It was September 2013, a beginning of a season that forever changed the trajectory of my life. I had just returned from a month of travelling across Europe with my family. From the outside, my life looked well-ordered: a prestigious senior role, a home I loved, a tight-knit circle of friends, and a promising future. Yet, behind this façade, I was unravelling.
The catalyst was a perfect storm: a gruelling daily commute to my son’s preschool, my son’s nanny unexpectedly leaving, the demands of a professional development course that required my full focus, and increasing pressure from my workplace to adhere to strict work hours—just when I desperately needed flexibility. Everything collided at once, and I hit a wall.
For years, I had masked my struggles by immersing myself in work, using it as a crutch after my marriage ended. But the façade of control began to crack. Career stagnation loomed as I struggled to balance professional responsibilities with the needs of my family and my growth. I realised I was at a crossroads and needed to make bold, intentional changes.
To ease the strain of daily life, I withdrew my son from his school, opting for one closer to home. At the end of that school year, I made the difficult decision to leave my role and return home to the UK, determined to rebuild my life on my terms. Starting over was both liberating and humbling—it meant moving back in with my mother for the first time since I was 15. But that season of transition became the crucible of growth that shaped my coaching values.
The Turning Point: A Season of Rebuilding
Returning to the UK was not easy, but it was necessary. I used that season to heal, deepen my faith, and create a stable foundation for my son. I focused on using my skills and gifts to serve others. I led an international diaspora campaign supporting Ebola orphans in Sierra Leone, served in my local church and community, and prioritised building meaningful relationships. These experiences grounded me and clarified the kind of impact I wanted to have.
Re-entering the workforce was a steep climb. I wrestled with self-doubt, fears that my skills were outdated, and the sting of rejection. Yet, step by step, I retrained, regained my confidence, and began to rebuild my career.
This time, I redefined success—not as constant striving but as living in alignment with my core values and a clear sense of purpose. Part of this journey included the privilege of home-educating my son to help him navigate unique learning challenges during his primary years. That intentional time strengthened his confidence and abilities, enabling him to re-enter mainstream education with great success.
Since 2021, I have deepened my growth by studying for an MA in Theological Leadership, affirming my calling to inspire and guide others toward meaningful, values-driven leadership. After graduating, I earned my ICF ACC coaching accreditation in 2024, equipping me with the tools and expertise to walk alongside others in creating purposeful, impactful lives.
Embracing Purposeful Excellence
Now, I live a life shaped by intentionality. I’ve embraced purposeful excellence by aligning my strengths and beliefs with my desire for a meaningful and balanced life. This has allowed me to focus on what truly matters—being present for my family while building a legacy of ethical leadership and creating meaningful impact.
Looking back, I’ve come to see that life often offers breadcrumbs of purpose, even in the midst of our valleys. Growth doesn’t always come from monumental decisions, like my choice to relocate from the Middle East to the UK. Sometimes, it’s the quieter moments—a heartfelt conversation, an unexpected ‘no,’ or someone else seeing potential in us we’ve yet to embrace. These subtle pivots, often overlooked, can become defining moments that shape our ascent and set us on a clearer path toward purpose.
Lessons From My Journey
Your Ascent Begins Here
If you’re in a valley right now—feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step—know this: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’ve been where you are. I know the weight of trying to untangle everything by yourself.
That’s why I became a coach—to serve as a light-bearer for those navigating their own valleys, illuminating a path to purposeful excellence. Together, we can create a life aligned with your values, strengths, and purpose.
Here’s a question for you:
“What if the challenges you’re facing right now are actually breadcrumbs leading you to your next breakthrough?”
Let’s connect. Your story deserves a new chapter, and I’d be honoured to walk alongside you as you write it.