How do I know that you know what you’re talking about?

Good question!  In such an unregulated industry, it pays to check.  Unlike some well intentioned but unexperienced people in the sector, you can trust me, because I have:

  • Over 18 years’ experience in this specific sector so I know what I’m talking about and will tailor our conversations to your exact needs.
  • I am a RCDP (Registered Career Development Professional) with the CDI (Career Development Institute) and an Associate member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
  • I have been used as an example of best by the NfER and a finalist in the national Career Champion Award in 2016
  • I was one of the founding Ambassadors for National Careers Week
  • I have qualifications in:
  • Level 6 Careers Guidance Diploma (OCR)
  • ILM Level 5 Certificate in Professional Coaching and Mentoring
  • Diploma in Career Coaching (Oxford College)
  • Level 5 Diploma in Learning & Development (CIPD)
  • Certified MBTI and DiSC and TEIQ practitioner.
  • But most importantly of all, please take a look at my testimonials page to see what some of my wonderful clients have said about me.

Can you guarantee I’ll find work if I book with you?

Sadly, no, as there are too many variables I can’t control.  But I can guarantee you’ll get everything laid out in the service information about what I do help with and what I’ll need from you, in order to help you achieve your dream career plans. You will also get my 100% commitment to helping you.  I truly believe that with my help you’ll get to where you want to be, faster than if you’d tried to get there on your own (if you’d even reach them at all).  Many of my clients have given me feed back along these lines and my desire to help others is what gets me up in the morning.  And if for any reason I don’t think I’ll be able to help you, then I’ll let you know and where possible, recommend you to others from my network who can help.

How can you justify your prices?

I get it.  It feels like a lot of money to part with but think of it as an investment in your future.  I’m not the cheapest person you can find in the sector (ever heard the expression ‘buy cheap, buy twice?’), but certainly not the most expensive either.  I’ve tailored my prices to meet my customer market and even have discounted rates for students and graduates.  You’ll not just be paying for the time I spend liaising with you, any sessions themselves or work completed, but also for access to my intellectual property of extensively researched resources  and my over 18 years’ of experience and qualifications meaning I can give you expert advice and support.  Now think of the amazing value you are getting.

And if it is cost that is holding you back from working with me, please do get in touch so we can discuss options like payment plans or other ways to reduce the financial impact for you.

Why do you do what you do?

Mission Statement

I support clients with practical tools and methods to help them work out, get into, and thrive in their dream career.

Vision Statement

My vision is to create a world where workplace stress no longer exists, where everyone has access to career support to enable them to choose and thrive in their dream career.  Changing the happiness of the world, one client at a time.

My Values

Helpfulness: Using my drive and creativity for positive action, helping not just myself but others too.

Authenticity: Being ME makes me unique.  I won’t always do things the same way as others and that’s a strength.

Self-respect: Pride in my work and learning from all experiences, whether they were wonderful or challenging.

Freedom: Being a master of my own destiny, only taking on work which makes my heart sing, so I am 100% committed to all I do.

My Super Strengths

The things I am brilliant at and known for, are being:

Driven: whether it’s making a change or getting something started, I won’t stop till the goal is achieved.

A Helper: I love to help people, it’s why I do what I do.

Creative: whether it’s designing, problem solving, or upcycling some furniture, my creativity is my passion and will help you get to where you want to be.  No ‘can’t do!’ here.

MBTI
For most people, finding career success and happiness starts with focusing on raising self-awareness.  There are lots of ways to do that, but as a Myers Briggs (MBTI) Practitioner, I often use the tool to help clients (if they wish).

My own profile is for a preference of INFJ, which is one of the rarest types (yes, I’m special!).  With preference for ‘Introversion’, I’m a good listener, ‘INtuition’, I can see the bigger picture, ‘Feeling’, I have a strong moral compass and am very empathetic to others and ‘Judging’ (no, I don’t judge!), I take logical practical steps to achieving goals.

And these qualities make me very good at what I do.

What is coaching and what is career guidance?  Which do you offer?

I usually cringe when I hear people talking about coaching versus mentoring or guidance.  Often, people get it very wrong about what they actually are or talk about them as if they are the same thing (they’re not).

Coaching

I don’t have all the answers but passionately believe that you do, even if you can’t find them right now.  My job as a coach, is to help you.  You’re the expert in yourself, you probably just need someone to ask the right questions, so you can get out of your own way and find the right path to achieving your goals.

I will never judge you, so don’t be afraid to tell me what you’re really thinking or feeling, and I will actively listen to you.  I may challenge your answers, but only ever as your ‘critical friend’ to check your reasoning.

I’ll do this through a combination of talking and using tools to support your progress.  Coaching is not a ‘magic pill’, not a quick fix with all the answers laid out for you, but it is definitely something where you can see tangible results, even in a short time frame, if you engage in the process.

Guidance or Mentoring

These are also approaches I sometimes take with clients in order to help them move forward.  Guidance and mentoring are very similar to Coaching, but the major difference is they are more directive, so I might guide or suggest as well as question.  If I am providing guidance (or mentoring) the assumption here is that I know as much, or more, about the subject than the client.  So, for example, in a session I might look with a client at their CV and make suggestions based on my knowledge of what makes an attractive CV.  (Please note I do also offer a full CV re-write service, which is something different).

In essence, I will either pick coaching or guidance/mentoring, depending on the needs of the client and my expertise.  I will offer whatever I believe is the best solution for the client and the best way to help them move positively forward.

What is the difference between your CV rewrite and CV coaching offers?

My CV re-write offer is for those who do not have the time, or inclination, to write a CV.  I will have an initial call with you to clarify any details/questions I may have and for you to let me know any specific requirements.  I then go away and write your CV so you don’t need to.  I’ll ask you for a couple of job adverts of the sort of thing you’re applying for so I can really tailor it to those kind of roles.  I’ll provide you with the finished product and an explanation as to what I’ve done and why and of course if you have any further questions, you can of course ask.

With my CV coaching service, this is more about teaching you how to do it yourself.  In the session we will look at your current CV together.  I will take you through some general ‘rules’ about CVs and check you are following them and/or give advice on improvements you can make.  I’ll teach you in detail how to adapt and tailor your CV for every role you will apply for.  If I can make any changes or at least suggest the sort of thing you might like to do/change/ include then I will but after the session it is over to you to take all you have learnt in the session and then perfect your CV.

I’m interested in the Talent Transformation Programme but don’t want to do all the Steps.  Is there anything I can do?

Yes absolutely!  The price is £500 for the full programme or £200 per Step.  If you’d like to book just one, two or perhaps some of the Steps and some additional coaching sessions, get in touch and I’ll design you a bespoke package.

I’m the parent of a recent graduate and they’re struggling to get started with their career.  How can you help me?

I’ve worked with many parents over the years who have struggled with this.  You want to help your child but are aware they’re now an adult.  I’m happy to discuss options with you about how I can help, whether that be through the Emerging Talent Programme, CV services or coaching support but I will also need to speak to the individual I’ll be helping.  I can offer advice on how we move that forward to include them and if this is being funded by the bank of Mum and Dad, I’ll make sure both you and your son or daughter, have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What is your approach to GDPR?

Whether you are accessing my website, making an enquiry, or completing a session with me, I take looking after your personal data very seriously.  For full details on my privacy policy please see here.

How do I find out more?

Take a good look around my website for lots of useful information or feel free to contact me (see contact page for further details).  If you’d like to take up one of my services and just want to talk to me about if first, then you can also book a free 30 minute carer review with me by clicking on the button below.

Book Your Free Career Review