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January Plans – new books, new goals, new year!
A well-read woman is a dangerous creature. – Lisa Kleypas, The Wallflower Christmas I'm starting 2026 as I mean to go on. Chilled out with a very long to-read list. I hope you have had a nice time, however you celebrate, and today is a restful New Year's Day. In case...
The Balance Collective 2025 Book Club Round Up
Do you have some personal development book titles on your Christmas List? Maybe you are setting some time aside during twixmas (that often) quieter period between Christmas and New Year. Or are you after some recommendations for last-minute presents? Either way, I've...
The Balance Collective 2025 Blog Round-up
I have a few annual traditions in my business. The “Round-Up” is one of them. Each year I take the time to reflect on the blogs that I am most proud of. These are the ones that felt like they made an impact, had some great feedback and, in places, felt like a...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: “How can I find time for myself within a busy career and family life?”
Does this question resonate with you, too? It comes up frequently with parents returning to work, trying to rebalance with a whole heap of brand-new responsibilities, and a shrinking diary! But it’s not exclusively just for new parents. Clients at every stage of their...
December Plans – Some downtime, free choice book titles and a early(ish) finish
"You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights." —Maya Angelou Well, here we are, the last month of 2025. I am not quite sure how that happened; it feels like I blinked...
Book Review The Phone Fix (How To Transform Your Smartphone Habits) by Dr Faye Begeti
There is so much conversation about phones, screens, and their impact on us. I think a lot about the effect on my kids, but I don't spend enough time on my relationship with screens! I am always keen to learn more and was intrigued to read the perspectives of a...
Six uncomfortable questions to ask yourself before 2025 ends
At this time of year, it's usual to reflect on what we want to accomplish before the year comes to a close. You may even be planning for the following year, both personally and professionally. It's a theme that frequently comes up for my clients and one I always check...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything: “What’s the point of paying for career advice when I can get it for free from ChatGPT?”
This is a question that I frequently encounter, both in my professional and personal life. It’s a current discussion point, ranging from the commercial potential of developing an AI version of myself to the ethical issues surrounding the development and operation of...
A letter to my past self. Ten lessons for ten years in business
My lessons learnt from years in business have taken on a different tone in 2025. This is the year The Balance Collective turns 10! Like the queen, my business has two birthdays. I have an anniversary marking the date of my first paying client. But the one that I stick...
November Plans – An exciting anniversary, book titles and a retrospective
“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.” Elizabeth Lawrence November 2025 is a special month for me. Let me tell you why. Like the queen, my business has several birthdays. I have one anniversary on the 2nd...
Book Review: Good Girl Deprogramming by Michelle Minnikin
I met Michelle Minnikin via LinkedIn. There was an open discussion around menstrual health, and, as I frequently do, I hopped into the comments to share my two-pence worth. That eventually led to an invite onto her podcast, where I discussed my journey of “good girl...
The Balance Collective Ask Me Anything – How can I future-proof my career against AI?
This is a question of the times, and one I have been asked in a variety of ways over the past six – 12 months. Having been helping people with their careers for over 20 years, I’ve seen how technology has impacted and shifted work. But right now, this feels like a...
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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