you want be
- You can ask me as many questions as you need to, to help you decide if I’m the right person to help you
- We can put together a plan to squash the self-doubt in its tracks and get clarity on exactly what needs to be done and how we’re going to do it
What results can I expect?
Check out some feedback from my clients…
I might have given up completely.
“I wish I had had someone to speak to like Laura right at the start of my journey. When I heard Laura speak about the difficult situations she’d been through as a School Business Manager, I knew she understood the role and the challenges that come with it. I had no hesitation about working with Laura as a coach. I needed someone in it for me who would listen to what I was going through and advise me without an agenda. If I hadn’t have had coaching with Laura, I might have given up completely. Working with Laura has helped me to straighten my mind out and and to see my journey in a different and positive way.” Carole – School Business Manager
I’d never had a coach before.
“Before I started coaching, I’d lost all of my confidence. I had reached the point where I was thinking of giving up. I wasn’t sure what would be involved in coaching because I’d never had a coach before, I was worried I would come across as stupid. As soon as I had my first session with Laura I felt a lot better. She understood where I was coming from and she made me feel comfortable. We talked about some very delicate issues and I felt completely safe to do that. As an SBM you’re on your own and it’s a lonely place to be. To be able to share things with Laura, talk things through and come up with strategies that I wouldn’t have thought about on my own was amazing.” Ann – School Business Manager
I could have strutted!
“I’d never thought about doing coaching before as I’ve being doing the job for so long now. I rarely go on courses as they re-hash the same things but coaching is a different type of CPD. Working with Laura gives me the confidence to know that I can do this job and I’m doing it right. I feel very relaxed around Laura because that’s how she is. Nothing I can say would shock her or surprise her as I feel like whatever I say to her, she’s been there done that and got the t-shirt. I trust her. She helps me file things away rather than have them keep spinning around in my head. She makes me feel empowered and in control. When I’ve done something we’ve spoken about in one of our sessions, I’ve walked off feeling so happy I could have strutted! There’s nothing out there for SBMs that does what Laura does. I think all Business Managers should have this type of coaching. I can only say how much I feel better by doing it. If you’re a Business Manager and you’re thinking of coaching, I’d say yes – do it with Laura, straightaway!” Joan – School Business Manager
I was immediately sure I’d done the right thing.
“When I started coaching, I couldn’t see the wood for the trees and was feeling completely overwhelmed. I knew I needed to do something about it but I was stuck on a loop of ‘but I can’t do that until I’ve done that and then there’s this but I can’t do that because…’ My mind was running away with all the reasons why I couldn’t get things sorted. I hadn’t had coaching before and though I didn’t have any major apprehensions, there was a part of me that thought that needing it was admitting a weakness. I didn’t know what to expect but I was immediately sure I’d done the right thing. I knew coaching was working for me as I quite quickly stopped feeling that feeling of despair. It restored my belief that I am good at quite a lot of things and that I can both make and be part of positive change. SBMs have a difficult role and it’s probably quite lonely for most people. Through coaching with Laura, I’ve found it’s lovely having an ally. Coaching has really helped me to remember why I wanted to do the job in the first place. It’s been incredibly positive. Laura has made me believe in myself again.” Anna – School Business Manager
Why coaching?
As School Business Leaders, our professional networks are often the most valuable resource we have. Many of us collaborate and share best practice and advice. As a profession, developing and working in these networks is something that we’re incredibly good at and often find hugely beneficial.
However, one thing we’re not generally good at is sharing our anxieties and vulnerabilities. When we’re worried, lost or just downright stuck we sometimes find ourselves in need of a perspective that sits outside of our workplace or our peer network.
Coaching, as a discipline, is goal-oriented and is intended to create that impetus for change and increase in clarity and motivation that we can’t always muster on our own.
One of my coaching clients puts it like this:
“What I get from speaking with colleagues is brilliant but it isn’t about me improving my own professional practice or receiving active feedback about that. Sharing tips is great but it doesn’t lead to reflective practice or support you in putting what you’ve learnt into action. Coaching has given me a level of accountability and structure around things that would be otherwise ‘failed good intentions’. Reflective practice isn’t something I’m good at as I’m not disciplined enough to impose this upon myself. Having a coach helps me do that. Coaching gives you something that you can’t get from other types of CPD.”
How much does it cost?
The 30 minute planning call with me is totally free. That way, if you decide we’re not a good fit, you can say ‘thanks but no thanks’ and it won’t have cost a penny. If you’re still not feeling it after a couple of sessions, that’s ok too – you only pay for the sessions you’ve had.
As the process of coaching is different for everyone, I tailor my coaching packages to make sure that my clients get the amount and type of support that they need. After our planning call, I’ll write up and send to you everything that we’ve agreed so that we have a framework in place to help us stay on track.
Coaching packages are tailored in the following ways:
- The number of sessions
- The frequency of sessions
- The length of sessions
- Additional support outside of the sessions (optional)
Because it’s impossible to predict how things will unfold, there’s flexibility for you to change any of the above at any time.
This means that my prices do vary but to give you a baseline, a standard coaching package (including the free 30 minute planning call) and three 60 minute coaching sessions, costs £160.
When and where will the sessions be?
There’s no need to worry about taking time out of the office. Sessions take place on Zoom or over the phone (whichever you prefer). Also, it’s not uncommon to schedule sessions either early in the morning or later in the evening if you struggle to find time during your working day. We’ll find a time that works for you.
I’m ready! How do I get started?
Easy! Just click the button below and book your free 30 minute planning call.
Do you provide services other than coaching?
The majority of my time is spent working 1-1 with school leaders. However, I also deliver School Business Leadership group coaching programmes and workshops. If you’d like to join one of my group coaching programmes or are interested in attending one of my workshops, please get in touch by sending me an e-mail.
What if I still have questions?
I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me by:
- through my contact page
- through my dedicated Facebook Group