Introduction

I am the founder of Know Limits Ltd and based in the West Midlands.

Mental Health underpins all the services Know Limits offers. This includes Therapy, Life, Relationship & Leadership Coaching, Supervision and Training/Consultancy.

I trained as a Mental Health Nurse and my life’s work for the last 37 years has encompassed supporting people from a range of backgrounds, ages and roles within work and personal life. I am a qualified Dramatherapist, Teacher in Further Education, Supervisor, Coach, Enneagram practitioner and MHFA England Instructor. In addition to my Adult Mental Health Nursing, I have a BSc hons in Mental Health Studies specialising in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This created some fantastic opportunities to work in over the years including: Assistant Manager for Adults Care Home, Priory inpatient Unit, CAMHS, Ivetsey Bank Hospital (Formerly Huntercombe High Secure Specialist Hospital), PRU’s, Cambian Group (Adults and Young People), Hewell Prison (Psychotherapy groups for men), Training for MIND, Barnardo’s & ESP Ltd, Coaching for Head Teachers and Middle Managers including King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, Balaam Wood Academy and a range of other services.

What Sets Us Apart

Mental Health underpins all the services Know Limits offers. This includes Therapy, Life, Relationship & Leadership Coaching, Supervision and Training/Consultancy.

I trained as a Mental Health Nurse and my life’s work for the last 37 years has encompassed supporting people from a range of backgrounds, ages and roles within work and personal life. I am a qualified Dramatherapist, Teacher in Further Education, Supervisor, Coach, Enneagram practitioner and MHFA England Instructor. In addition to my Adult Mental Health Nursing, I have a BSc hons in Mental Health Studies specialising in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. This created some fantastic opportunities to work in over the years including: Assistant Manager for Adults Care Home, Priory inpatient Unit, CAMHS, Ivetsey Bank Hospital (Formerly Huntercombe High Secure Specialist Hospital), PRU’s, Cambian Group (Adults and Young People), Hewell Prison (Psychotherapy groups for men), Training for MIND, Barnardo’s & ESP Ltd, Coaching for Head Teachers and Middle Managers including King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, Balaam Wood Academy and a range of other services.

Who is your perfect client?

Organisationally it is a CEO/Head of training/Academies/Director who want to consider their staff and people development from a wider system perspective. They would be interested in their own development and open to change from the top down. They want to look at staff training related to their own frameworks. Coaching and team’s work utilising the Enneagram and embed a coaching and reflective thinking environment. Resilience and wellbeing techniques to reduce the risk of burnout. And consider how the transferable skills can be utilised with their own clients if in Care and Education sectors. Upskilling with my Mental Health Training and Audit. They would like to use my wealth of resource.

Individually it is any person going through a life transition that would like support to navigate the changes this may bring. Including a young person, adult or couple. I am dually qualified as a Therapist and Coach. So, the Therapy supports people to process trauma and unresolved issues from the past. The Coaching supports people who want to realise their potential and be held accountable for how they take their life forward into the future. If people are unsure what they need I can help provide guidance on this.

Individually and Organisationally I also supervise other Coaches and Therapists looking to safeguard themselves and their clients. Having a safe, nurturing, psychological space, to reflect on client practise and potential biases. And exploring accountability to look after their own wellbeing and prevent burnout, using appropriate Code of Ethics and Frameworks.

Why I’m a Member of BNI

I was a BNI member many years ago when I was in the earlier stages of establishing my business in 2003. Fast forward to 2024, I decided to look at my current strategy for marketing and networking in the era of my business that is now more mature in years. BNI was my first choice as I believe it has the accountability factor and the systems to support this that other networks don’t necessarily have in the same robust way. As a weekly commitment I think this supports the development of building relationships that is required to do real business with trusted colleagues.

I have now moved into my third year.  I have gained return on my investment 3-fold at 15k. My aim is to double this income within the next year. It has also brought some key partnerships including delivering some joint collaborative workshops. And some other networks I only came to know through BNI. And has significantly increased my network of other trusted professionals. That I can connect my colleagues, friends and family with where they need support. This is way better than googling random trades and professionals I do not know.

Testimonial for Mandy Gutsell, Know Limits Ltd from Fiona Smith.

Working with Mandy has been an unexpectedly empowering journey. From our very first session, I felt a profound sense of safety—a space where I could freely express my thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Mandy’s gentle and perceptive coaching style created an environment that felt open and non-constraining, allowing me to explore my inner world with honesty and curiosity.

What truly sets her apart is her ability to be an objective listener. Mandy holds space with such presence and care that I often found myself uncovering insights I didn’t know I had. Their unbiased perspective helped me see my challenges in a new light, and their unwavering belief in my potential reignited my self-belief and energy.

One of the most beautiful and surprising aspects of our work together has been the use of poetry. Through poetic reflection, I was able to connect with my emotions in a deeper, more meaningful way. It brought clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Mandy’s positive mindset is contagious, and her authenticity shines through in every conversation. I’ve come to deeply appreciate the freedom and trust that defined our coaching relationship. It’s not just about achieving goals—it’s about rediscovering who I am and embracing that fully.

I am incredibly grateful for the positive impact this coaching has had on my life. It has been a transformative experience—gentle, powerful, and profoundly human.

 F.Smith| Assistant Headteacher/SENCO/Assessor Coach