Introducing Clara Wilcox and The Balance Collective

People often come to flexible working due to significant changes in their life. For me, it was becoming a mother. I was lucky to be working for supportive organisations at the time both of my girls were born, with solid work-life balance cultures. Naively I had though that this option was available to most; it was only when I started speaking to other parents that I realised I was in a minority.

Bearing in mind I have six and a half years between my children, I was shocked to hear that things haven’t really changed as we move further into the twenty-first century. I am continuously disappointed to hear story after story of parents, mostly but not exclusively mothers, having to choose between their careers or time with their children; often meaning they leave a job they love to gain their work life balance, or stay in a job they have worked hard for, to gain the flexibility they need. This issue is the catalyst for the creation of the Balance Collective.

I have personally experienced how becoming a parent can shift and change goals and priorities and how unsettling this can be. Sometimes, a critical friend is needed to help solidify and support these goals, getting you there quicker than you can on your own. This is where personal development coaching can help. From career coaching, employability support, confidence building, finding your USP or coaching you through a flexible working request proposal; it can facilitate the change that you are seeking. It is also a fantastic and support tool for businesses looking to smoothly integrate their staff back into work after extended leave; including maternity leave.

Ultimately, the economy is currently haemorrhaging talent by not considering the multiple options available to it in the world of flexible working; though The Balance Collective, my mission it to keep talent where it wants to belong.