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Book Review: A Guide to Thriving by Jon Rosemberg
This month’s book review was one that I bought, based on the title only! Sometimes I’m very targeted with my choices; either recommendations from trusted people or reviews I’ve seen online. Other times, it’s something that caught my eye. I’ve been thinking a lot about...
How to best support your teen’s career choices, without taking over!
This month’s Ask Me Anything question is a little different to my usual themes, but especially important and timely. Right now, exams are being sat, and choices are being made. You may have young people in your life making life decisions, and you are wondering how to...
How to manage your boundaries when returning to work after illness
Returning to wor Returning to work after any period away deserves coaching support. However, when you have been away due to illness, there is an extra dynamic to consider. As a return-to-work coach, I work with clients looking for a positive transition back into their...
Resources and advice to support parental wellbeing (updated for 2026)
When I am working with a coaching client, it is rare that we only talk about one aspect of their life; we don’t just hyper-focus on their job! To create a career to enjoy, we assess where their work fits into life as a whole. During the coaching process, as they learn...
May Plans – A guide to thriving, more questions and shorter weeks
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” William James In a month of two, four-day workweeks (for many!), there is only one wish I have for you. That you get some R&R with those that matter and continue to create a career to enjoy! As always,...
Book Review: Futureproof (9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation) by Kevin Roose
In 2021, when this book was published, I hadn’t even given automation much thought. I was aware that it existed in the systems I used personally and professionally, but I was just about recovering from lockdown and the pandemic to think about it much more! However, as...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: How to manage the pro AI chatter when you are sceptical?
Did you know that the adoption of Gen AI is happening faster than the adoption of the internet or the personal computer? You may feel like the conversations around AI, especially Generative AI, are happening around you; leaders, businesses, educational institutions...
Where to find flexible jobs for parents (updated for 2026)
BLOG UPDATED FOR 2026: Recommended family-friendly and flexible job sites, and Facebook Groups, for parents If I had a pound for every time I was told, very confidently, that clients can't find flexible family-friendly jobs, well, you know how that sentence ends....
Book Review: Choose Joy (relieve burnout, focus on your happiness and infuse more joy into your everyday life) By Sophie Cliff
It’s about time I revived a book with joy at its core, bearing in mind I work with my clients to find joy in their work. At a time when the world and work feels heavy, “Chose Joy (relieve burnout, focus on your happiness and infuse more joy into your everyday life) ...
April Plans – No fools, downing tools and more coaching?
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously.” Sophia Bush It may be the 1st of April, but I’m not bringing you any fools! Just my monthly update on what is planned, and a hope that you will join me! “Easter” Break I am...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: What are your must-read books for parenting advice?
If you have spent any time with me, personally or professionally, there is a 97% chance I’ve recommended and/or lent a book to you. I think some of you know that, so it’s no surprise that this month’s Ask Me Anything Question is about book recommendations. In the...
Six ways small businesses will benefit from return-to-work coaching
A recent report by Working Families has made one thing clear. Smaller businesses still feel underprepared and under-resourced when it comes to supporting parents. The backbone of my two-decade career has been helping SMEs (if you didn't already know, an SME has...
About
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.
Isn't it time to have career to enjoy not endure?
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