Laurence Milsted is an executive coach and former Global CFO at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, a Magic Circle law firm. He works with senior leaders to strengthen leadership capability, refine financial strategy, and enhance boardroom influence.
About Laurence
With extensive experience in finance leadership, governance, and executive decision-making, Laurence works with finance professionals, senior executives, and boards to enhance strategic clarity, leadership confidence, and commercial effectiveness. Having held board and advisory roles across government, business, and education, he brings deep expertise in financial leadership, corporate governance, and high-performance board dynamics—equipping leaders with the insights and confidence to operate effectively in complex environments.
Coaching & Advisory Approach
Laurence combines deep financial expertise with a strategic coaching approach, helping senior leaders navigate complexity with confidence. He works with finance professionals, executives, and board members to refine their leadership, enhance decision-making, and drive organisational success. His coaching is:
- Commercially Focused – Strengthening financial leadership, strategic decision-making, and governance.
- Pragmatic & Strategic – Grounded in extensive board and finance leadership experience.
- Results-Driven – Focused on refining leadership impact, executive presence, and stakeholder management.
His approach supports finance professionals, executives, and board members in navigating high-stakes decisions, developing leadership capability, and driving organisational success.
Board Experience & Governance Leadership
Laurence brings significant board-level expertise, serving in multiple governance and advisory roles, including:
- Ministry of Justice Audit Committee – Committee Member
- Small Business Commissioner – Audit Chair
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Advisory Role
- ESCP Europe Business School – Audit Chair
Previously, he served as Senior Independent Director, Audit Chair, and Joint Chair of the Performance Committee at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (2008–2015), overseeing governance, performance, and risk management.
His ability to cut through complexity and enhance board performance, financial oversight, and strategic governance makes him a valuable partner for executives and organisations navigating change.
Finance & Leadership Development
Laurence works with finance leaders to develop confidence, manage complexity, and engage effectively with stakeholders. His coaching focuses on:
- CFO & Finance Leadership Transitions – Establishing a strong leadership foundation in new roles.
- Boardroom Influence & Stakeholder Management – Strengthening communication, negotiation, and executive presence.
- Strategic Finance Leadership – Enhancing commercial acumen and decision-making under pressure.
“Laurence’s market specialisation in legal and professional services, coupled with his non-executive experience in a range of organisations make him a highly effective trusted advisor. He is supportive and challenging, practical and focused on achieving sustainable results.”