About Me

What is your background?

My background is sales account management.  I spent 9 years working for some of the big hitters in the world of fast-moving consumer goods, including Coca-Cola and Clarks, before becoming a self employed coach.

How did you become a coach?

I made the break from the corporate world a few years ago.  Having become increasingly disillusioned with chasing someone else’s dream, and struggling with the long hours and the travelling, I had decided that my future career lay outside the sales profession. 

I knew I needed to do something more meaningful, something more fulfilling.  I wanted to feel that I was making a positive contribution to the lives of others – not just the MD’s bank balance.  However, I was clueless about what ‘it’ was.  (This was nothing new – I had asked myself many times but still felt unable to answer the question ‘what next?’) 

What actually followed next was an opportunity for some much needed time out and a chance to consider my options.  During that time I happened to listen to an interview with a Life Coach on Radio 2, whose sentiments really resonated with me.  I decided to investigate training as a coach myself, and the rest, as they say, is history.      

I feel very lucky to have stumbled upon what has turned out to be my vocation.  It is now extremely important to me to work with people who, like me before, may be struggling with their work-life balance and are at their own career crossroads, unsure which way to turn next.

What qualifications do you have?

Having gained a degree in Sociology back in 1993, I undertook a Diploma in Coaching Practice with The UK College of Life Coaching (which has since become Coaching & Mentoring International) in 2004.  Since qualifying I have undergone further training with Robert Middleton, known as ‘The InfoGuru,’ and Mark Forster, The Time Freedom Coach.  In addition I have become a Certified Print Coach – ‘Printing’ uncovers the DNA of your personality and is the personality test I use as part of my coaching programmes.  I have also completed the Firework Career Coaching programme and am one of their Licensed Career Coaches.  

What do you want to achieve as a coach?

I believe that in order to achieve career fulfilment you need to align who you are with what you do.  Therefore my mission is to spread the word to as many people as possible that whatever your situation you always have choices in the way you live and work, and you can do what you love and get paid for it. 

What are your biggest achievements to date?

My biggest achievements are undeniably helping my clients to find their new direction and get the satisfying and rewarding careers they deserve.  I help them connect with who they really are, as opposed to who they think they should be.  For example, the frustrated IT Project Manager who has just started a dog-walking business, the stressed out Retail Manager who is now an aromatherapist, and the ‘out of control’ HR Director who now runs her own Consultancy and has the all work-life balance she needs.

What is the secret of your success?

I don’t think there are any secrets to what I do – often when people are ‘stuck’ or having a career crisis what they really need is someone to help them look at their situation objectively.  They need someone who can stand back and help them see the bigger picture; someone to listen to them and hear what is really going on.  I provide a safe forum for people to explore, dream and discover what they really want from their careers and their lives, and help them set about making that a reality.  I always work on the basis that in 20 years time you are more likely to regret the things you didn’t do as opposed to things you did.

What are your plans for the future – where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I hope in 5 year’s time to have had a positive impacton the working lives of lots more people, and set them on the path to the purposeful careers they deserve.

What do you do when you’re not coaching?

I am fortunate enough to lead a very balanced life, with lots of friends and interests outside my work.  I’m a country girl at heart, my passion is riding and I am very lucky to have my own horse – Tommy – who is absolutely gorgeous.  I can lose many hours hacking around the hill where I keep him, enjoying the stunning views and feeling at one with nature – quite often getting cold and soaked through at the same time!
My husband and I love to eat out and socialise, but I also enjoy just chilling out at home with a good book and Henry and Sweep, our two cats.
I have always been interested in property, and offset my coaching with some part time work for a local property developer.
I also love to travel, with South Africa being a favourite for some winter sun, and as I absolutely adore Italian food and wine we also try to find time for at least one trip a year to Italy, although I secretly think you can’t beat the UK when the sun shines!   

Now that you have found out a little more about me, why not visit my How I Work page to get an insight into the philosophy behind my practice and the approach I use when working with clients.