What's my background?

I come from a disadvantaged background and left school without any qualifications. I hardly ever attended secondary school due to the environment. I wanted to be a jockey, and at just sixteen, I was passionate enough to gain a training place at the British Racing School in Newmarket. However, after just a week, I had a major confidence crisis and I left the program. I was suddenly without any goals or passions and had no idea what I wanted to do next. However, my desire to earn my own money and strive for a better future, led me to find work through the apprenticeships of the time. Whilst I only stayed for a short time in my first role within a designer radiator store, the experience I gained there provided me with something for my CV, and this led to my next job in Royal Mail. Despite working in a male dominated environment that was not so politically correct at the time, I learnt to stand up for myself, and quickly progressed to roles of increasing responsibility.

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Eventually I moved out of London, left Royal Mail, and started a new entry level role within the pharmaceutical industry. There I found myself working with highly qualified individuals, some of whom were medical doctors, which left me feeling inferior and very under qualified. Rather than be defeated, I was inspired in my mid-twenties to go back to college to gain my GCSE Maths and English. Realising I could learn (on my terms!) I went on to complete a Molecular Science degree with the Open University, which took 6 years but I was immensely proud to achieve a First class honours. Later I completed a MSc in Quality Management and by then I had moved into senior roles within the pharmaceutical industry.

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I had an amazing career in pharma but my favourite part was always helping others to meet their potential. This led to my coach training and eventually I embarked on a whole new career to focus on what I enjoy most - helping others to find work and succeed at work. This also inspired me to once again go back to University and study part time for a MSc Psychology. ​

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Why focus career support on the autistic community?

With personal experience supporting autistic family members, autism has been a topic close to my heart for many years. However, I was surprised when I discovered that only 22% of autistic adults are in some kind of paid employment. Furthermore, 53% of adults with autism said they want help to find work, but only 10% are getting the support. This made me passionate about utilising my skills to provide the support that is currently lacking.

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What are my credentials?

• MSc Psychology

• Certificate and Diploma in coaching - University of Cambridge - 2 years of assessed coach training.

• 5 years of experience with providing career support to autistic clients 

• Level 2 certification in Understanding Autism

• Certificate in Counselling - Counselling Foundation

• Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS)

• Member of the Association for Coaching

• 20 years of work experience (including senior leadership) within a Global blue chip company with extensive experience of selecting, interviewing and hiring staff.

• Enhanced DBS

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Why choose me to support you to find employment?

I am a dedicated and supportive person who wants to make a difference for others. I am passionate about supporting autistic individuals to find employment. Employment and training are an important element in building self-confidence, as well as providing routine and structure. Meaningful employment is proven to lead to a better quality of life.

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How do you contact me?

You can email me with any questions you may have by completing the form below, or you can email me directly at: info@spectrumcareercoach.co.uk