Hello, and thank you for exploring my website! My name is Laura Neff, and I am profoundly grateful to be a Life Leadership Coach. 

Personal growth has been a devoted pursuit ever since an illness landed me in the hospital and on bed rest for four months when I was 25. Suddenly there I was, missing my life and wondering, "Wow, I'm given the gift of time each day. How have I been spending it?" That awareness was the beginning of a conscious path of growth, changes, and challenges in the 14 years since. And within those years, I also cultivated a fervent passion for helping those around me unleash their own potential and unique ways of being in the world, no matter where I was or what I was up to.

Here, though, is a little more about how I got from 25-and-on-bedrest to where I am today:

Shortly after graduating with a BA in English in 1993, I followed my instincts to Charlotte, North Carolina and, literally on a whim, got a job with one of the largest banks in the U.S. as an administrative assistant. Before I knew it, that whim had quickly turned into a professional capability in corporate communications, training and facilitation and, by the time I was 29, a title of "Vice President." But despite raises, promotions, and new project after new project, an ever-present voice inside had always been telling me the corporate world wasn't the place for me long term. And it really got pretty insistent. So, finally, I took a deep breath...and I left!

That first big step led to many more leaps of faith and growth in the years since, each of which has increased my own self-confidence and courage, and taught me more about how to live with, in spite of, and even with gratitude for my fears. I’ve done everything from communications/training consulting within businesses and corporations to: retail management, teaching college writing, designing and selling jewelry, cleaning up monkey poo at a wildlife rescue centre in Thailand (really!), growing and selling organic produce, and learning how to make lattes and cappuccinos at a Colorado riverside cafe when my dear husband, Robert, and I traveled the country for 10 months in a converted school bus in 2002. And after much patience, soul searching, and pleading with the Universe about what I'm here to do, the stars and planets finally aligned themselves to spell out, “You’re a life coach, dummy! Now go get some training and get on with it!” And after all that, here I am.

In early October, 2006, I completed the core coaching curriculum of the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), and in October, 2007 gained the designation of “Certified Professional Co-Active Coach” (CPCC) after completing CTI's robust Certification program. I also hold the title of "Associate Certified Coach" (ACC) through the International Coaches Federation, which is the governing body of coaches around the world.

In mid-2007, I completed a rigorous 10-month personal Leadership Program offered through CTI, which stretched, challenged and opened me light years beyond my expectations. In 2008-2009, it was my delight and honor to assist program leaders Henry Kimsey-House, one of the three founders of the Coaches Training Institute, and his brother, Sam House, as they led another group through the same challenging, life-altering curriculum.

In 2009, I had the honor of being President of the Charlotte Chapter of the International Coach Federation, a group of brilliant, committed coaches spanning the spectrum of coaching niches. This year, I’m enjoying being an active chapter board member but in more of a supportive role as “Immediate Past President.”

All in all, my experience as a coach so far has been beyond gratifying--out of this world, in fact--and I can't wait for more! 

Thanks again for perusing my site as you explore what “More In You” and Life Leadership coaching has to offer you. There is more in you, my friend, and I'd love to talk with you about how we might work together to bring it out!

Laura Neff, CPCC, ACC

p.s. By joining the Life Leadership community (via the form at the left) and following me on Twitter and Facebook, you’ll get a subscription to my monthly e-zine, “More In View,” and as a thank you, you’ll also receive a five week Life Leadership e-course! Great stuff! Rave reviews!

p.p.s. Find me on Twitter here.

p.p.p.s. And, last but not least, join me on Facebook, where you’ll find me via my profile (Laura Neff) and my Life Leadership Coaching page.