Next Step

Coaching and Development

About me

About me image
I am Lauren and I run Next Step Coaching and Development. I am a fully qualified professional coach approved by the International Coaching Federation. 

Prior to establishing Next Step, I completed a B. Com (Hons) from Edinburgh University in 1997. I then worked for a number of years with some leading financial services organisations, consumer groups and regulatory bodies both in Scotland and London. I was involved at a senior level managing large departments and involved in leading various activities including policy and legal research, analysis, compliance and strategy implementation. 

After a career break to raise three children, I completed a post graduate degree (COSCA) at Edinburgh University Medical School in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I wanted to have more purpose and the desire to help others was a main driver.  I enjoyed this immensely as it allowed me to help individuals work through issues from their past which are still playing out in the present. 

However, one of my passions is to empower people to take positive steps forward in their lives and careers and this brought me to coaching. I have an ICF (International Coach Federation) approved qualification in both Career and Executive Coaching and a couple of years ago I established Next Step Coaching and Development.

Coaching has been an incredibly positive and rewarding experience for me. As a coach your key role is to inspire and motivate others to make positive changes and achieve their aspirations. I therefore like to work with people and teams who are keen to make positive changes in their lives . I will work alongside you either one to one, via Skype, WhatsApp or in a workplace setting. As a coach I can't advise you, as you are in the driving seat, but I can help you make sense of what is stopping you being the best you can be and creating the life you really want.

My Services

Career and Transition Coaching

Are you unsure of your next steps? Perhaps you are planning your next move, returning to work or leaving your workplace? One to one career coaching and personal development can provide clarity, direction and a safe space to explore your options .

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Small business and Start up Coaching

Whilst exciting and rewarding, running your own business can be lonely particularly at start up. Having an experienced coach who is a sounding board and who will challenge and help you to explore new options and ways of thinking is a vital part of the process.

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Executive Coaching

Experienced working with senior leaders and teams across sectors in Financial Services, Law and Regulatory Bodies. I will work in partnership with you to help gain clarity and direction.

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What is Coaching?

What is Coaching?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as:

“partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential.”

Coaching is a conversation with purpose. It looks to the future and it looks at steps an individual needs to take to move from their present state towards a desired or motivational goal.




Who would benefit from coaching?

Anyone can benefit from coaching. Whether you would like coaching in a work capacity or perhaps clarity and options to explore in any aspects of your life, I can help.

I will work in partnership with you to identify your passion, purpose and goals. Using transformational coaching techniques, I will work with you to explore where you are now and where you'd like to be. My job will be to support, guide and challenge you on this journey. After all, great things seldom come from comfort zones.

What happens in a coaching process?

I like to have an initial consultation (approx 20 mins) with a client to explain what you can expect from the coaching partnership. This is a great way to introduce ourselves and for me understand what it is you are looking for from coaching.

Our coaching journey is very flexible but my usual approach is to have a number of sessions over a four to six month period. All of our sessions can be carried out face to face or via Skype/Zoom or by phone.

Some clients prefer to have only one or two sessions at a time to address a particular concern bothering them.  I therefore also offer short virtual clarity sessions for clients. Having an impartial, independent coach to talk to or just help provide some clarity through the fog, can be truly valuable.

 

Contact me

  • Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Testimonials

Anna
Senior Solicitor

Working with Lauren over the last few months has been life changing for me. I had some pretty big decisions to make and I was really lost trying to sort them all out in my head. Lauren was really easy to talk to and incredibly insightful. She always listened attentively and challenged me on some of my self limiting beliefs. I now feel more self confident and I'm really feeling motivated and optimistic about what lies ahead. I can't recommend Lauren highly enough!

Neil
LeadershipTeam RBS

I worked with Lauren over the course of 6 sessions to set a goal and a clear path to achieve it. Lauren's calm and relaxed approach to the sessions helped me to open up and feel supported throughout the process. Along the way, Lauren's guidance and constructive challenge helped me to break down barriers and achieve positive, sustainable change which I've now incorporated into my operating rhythm. Thanks for all your help!