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A place to find help, insights and clarity
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...
How your life experiences can change your values
If I were to ask you what your number one value is, do you think you could answer? It's something that, as a coach, I spend a lot of time thinking about and encouraging my clients to do the same. But, for most people, it’s not something you consider day to day. Most...
The four questions employers need to ask their team
Let me ask you a couple of quick questions before we get started. Do you feel like your workplace has a positive influence on your well-being? Do you think your colleagues understand the responsibilities you have outside of the day job? How you answer this is key to...
Why every employer needs a Parent and Carer Group
Over the ten years of The Balance Collective, I’ve had many opportunities to speak at employers and industry Parent and Carer Groups. To share a range of topics around careers, balance, confidence and returning to work. Sometimes, there isn’t a Parent & Carer...
October Plans – Books, Awareness Days and Services Updates from The Balance Collective
“Love the trees until their leaves fall off, then encourage them to try again next year.” - Chad Sugg As we move into October, I feel that things are returning to a gentler rhythm. The new school year is more settled, and I'm finally pulling out the winter jumpers!...
Book Review: Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
I don’t think my to-read list will ever end, but I am very aware that the list can end up looking the same. My natural preference is for books filled to the brim with logic and science, but the reality is that sometimes we need to look outside of our own preferences...
Employment law changes ALL parents need to be aware of
This week, thanks to a range of campaigners, industry bodies and a small group of forward-thinking MPs, we see some major changes to employment law, that YOU need to know about. When you are considering returning to work, your next job role, or the needs of your...
The best free return to work resources for parents – updated for 2025!
OK, so maybe the title is a bit of a tall claim, but if I can’t shout about what I do, who else will! In a world where you can risk information overload through a simple internet search, I wanted to present to you this week a whistle-stop tour of the blogs you need...
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.
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