My clients say...

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"I gained renewed passion, purpose and more."


“My work/ life balance and direction was uncertain. I have a wealth of experience in my field, but needed to look outside myself to assess and de-tangle. I was facing a myriad of issues and problems that held me back from realising my entrepreneurial dreams.So I chose to work with Mel because I was drawn to her expertise and unique approach that blends practical business strategies with a touch of magic.

Mel's approach and process have been nothing short of remarkable. She guided me through a profound journey of self-discovery helping me uncover hidden potential and opportunities that I would have never recognised on my own. Her ability to make complex strategies into actionable steps and her unwavering support, helped me overcome hurdles that seemed impossible before.

Taking time to see the bigger picture gave me a significant boost. Mel's coaching not only transformed my approach to co-creation but made me think about broader networks and thanks to her effective and practical strategieS, I’ve attracted new community partners to suit my aims and objectives. Mel's guidance ignited a renewed sense of passion and purpose within me. I now approach my work with confidence, clarity, and a deep sense of empowerment.

Mel also empowered me to make a positive difference in the world. If you're looking to be clear on your next steps, uncover new opportunities, and take inspired actions that truly work, Mel is the coach you need by your side. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a profound shift in their business and life. Her unique blend of practical wisdom, intuitive insights, and unwavering support is a game-changer.

 Glenis Williams, Community Engagement Expert


K Bailey Obazee

"I got a clear plan and over £60K in new revenue in 6 months."


“I began running a business in 2018 and over time it's grown and we achieved a number of things I never considered even when I first started it. It's important to me to make the business sustainable and to keep building, but to ensure the framework and structures are in place to give it room to grow successfully. Things were moving steadily before I began working with Mel, but her coaching was vital in helping me set down clear goals, get organised - giving me more room to take up important opportunities when they came and plan, creating a calendar of events and collabs I would like and reaching out to potential brands and institutions I'd like to work with.

Mel's approach is very encouraging, welcoming and keeps you at ease whilst ensuring you think critically. It works very well with my style of working but also helped me to stop and really look at the details sometimes which I'm guilty of at times skipping over. I suppose what I couldn't do on my own was be my own soundboard - I need someone to go over my ideas with who isn't someone who works for me, or has a personal relationship. I needed an objective person who could give it to me frankly and help me shape ideas and their framing.

I got a clear plan for the year with clear financial milestones and a method to do this year on year. I got tips on how to better structure my work, build my team, stay focused and organised and also to reduce procrastination. During the 6 months of coaching we confirmed revenue over £60k in Q2 + Q3. Key result is feeling prepared to take things forward and think about what's next on my business development journey whilst feeling equipped to move forward on my own for a little while.

Yes I would recommend Mel, and I have done. More than anything as a Founder, working things out in isolation is sometimes the toughest part. I think everyone building a business on their own should consider a mentor / coaching early on and consistently as a way to keep learning, get better and of course to talk things through with someone who has experience not just of business or industry but of working with senior managers, CEOs, founders and more.

K Bailey Obazee, PRIM


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"My work is now 100% pure joy and I tripled my day rate"


“Mel has supported me to transform my life. From working with whoever would land on my desk, often working with challenging clients that were not the right fit, I have tripled my day rate and work with some of the best people in the business now.

Mel's coaching programmes are incredible in detail and deep work giving you space to confront your demons and embrace your desires to make changes. My work life is 100% joy now. Mel told me she would change my life and she was true to her word. Thanks, Mel, forever grateful to have worked with you and invested in myself.

Binita Walia, freelance arts PR


Ciara-O’Dowd

"I changed my mindset"


“Since the Covid Lockdown, I felt I was working harder all the time, but without a specific plan, structure, vision. I was always ‘on’, but often felt by the end of the day I didn’t know what I’d achieved, if it was too little, and where exactly the goal posts were. I was worn out and demotivated and that’s particularly not good when you’re working for yourself.

Mel helped me to stop getting caught up in the daily grind and think about the bigger picture. What would success look and feel like to me? What steps could I take in that direction? Having designated time in the calendar to do this, and being supported to think through the steps really helped. She is such an astute listener, gave practical tips and I always finished sessions energised but calm and focused.

I have a Vision board over my desk now, and often look up during the day to remind myself what it’s all about and connect the daily tasks to a bigger plan. The workload hasn’t changed, but my mindset has – and that massive shift makes everything flow better. I would absolutely recommend Mel – nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Ciara O’Dowd, Consultant


helen-dunnett-profile

"I increased my clients and income"

“I chose to work with Mel because I knew from colleagues what a great coach she was. I felt certain she'd have empathy with me and my arts-based consultancy.

My business was in a bit of a rut: I wasn't developing or growing my income and had lost sight of how to do that. I also felt isolated as a solopreneur without colleagues to discuss and bounce ideas off and to provide me with feedback.

Mel really helped me to recognise my strengths, what I offer my clients and to verbalise these into a clear brand offer. She challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone but in a nurturing and confidence boosting way.

The results of working with Mel were immediate - she helped me create a new ‘brand Helen', set business and life goals and shape how I approach and think about my business. Her coaching has entirely changed the way I think about my business and now I’m attracting even more clients and an increased income.

I'd recommend Mel in a heartbeat: she's inspirational, goes the extra mile, and does wonders for your confidence as well as giving tons, and tons of brilliant business advice.

Helen Dunnett, Strategic CRM, Marketing & Audience Development Expert


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"I met my sales goals"

“I reached out to Mel Larsen on LinkedIn: loved her great smile and terrific profile header. I was working on launching a big project and instantly felt that Mel would be the person to help me get results.

Mel's excellent coaching and support helped strengthen my belief in myself. She helped me set monetary goals, lay the foundation for a marketing strategy and to think through my social media approach. I will forever be grateful to Mel as the project was completed and I couldn't have done all that I did without her expert guidance and enthusiastic support.

Mel's approach to coaching put me at ease and she was fun to work with. She coached me in such a positive and supportive way that I never felt pressured plus she joyfully went above and beyond my expectations.

Through working with Mel I attracted new premium clients and accomplished my sales goals. I highly recommend working with her – she’s super knowledgeable about business and marketing and her positive approach to coaching you to success helped me make my dreams a reality.”

Giselle Shapiro, Founder & Producer – Black Women Speak: The Book


"Positive financial results"

"The beginnings of my business were a bit of a whirlwind: it became very busy very quickly. I suddenly realised that in order to manage the growth successfully I had to focus my intention and define my future goals. Before I was coached by Mel I was overwhelmed (in the best way) by how busy I had become. I knew where I was going and what I want to do but was anxious, dare I say afraid, to believe that I could take the steps that were need to go further.

During our session the whole process was calm and comforting and allowed me to relax first and foremost. This allowed me to think clearly and gave me a clarity that I feel I would not have achieved on my own and desperately needed. It allowed me to make important self-discoveries that had been holding me back in my professional life.

After only one session the results and benefits were instantly recognisable. I felt like a lead-weight had been lifted and my mind was clearer. I decided to expand and was no longer in doubt of my ability to do so. I got to work on my goals and this has already caused positive financial results.

Absolutely, I would recommend Mel. As well as being an amazing coach she is an infectious professional (is that a thing?!) that I want to continue to work with in the future."

Emma Wilson, Owner, Emma Wilson Spa


"I doubled my income"

"I was looking to widen the scope of my copywriting business to incorporate coaching clients on their business growth. My ultimate goal was to increase my income as well as shifting the emphasis of my work onto the aspects that give me the most satisfaction.

Mel helped me get clear on all the different areas of my business where I currently generate income, and to be clear on which ones I wanted to work on. The immediate benefit was significantly increased income (up to double my previous monthly earnings). This result was accompanied by a real feeling of excitement and that I could expand my business any way I saw fit and that it didn't have to be a struggle. In short, a feeling that anything was possible - it's a feeling that has remained.

I would absolutely recommend Mel to anyone who would like achieve more with their business, whether they are stuck for ideas or stuck with how to progress them. She helped open my eyes and mind to what I could achieve - but more importantly to what I wanted to achieve and what really lit me up. Mel is extremely enthusiastic and supportive; I felt believed in at every turn and she really knows how to listen. And most of all, it was fun!"

Paul Travers, Coaching & Marketing for Estate Agents


"I got peace of mind"

"We were at the next stage to welcome even more clients, but I didn’t know where to start with our brand and messaging planning. Mel put my mind at ease and immediately helped me to unravel the answers to questions I have had for quite some time. We now have a much better understanding of our target clients and a clear action plan. I’d definitely recommend Mel as she is personable, listens deeply and was happy to go at my pace"

Andrea Sealey, Co-owner, Snappy Snaps Clapham High Street


"I’ve been non-stop inundated with client requests"

"I wanted to work with someone on my business who had energy and passion and who could help me visualise what it could become. I’m happy with my business currently but I wanted to plan the next year of the business as I felt it had plateaued a bit.

Mel helped me feel warm about my future business progress, helped me refine my ideas and also plan steps to achieve it, making it far more manageable and achievable.

Since then I've been non-stop inundaunted with new article blog write ups, YouTube video requests and enquiries for merchandise and retreats which I thought was just a dream for me and is now seeming a natural progress. So really no dream is too big for Mel to help you achieve it.

Mel helped me see what my time is worth and also financially I’ve seen my annual salary pre-self employment is totally achievable, if not double!!!

Would I recommend Mel? Omg yes yes yes!!! I'm coming back for more..... no stopping us now: 'dream team’. "

Madia Rashid, Physio4Me


"My new plan helped me to quickly secure new clients"

"Transitioning from a demanding corporate role back to freelance, I felt concerned about the future. I reached out to Mel because she is able to cut through the 'noise' and she quickly helped me see that a recurring pattern was getting in the way.

Mel's approach is calm, caring and considerate. When you feel like you are at a crossroads, coaching not only clears a lit path but is able to guide you there with warmth. Mel has the ability to make you feel that you are safe and secure. I come out of the sessions knowing what I need to do next and no longer feel overwhelmed.

The benefits have been huge and are measurable. I’ve already delivered my plan of action: I’ve secured all the clients I need for the next 3 months and set up as a limited company. This is even a few months earlier than planned as the coaching sessions helped me to visualise and plan clearly what I wanted.

I would recommend Mel to absolutely everyone from a start-up operator to a chief executive. Her ability to help you find your power and guide you out of the woods is her unique gift. She cares and when you are feeling vulnerable or lost on your path - this really is important. Mel's coachings are not a quick fix, put-a-plaster-on-it sessions - they are deeply healing ones. I come away feeling invigorated, inspired and ready to get on with life and take action."

Trudy Lister, Trudy Lister PR


"I learnt how to package the fear and throw it away"

"I chose to be coached by Mel because my confidence levels were down-proven by feedback from interviews. The coaching made me confront a real issue that was preventing me making progress in job and project interviews. I learnt how to package the fear and throw it away. The learning, which worked in that case, has worked since. I landed a project and good interim role shortly afterwards. Yes, I would recommend Mel. She taught me a useful process that works when I remember to use it!"

Sheila Hooper, Marketing Director


"For the first time ever I can see the steps towards my vision"

“I chose to work with Mel after many years of searching for the 'right' coach for me. Although I help clients create long-term visions for their business, when it comes to my own business I tend to struggle. Mel has a particular style - she is down to earth, practical whilst at the same time encourages you to think really creatively using some very different techniques. I realised during working with Mel that I was more aware than I thought about the long-term vision of my Company, and she has a lovely way of drawing this out from you. She not only gives you the space to think creatively but is also extremely encouraging and enthusiastic.

I now have a clearly articulated long-term vision and practical milestones to reach that. I am now more energised than ever about devoting my efforts to this cause, as for the first time ever I can actually see the steps to creating it.

I would highly recommend Mel to anyone looking for more clarity in any form whether it be creating long-term vision or their next steps. Thank you Mel!”

Alison Warner, Director Evolve & Grow / former Starbucks HR Manager, UK & Ireland


"I increased my income"

“I met Mel at at social function in Christmas 2016 and briefly discussed my issues. Luckily I won a free coaching session with Mel at the function’s silent auction for charity. Mel’s approach is practical and thorough. She encouraged me to think a lot about how I did things and what I could do to effect change.

On Mel’s suggestion I conducted a deeper than usual analysis of my client base and pricing. Since January this year (it is now March) post Mel’s coaching my business has already increased by 18%. In money terms this is at least a £5k increase in turnover already and at least 20% is attributable to the coaching as I charged a higher price than I would normally. Thanks Mel.

Mel is a delight to work with. I felt like she really listened to me and provided helpful and practical suggestions to my mental brick walls. I am much more confident now about moving forward. I still have a fair bit of work to do but Mel has given me some helpful tools to do this.”

Jacqui, Accountant


"I’m now focused and energised"

“Mel’s approach to ‘life coaching’ is immensely practical and down to earth, but exploring the philosophies behind her work is also very much part of her style. For me the most important aspect of her approach is that she let me discover the answers for myself, which of course was the best way to ensure I really understood what was happening and how I could go about changing things.

The conversations were very relaxed yet focussed and Mel’s supportive style allowed me to discuss fundamental and sometimes uncomfortable self-truths without feeling vulnerable. Her sense of clarity is also very strong, making sure I understood everything at each stage of the process. I left each session feeling empowered, positive and further along the road to the solutions I was seeking. Within six weeks of once-weekly phone sessions, each of an hour, I was where I had hoped I would be – focussed, optimistic and energised.

These were the qualities I used to have and at some point had lost. Through Mel’s sessions I learnt how and why this had happened, what I had to do to get back on track and what I should do to retain this positive momentum in the future.”

Felix Cross, M.B.E, CEO, Nitro


"I achieved my income target"

“I felt I was lacking a clear sense of where I was heading and how to develop my business to create regular, satisfying, financially sustainable work. Mel's approach combines powerful work on vision with practical steps and useful techniques for overcoming obstacles and moving towards achieving one’s goals.

She has a brilliant way of helping to draw out what’s important to a person. In particular, I loved creating my 'vision-board' and 'vision statement' and still look at both regularly; I find them really energizing, uplifting and inspiring, and I truly believe that opportunities have come about as a result of this work.

In the shorter term, I applied the coaching process to work on a key project and it was incredible to see my vision come to life. I achieved my income target and surpassed expectations in many other areas of the project. New opportunities have opened up for me over the past few months – new leads, clients, networks and projects – I’m definitely in a better position in terms of creating regular work, growing my business and moving towards achieving my vision.

I believe this work has created a strong foundation on which to build and I’m really excited to see how things develop. I would absolutely recommend Mel! I think she's a fantastic coach and lots of businesses and individuals would greatly benefit from working with her. On top of everything else, she makes the whole process fun!”

Pauline Milligan, Director, Streatham Food Festival 2013 - 2015


"I got new clients"

“I decided to work with Mel because she is an expert in marketing and I was looking for someone who supported me in formulating who I am and what my services can offer to potential clients. Mel supported me in formulating questions and articulating what I actually have to offer and also to speak about my capability to empower people.

I am now able to “pitch” my product. Mel's approach is fun, humorous and playful. She creates a space for dialogue and empowerment for a person like me, who hates to speak about herself. She invited me to collage my vision of my new clients as well as how I see my
coaching practice. A process that I very much enjoy, as it is visual and great possibility to express oneself without having to talk. The images spoke for themselves.

I have been able to acquire 2 new clients within 3 months. I feel confident to approach people and speaking about my services without having the impression that I boast.

I would definitely recommend Mel. She is inspiration, tactful, challenging, rigorous and at the same calm and kind in her approach.”

Marilyn Rixhon, Chrysalide


"I was inspired to raise my game"

“I chose to work with Mel because I needed support to develop my on-line identity and product portfolio, and being self-employed I found this hard to do on my own. So I wanted a collaborator to bounce ideas off who was also an expert in marketing.

Although I have some expertise in this area myself it is much harder I think to market yourself and so Mel provided me with a structure, a sounding board and her professional advice. She was also very positive, supportive and encouraging, and made me feel great about myself and inspired me to get on with it.

Although I decided not to pursue my web site etc. as my plans changed I had a very positive experience working with Mel that had left me feeling inspired to raise my game which I did.

If you need to develop your personal or business marketing, and if you need someone to draw your best ideas out of you and leave you feeling motivated and inspired to get into action then Mel is your person.”

Anne Feeney, Executive Coach

"I was able to push myself forward into areas I had thought out of my league"

"I was in a full time job, feeling unmotivated and uncertain of my direction. I was thinking of moving jobs but, despite an excellent career in my chosen field, did not feel confident of doing so and became unclear of the particular skills and talents that I had to offer. I felt very challenged and almost stuck - with no direction presenting itself to me. I would describe myself as feeling paralyzed, inactive.

Coaching gave me a sense of myself back. It also uncovered all the directions that were in fact available to me. Emotionally I felt more confident and able to continue to work on finding my next direction. I was able to to push myself forward into areas that hitherto I had thought were out of my league.

I would most definitely recommend Mel to others. Her style is empathetic and professional. She works swiftly and you feel you are working. This is coaching, it is not counselling - it physically feels that you are being coached to your next steps of your career - it's a tangible activity and is enormously useful.

Mel is extremely empathetic and intuitive and also has a very developed skill set. She has the expertise to translate one's initial emotional discourse swiftly to a more directional conversation about the future. I could not recommend her highly enough."

Kristine Landon-Smith, Theatre Director/Educator/Producer