Laura Macleod CB CVO
Laura is a leadership expert and executive coach who works with senior leaders to bring clarity to what matters, shift how they think, and make a real difference in how they lead.
She combines sharp strategic insight with a deep understanding of people. The result is not just good conversation, but meaningful change. Her work shifts how leaders see themselves, how they show up, and what they believe is possible.
Laura creates a space that is both safe and stretching. A place to think clearly, to notice the stories that may be shaping behaviour, and to choose how to act with greater intent. She believes coaching should lead to tangible results, equipping leaders to navigate complexity with confidence. Those results show up in their organisations, and just as importantly, in the wider context of their lives.
Her approach is person-centred, practical, and grounded in real experience. She draws on psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and behavioural insight, blending support with challenge and reflection with action. Clients leave with greater self-awareness, renewed confidence, and tools they continue to use long after the coaching ends.
Laura works with Chief Executives, Managing Directors, Board Members, Senior Vice Presidents, and high-potential leaders stepping into more senior roles. Her experience spans the Public, Private, and Third Sectors, including multinational organisations, mid-sized firms, and tech start-ups across finance, engineering, pharma, asset management, logistics, and food services.
Laura retired in 2022 as a Rear Admiral after 34 years in the Royal Navy, operating at Executive Director / SVP level. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with over 700 hours of coaching experience, a Registered Hypnotherapist (GHR / GHSC), and is certified in the Leadership Circle Profile and Emergenetics. She also serves as Chair of a lottery-funded charity supporting service personnel transitioning to civilian life.
“Laura is a game changer”
“Working with Laura was extremely rewarding… she created a calm and safe space to discuss and explore the different themes we identified …. I came away from the sessions feeling an increase in my self-awareness but also my self-worth and confidence”
“I thought there is no way this is going to change me ..[but]… you were able to reframe the way I thought about things and reframing my thinking was incredibly powerful - it was like a lightbulb moment”
“The ease for which we can have an open honest conversation, the expertise and insight you bring forward on my leadership ..I am incredibly grateful”
“I can feel the difference in me, my leadership and my team. As a financier I am all over Return on Investment, I know this coaching was very high…It has honestly been transformative”
“The most productive and impactful coaching I have ever had… and I have had many coaches”
“Laura held the space beautifully, and some fantastic ideas emerged from that conversation. Additionally, we are starting to implement some of the ideas resulting from that activity.”