It’s time for a refresh for 2025. I will take you on a journey, reintroducing myself and your go-to coach, and explaining why I’m offering these Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions. You might be wondering, “Why should I ask you a question?” or “Why should you be the one to answer it?”
And both those questions are justified.
Let’s start with “Why should you be the one to answer my questions?”
I’m a doubly qualified coach interested in strength-based coaching and neuroscience. My first coaching qualification came in 2017, and I’ve expanded and refreshed those skills in 2024. I’ve got a knack for blending the thinking and feeling sides of coaching. It’s been quite the journey, learning to lean into the emotional aspects when my natural inclination is towards the cognitive.
This matters, as when I’m supporting clients with their return to work, career, confidence or balance, it’s clear that we can’t simply “think” our way out of emotionally grounded needs or decisions. So, my approach has evolved over the past decade thanks to my love of being an “eternal student”.
My career started in creative recruitment in 2001, where I eventually found myself running the branch. From there, I ventured into higher education, wearing various hats – consultant, project manager, trainer. It was during this time that I stumbled upon the concept of social enterprise, which has become a cornerstone of why I do what I do and how I run my business.
Social enterprise, for those unfamiliar, is a way of doing business that prioritises social or environmental purposes. This approach resonates deeply with me, as I have a strong social and community-focused drive. It’s the reason I work primarily with parents. I’ve been fortunate enough to receive support from organisations like UnLtd and The School of Social Entrepreneurs, which have shaped my business and me!
On the surface, my work is all about “Creating a career to enjoy, not endure.” But there’s so much more. My work aims to reduce unemployment or underemployment among parents. And no, underemployment isn’t about choice – it’s when people are in jobs that pay less or offer fewer hours than their skills warrant, or their needs require.
I’m very aware that not everyone can access my services directly, even with my sliding scale pricing model. That’s why I’ve developed other ways to reach people. The first was the approach to my blog content. It isn’t just a selling tool (though it helps!). It’s designed to be a self-coaching resource over time. You will notice that I provide tools and techniques you can apply to your life, even if you can’t work with me directly. I signpost other services, businesses and communities. Most recently the personal development book club became a monthly review with “Clara Cliff Notes”, to help you educate and empower yourself.
This brings us to the regular Ask Me Anything sessions, which are an extension of my social entrepreneurial drive. These sessions serve two purposes.
- Consultative: You ask a question, and I provide answers to help you figure out your next steps. This is probably what you expect from a Q&A session!
- Coaching: I offer self-reflective questions like those I’d use in a coaching session, helping you tap into new ways of thinking and create your solutions.
As of 2024, these video sessions have been developed into articles (just like this one) so you refer back when it suits, and share with those who may find the content useful!
If you’re curious about what’s been asked before, check out this blog. It’s a great way to see the types of questions people have and the answers I’ve provided. Who knows? It might help you get unstuck in 2025 or spark some ideas for the upcoming AMA sessions.
I regularly promote the dates and times for AMA sessions on Facebook, in my Group, on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and through my emails. When you spot these prompts, feel free to leave a question or send me a message if you prefer to remain anonymous.
So, there you have it – a bit about me, my journey, and why I’m here to help. Ready to ask me anything?
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
