Get to know your coach…

For almost all of my corporate career I worked in IT, in global companies such as Lloyds TSB, American Express and Visa. I was initially technical but very quickly switched to business analysis where I could work with people. After a career break in 2014 with a few months in Toronto, I went to work as Operations Manager for a leadership development consultancy – a very different environment to large corporates, but one that was very rewarding with a diverse range of activities.

Throughout my working life, I have combined the logical, organised, process-focused activities required in IT with a passion for helping others to succeed, taking a personal interest in all my staff and supporting them in their development. To this end I qualified as a coaching and mentoring practitioner with the European Mentoring & Coaching Council.

Financial Coaching is the ideal career for me now – I can use all the skills and experience I’ve gained throughout my working life to help others to get the best out of their finances. Coaching, people and numbers all coming together in one place – what more can a girl ask for?

I like to create a relaxed environment when coaching – it isn’t always easy to confide in a stranger about money, which is traditionally considered a private topic. By creating a safe, non-judgemental space to talk freely, I aim to open up my clients to the possibilities that exist with good financial planning.

When I’m not coaching, I volunteer for SSAFA (a military charity helping people in financial need) and am treasurer for our local community bus charity. I’m also walking the South West Coast Path, although with a husband who has severe vertigo and two bouncy dogs who have no clue about cliff edges, it’s something I’m having to do with friends or on my own!