Performance coach to headline free North Wales business event

A PIONEERING performance coach will headline a free North Wales leadership event.

Darren Lawrenson, founder of St Helens-based Dasala, is to appear as a speaker on the next 20Twenty Business Growth workshop at Tower Hill Barns in Trevor, Wrexham.

The Winning in Business session is a motivational masterclass aimed at directors, senior managers and industry leaders from across Flintshire, Wrexham and Powys, with the course up to 70% funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) via Welsh Government.

Admitting he got into the profession by chance, Darren has grown to become one of the most sought-after life coaches in the country, working with organisations such as the NHS and Prince’s Trust and performing at venues including Wembley Conference Centre and Birmingham NEC Arena.

“I was invited to give a talk on leadership, and it went from there,” said Darren.

“Before that, I worked in telecommunications, as a sales director and then head of my own company, which I sold to BT five years later.

“I had decided to retire but got bored quite quickly as I like to be busy and active – that’s when I began to work as a life coach.”

To keep things fresh, Darren meets and teaches people from all walks of life, from medical professionals to young offenders, CEOs and education leaders.

He also chairs the board of a TV production company as a non-executive director, coaches three regional NHS organisations and the executive team of the largest private equity group in the UK, and writes a monthly article in Lifestyle Magazine.

Darren has even appeared on television himself, discussing human behaviour and success principles.

At the 20Twenty event he plans to focus on helping entrepreneurs to set goals and realise their potential.

“There will be stories, a stimulating Q&A workshop and group interaction, where I’ll be encouraging challenging thinking,” he said.

“At the end of the session everyone will leave with their own personal plan to achieve their goals.”

When asked about his own success, Darren said he puts it down to writing out his vision and ambitions aged 27, as well as “sacrifice and some occasional luck” to carve out more than 20 years in business.

He achieved that list of ambitions within four years and believe that if those in attendance have the same approach, they could do the same.

Darren added: “I think the conference and workshop will help everyone there to be more successful all-round in business, especially when it comes to developing leadership skills.

“Lots of people want to be successful and achieve their goals, but not everyone manages it.

“When you’re working for someone else, you’re working under their intentions – this session will help people to be their own boss.”

Jackie Whittaker, 20Twenty Business Development Manager, says the huge savings that can be made due to the ESF funding and presence of leading names in industry have made the course an attractive proposition for company owners.

“20Twenty has gone from strength to strength in past years, helping thousands of workers and bosses with their management and leadership skills, as well as strategy and finance,” said Jackie.

“Darren is one of the best business coaches around so to have him on board is a privilege, he has been very popular and influential with past cohorts and made a big difference to their businesses.

“As well as the masterclass with Darren there will be an opportunity for networking so we look forward to welcoming some new faces to the event, and there are still places available if other firms would like to join us.”

The Winning in Business event takes place on June 20. For more information or to book your place, visit www.20twentybusinessgrowth.com or email j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk