Meet Maureen Laws – Founder of Cashmere Coaching and Consultancy

I’m Maureen. I’m both a business consultant and a personal development coach, two strands of work that overlap more often than people realise.

My working career was spent within a male dominated industry where certain leadership styles and ways of communicating were often more visible than others. Working in those environments gave me a strong understanding of workplace dynamics, professional relationships and the importance of resilience, trust and credibility

In management and leadership roles, my success relied less on processes and more on the people I worked with. Whether guiding internal teams or working with external partners and suppliers, my approach was always the same – build trust, set clear expectations and bring out the best in others.

I also understood what it felt like to be overlooked, second guessed or expected to continually prove myself within professional environments.

Coming from a background where I was often the only person in the room who looked like me, I learned very quickly that respect was not freely given. It was earned through consistency, professionalism, strong communication and delivering results.

Over time, I learned the importance of trusting my judgement, speaking with confidence and staying calm under pressure.

How this influences my work today

Working closely with internal teams, suppliers and partners helped me to recognise the strategic and people challenges many organisations face as they grow. That background, alongside my coaching certification through Cambridge University, influences the way I work with individuals and organisations through Cashmere Coaching and Consultancy.

I bring together my business background and coaching practice to support both individuals and organisations.

Sometimes the work is personal. Someone may be rebuilding their confidence, questioning their direction or considering a new opportunity. At other times the focus turns to leadership or the direction of a business. This might involve setting priorities, developing teams or bringing greater clarity to strategy or direction.

Some people have spent years adapting themselves to fit professional environments rather than feeling able to fully relax into who they are.

They think carefully about how they come across, how much space they take up and whether certain behaviours might be judged differently. Many become used to over preparing, staying measured, reading the room constantly or softening parts of themselves to avoid being misunderstood or reinforcing other people’s assumptions.

Over time, that level of self monitoring becomes exhausting. Instead of trusting their natural judgement, people can find themselves relying on caution, overthinking and constant proof of competence just to feel secure professionally.

Although the situations differ, the starting point is often very similar.

When people take time to think carefully about their situation, they begin to see what matters most and where their attention needs to be placed. From that clarity comes more confidence, better decisions and more meaningful change.

My role is not to offer quick fixes or generic approaches. Instead, I work with you as a clear and objective sounding board, helping you to think things through, challenge your assumptions and move forward with practical, well considered decisions.

Who I work with

Individuals looking for greater confidence and direction

Some clients come to Cashmere at a point where they want to rebuild confidence, think more clearly about their future or regain a stronger sense of direction in work or life.

Others are experienced professionals who are capable in their work, yet often leave conversations questioning what they said, whether they handled something well enough or if they should have approached things differently.

A significant part of my work involves supporting women who want to strengthen their confidence, communication and leadership presence within the workplace.

Business leaders and organisations

Other clients are managing the pressures that come with leadership, business decisions and organisational responsibility.

Leading a business or managing a team can feel isolating at times. Decisions carry weight and there’s not always the opportunity to speak openly, test ideas objectively or explore concerns without feeling guarded about the possible impact on others.

Cashmere offers leaders a confidential and objective environment where they can think freely, have assumptions challenged, explore ideas honestly and talk through situations without the pressure of having all the answers.

Whether someone is rebuilding confidence, leading a team or reconsidering what comes next, progress usually begins when people are able to step back, think clearly and move forward with purpose.

I built my career on authenticity, resilience and honesty. Values I carry into every client conversation.