When I was a young business woman I belonged to a woman's networking organisation. I joined almost by chance, but over the years the support that I received from other women was exceptional. Looking back, it was a boon to my career and to my self-confidence. The aspect that really helped was the mentoring I received. I got to meet a series of strong and supportive women, most of whom were older than me. They'd been there-done that and, sometimes, made the mistakes, so that I didn't have to.
Over ten years ago Karen, (not her real name) came to me when she was having trouble as a young manager. Fortunately her employer was willing to invest some time and money, so that I could shadow her in meetings and then afterwards we could discuss how the meeting had gone. I would offer support and suggest ways of getting a better result. It gave Karen the confidence to change her career track, and get a better job. That mentoring resulted in a friendship - Karen and I still exchange emails, or meet for coffee.
I'm currently mentoring a number of young women in the construction industry. Most of them want to be able to plan their careers, but are uncertain how to go about this. We're working on looking forward with confidence and imagination, rather than looking backwards.
The recession is making life hard for everyone, but statistically women seem to have come off the worst. In February this year the government's unemployment figures revealed that women were losing their jobs at a disproportionately greater rate than men. There are now over 1.1M women unemployed, that's the highest it has been for twenty five years.
Also, some employers seem to be taking it out on women. Recently I've heard some very troubling accounts of bullying in the workplace and in some cases a complete disregard for the employment laws. Sadly it seems to be women who are taking the brunt and who don't know how to deal with such issues.
Now I'm starting to pay back that sage advice I received when I was young, by doing more mentoring myself. I can help people write or re-write their CV's, help them through interview nerves, or discuss workplace problems. If you are undecided about where to go next, having trouble at work, or just uncertain about your career track, they I can help you decide.
I won't push you in one direction or another, just gently help you find your own compass bearing in a world when there are so many things that can set us off course.
If you would like to be mentored, I charge £50.00 per 50minute session. I normally recommend a series of four, six or eight sessions. I'm a follower of Gestalt physiology, which considers the whole person and uses creativity and imaginative exercises to help solve problems. But do not be confused, I am a mentor and a life coach, not a physiologist.
I can meet you on neutral territory, like a cafe, or you can come to my home and office in Great Titchfield Street W1, just five minutes from Oxford Circus.
All consultations are in the strictest confidence.
In the first instance call or email for a first appointment, which lasts 25 minutes and costs £25.00.
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