M“Hello

“How are you doing today?

“How can I help?”

Since I can remember, I have always said “hello” and asked these two questions.  

Whether that be at work or with family and friends or in situations where strangers might need support.

As a natural empath I feel the emotions of those around me and have learnt over the years to put in boundaries and see although my natural tendencies to support, nurture and guide are strengths when they go into overdrive, they aren’t helpful!

I love people and am genuinely interested in those I work with.

Be curious, be intrigued, with empathy and compassionate is how I work.

I see the person in front of me and how I can add value based on what they need that day.

I was fortunate enough at the beginning of my career, to have three amazing mentors who not only mentored me but coached to help me find my own answers.

I started work at the age of 22, straight-out of uni and into my first job.

I remember it was a blistering hot day and I was sick with a raging temperature.

I hired a van with two chaps who moved my furniture as I drove behind them in my green Peugeot 206 from Bath where I was living with my parents to Ashford in Kent. I knew no one and little did I know I was walking into a hornet nest of politics! For my first job – gosh it taught me so much about people and for someone who doesn’t do conflict it was a huge learning curve! The CEO at the company also said to me, “Your first job moulds you, you’re a sponge and we’ll support you into who you want to be.”. I was very lucky and grateful to have an amazing CEO and leadership team who took a risk on a 22-year-old, saw potential, and supported me.

Those three mentors gave me advice, support and guidance as I not only started work in PR and communications but I started a new chapter of my life.

My 20s were spent focussing on my career, working during the day and studying at night to gain professional accreditation to add to my degree in PR and business.

My late 20s saw me get married.

My early 30s saw a few curve balls having a baby when told that might not happen for me and getting divorced.

My late 30s, well 38 to be exact, with a sparky 4 year-old I was promoted to a director of group communications job. I looked to bring in talent that could be nurtured and grow to stay with the company.

I saw my role, to make sure the team grew themselves not only for themselves but for where they wanted to be individually. The aspiration for them to grow with us or outgrow us and move on – both outcomes a success for the individual. And what I was taught in that first job – “Look for potential, skills can be taught and seeing someone stay or go you’ve done the best for them and the company.”.

As a single Mum, juggling a new demanding job, I pulled in a fantastic support system around me through family, a childminder and after-school clubs – it worked.

I was also gifted the chance to work with an executive coach to support me transition to the leadership role which, for me, was transformational. A previous line manager had once said to me, “You won’t amount to anything in PR as you don’t have gravitas.”.

I learnt my quieter, making points when needed and not needing to be the loudest in the room style – was my superpower.

My early 40s  saw a lot learning as I was diagnosed with breast cancer and my interest in neuroscience began as a result of PSTD (post-traumatic stress disorder kicked in).

I started a part time masters in executive coaching and mentoring while working full-time. Putting together all I had learnt in PR, marketing and communications by supporting leaders, CEOs and teams to succeed while coaching individuals to achieve their career aspirations, it was a great fit for where I wanted to be.

2020 and the pandemic hit. Juggling work and a neurodiverse son at home I saw there was a different way. A super employer gave me time and space to invest in me and supported me to move my career into coaching full time. And here we are – you’re caught up to 2021.

I have experience of constant change and uncertainty in my life and working environment.

Today, I am bringing my 20+ years of experience of working with CEOs, leaders. board members and business leaders to provide coaching – especially when dealing with uncertainty, fear and overwhelm to success, alignment, and balance.

Trust and holding space is rare.

I’ve been in frequent situations where I’ve known company announcements before the executive team and working to ensure confidentiality and calm.

Coaching gives space.

Coaching gives a trusted space.

Coaching gives a non-judgemental space.

Coaching also starts with – “how are you doing today?” and “how can I help?”.

So how are you doing today? And how can I help you?