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GENERAL
Q: Where are you based and do you work nationally?
A: I'm based in South West London, but work with clients across the world via Zoom. Corporate training can be delivered in-person anywhere in the UK or virtually worldwide.
Q: What's your coaching background?
A: I have 20+ years corporate experience in retail leadership and commercial roles, plus professional coaching qualifications. I've personally navigated returning to work as a parent in high-pressure environments.
Q: How quickly can I start working with you?
A: Individual sessions can usually start as soon as you are ready, availability providing.
The Confident Comeback programme has set start dates every month, you can email me at hi.ho.coaching@gmail.com to join the waiting list for the next cohort, or specify a date to start.
Corporate programmes typically require 3-4 weeks notice.
Q: What is career transition coaching and how does it work?
A: Career transition coaching is a strategic partnership focused on helping you navigate major career changes with clarity and confidence. Whether you're returning to work after parental leave, dealing with redundancy, or seeking a career pivot, I provide practical tools, emotional support, and actionable strategies. Sessions are typically conducted online via Zoom, lasting 60-90 minutes, with bespoke action plans between sessions.
Q: How long does coaching typically take?
A: Most clients see significant progress within 3-6 sessions, though this varies depending on your specific situation and goals. Return-to-work coaching often takes 6-8 weeks, while redundancy and career change support may require 3-4 months. We'll discuss realistic timelines during your discovery call.
Q: What's the difference between coaching and therapy?
A: Coaching is future-focused and action-oriented, concentrating on achieving specific professional goals. While therapy explores past experiences and emotional healing, coaching helps you move forward with practical strategies, accountability, and skill-building for your career transition.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Q: How much does coaching cost?
A: 1-to-1 sessions are £150 each or £375 for 3 sessions. Bespoke pricing can be requested for larger booking blocks.
The Confident Comeback programme is £700.
Q: Can my employer pay for my coaching?
A: Absolutely! Many employers have training budgets for employee development. I can provide invoices and programme details to support your request. Ask your HR team about professional development funding.
Q: I've been off work for 2 years - is it too late?
A: It's never too late! I've worked with parents returning after 6 months to 5+ years. The strategies adapt to your specific situation and career level.
Q: How do I rebuild my professional confidence after being away?
A: Confidence rebuilding happens through a combination of practical preparation and mindset work. We'll identify transferable skills you've developed as a parent, update your professional knowledge, practice interview techniques, and create scenarios to rebuild your professional identity gradually.
Q: What if my industry has changed significantly while I was away?
A: Industry evolution is common, but your foundational skills remain valuable. We'll conduct a skills audit, identify knowledge gaps, and create a targeted upskilling plan. Many returning parents find their fresh perspective and new skills (time management, multitasking, patience) make them even more valuable employees.
Q: How do I negotiate flexible working arrangements?
A: Successful flexible working negotiations require preparation and strategy. We'll help you research your legal rights, prepare a compelling business case showing how flexibility enhances your productivity, identify potential compromises, and practice the conversation with confidence.
Q: Should I mention my children in job interviews?
A: This depends on the context and your comfort level. Legally, employers cannot discriminate based on parental status. We'll prepare strategies for steering conversations toward your professional capabilities while being authentic about your circumstances when appropriate.
Q: Do you only work with mothers?
A: No, I support all parents returning to work; mothers, fathers, and anyone navigating career transitions around family life.
Q: What if I can't attend live sessions?
A: All 1-to-1 sessions are scheduled around your availability and your children are more than welcome to join the call.
Group sessions are recorded when possible, though live attendance is recommended for best results.
FOR BUSINESSES
Q: How do you help businesses retain employees after parental leave?
A: I work with HR teams to map return-to-work touchpoints and identify where employees feel least supported. Then I design targeted coaching interventions at these critical moments - typically during the preparation phase, first week back, and 3-month integration period. This strategic support makes staying the obvious choice.
Q: What's the ROI of supporting returning parents?
A: Replacing a skilled employee costs 50-200% of their annual salary. Supporting their return typically costs 10-20% of replacement costs. Use my ROI calculator to see your specific savings.
Q: Do you provide redundancy support for businesses?
A: Yes, I offer both group workshops and individual coaching for employees affected by redundancy. This supports your duty of care, maintains morale among remaining staff, protects your employer brand, and often helps affected employees transition more successfully, reducing potential tribunal risks.
Q: How many employees do you need to run a programme?
A: Minimum 6 people for group sessions, though 8-12 is optimal. For smaller numbers, I can design bespoke 1-to-1 programmes.
Q: How long do your business programs take?
A: Return-to-work programs typically run for 8-12 weeks per cohort. Redundancy support can be delivered as intensive workshops over 2-4 weeks or individual coaching over 2-3 months. I'll work with your timeline and budget to create the most effective solution.
Q: Do you provide materials and follow-up support?
A: Yes, all corporate programmes include workbooks, manager guides, and 3 months email support for participants.
Q: Can you work with our existing L&D programmes?
A: Absolutely. I integrate with existing development frameworks and can align with your competency models and performance review processes.
REDUNDANCY AND CAREER CHANGE
Q: I've just been made redundant - where do I start?
A: Start by processing the emotional impact - redundancy can feel like a personal rejection even when it's purely business. Then we'll focus on practical steps: reviewing your financial situation, updating your CV, identifying your transferable skills, and exploring new opportunities. Many clients discover redundancy opens doors to better-suited roles.
Q: How do I rebuild my confidence after redundancy?
A: Redundancy can severely impact self-worth, but it doesn't reflect your professional value. We'll work on separating your identity from your job title, identifying your core strengths and achievements, and reframing redundancy as an opportunity for a fresh start. Practical preparation for job searching also rebuilds confidence naturally.
Q: Should I consider a complete career change after redundancy?
A: Redundancy can be an excellent catalyst for career change, providing both the push and potential financial cushion (redundancy payment) to make a transition. We'll explore whether you want to stay in your field, pivot to a related area, or make a complete change based on your values, interests, and circumstances.
Q: How do I explain redundancy to potential employers?
A: Redundancy is increasingly common and employers understand this. We'll prepare clear, brief explanations that focus on business reasons rather than personal factors, then quickly redirect to your skills and enthusiasm for new opportunities. The key is being matter-of-fact rather than defensive.
Q: I'm over 45 and worried about age discrimination, how do I compete?
A: While age bias exists, your experience is valuable. We'll focus on presenting your skills as current and relevant, potentially updating your LinkedIn profile and CV format, highlighting your adaptability and recent learning, and targeting companies that value experience and stability.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Q: Where are you based and do you work internationally?
A: I'm UK-based but work with clients globally via Zoom. All sessions are online, making coaching accessible regardless of your location. I understand UK employment law and workplace culture particularly well.
Q: What are your fees?
A: Individual coaching packages start from £300 per session, with package discounts available. Business programs are quoted based on scope and requirements. I offer a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your needs and explain investment options.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
A: Yes, I understand career transitions can be financially challenging. I offer flexible payment plans for individual clients and can structure business payments to match your procurement processes.
Q: What qualifications do you have?
A: I'm a certified coach with 20+ years of corporate leadership experience in strategic buying, commercial negotiation, and team management. This combination of coaching training and real-world business experience means I understand both the emotional and practical aspects of career transitions.
Q: How quickly can we start?
A: For individual clients, I typically have availability within 1-2 weeks. Business programs require more planning - usually 2-4 weeks lead time depending on scope. Emergency redundancy support can often be arranged more quickly.
Q: What if I'm not sure coaching is right for me?
A: Book a free discovery call. This 30-minute conversation helps us both determine if we're a good fit and whether coaching will help you achieve your goals. There's no obligation and you'll leave with valuable insights regardless.