Initial Call

“I knew within the first five minutes that this wasn’t a ‘normal’ discovery call, it felt like exhaling for the first time in months.”

That’s how one of my recent inquiry calls began… and honestly, it’s the perfect example of why coaching isn’t about being polished. It’s about being real.

This wasn’t a neat conversation.
It wasn’t pre-prepared.
It wasn’t “tell me your goals in bullet points.”

It was:
a stream-of-consciousness
a relief
full of honesty
and “I don’t know what’s next, but I know I can’t stay here.”

And that is exactly where the good work begins.

The Situation: A brilliant marketer who had lost her own momentum

Before our call, *Sarah shared an incredibly open set of answers through my pre-call form. Talking about:

• Feeling stuck on the next step after four years of freelancing
• Juggling business growth with children, life-load, and shifting confidence
• Struggling to market herself (while delivering exceptional marketing for others)
• Relying on word-of-mouth but not knowing how to expand her reach
• Feeling “behind” in an industry moving at AI-speed
• Wanting clarity without the pressure to scale fast
• Having just 3–4 hours a week to work ON the business

Sarah said, “I know I need to do something… I just haven’t known where to begin.”
(Every founder reading this knows that feeling.)

The Call: No fear. No performance. Just you showing up.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have a call with me, this one captured it perfectly.

Here’s what happened in 60 minutes:

Brain dump → emotional unravelling → clarity.

Sarah talked. I listened.
No judgement.
No “fixing.”
Just allowing everything to spill out so we could see what was really inside.

We explored what Sarah actually wants

Not the corporate version.
Not the mum-guilt version.
Not the “I should be doing more” version.

The real version:

• meaningful clients
• calm visibility
• work that aligns with her values
• next steps that don’t burn her out

We named the stuckness

It wasn’t lack of skill.
It wasn’t lack of opportunity.
It was an identity shift Sarah hadn’t given herself permission to own:

Sarah is no longer “just a freelancer.”
But a founder.
A strategist.
Building a business that needs her, not her perfectionism.

We talked about the future

And for the first time in a long time, it didn’t feel scary for her.
It felt possible.

The Pivot Moment: “I think I’m finally ready to build the business I actually want.”

This is the sentence everything shifted around.
Every coaching relationship has one.
It’s the moment someone moves from overwhelmed → open.

After years of pushing her own marketing to the bottom of the pile, Sarah saw:

I don’t need to hustle harder.
I need clarity, strategy and identity support.
I want accountability that feels human, not heavy.
I want someone who sees the full picture – business, life, confidence, values.
I’m ready for a longer-term partnership, not just a “quick fix.”

This is where my 6-month Focus & Growth Coaching programme is perfect.

What we’ll work on together (and why it matters):

A refreshed business identity – Sarah’s outgrown the version of herself she’s still marketing.

Clear offers + time boundaries – To work in a way that honours being a parent, a founder, and a human.

A visibility strategy Sarah actually likes – Not performance posts, but storytelling, voice, value, and meaningful connection.

Reframing value and confidence – Saying “I do marketing” undersells her 100%. We’ll rewrite the story.

Positioning Sarah in a shifting AI landscape – Her machine-learning background (before ML was trendy) is a superpower.

A 6–12 month roadmap that feels doable, not draining – Sarah doesn’t need speed. She needs sustainability.

Why I’m sharing this case study

Because so many talented, purpose-led business owners think they are the only one:

• who feels stuck
• who feels behind
• who feels overwhelmed
• who can market others but not themselves
• who knows they’re capable of more but can’t see the path clearly

You are not the only one.
This is exactly why coaching exists.
And this is what the first call can feel like when you’re held with care.

If this sounds like you… here’s your invitation:

I take on a small number of long-term coaching clients each year.
My 6-month programme (from £2,500) is where the real transformation happens.

Identity, clarity, structure, visibility, confidence, and sustainable growth.

If you’re reading this thinking:
“It’s time… I need this space too.”
Then let’s talk.

Send me a message: “Can we explore this?”
Or
Book directly via my free call links.

No pressure.
No hard sell.
Just you, me, a warm conversation. And the beginning of your next chapter.

*Sarah’s not my clients real name, I’m protecting her identity, as I would if it were you who called feeling stuck, anxious, or stressed.

If this has inspired you and I’m the caring coach you’ve been looking for.
Check out my workshop and coaching options here or book a free call to talk it through here.

With purpose
Clare

I’m an adventurer by nature. I’ve climbed mountains, dived into cold rivers, and snowboarded through whiteouts. But the kind of adventure I’m most drawn to is quieter: exploring what lies beneath the surface. Of people, businesses, decisions, and dreams. I want to understand what makes someone hold back. What finally gives them permission to leap. I want to be part o the exact moment someone starts to light up again.

Most days’ you’ll find me coaching for CMR Focus + Growth. Otherwise, I’ll be watching a wren in my garden, listening to the hum of a bee, marvelling at the seasons of wildflowers.

If you want to work with a values-led coach who’s aim is to connect you with growth and purpose without losing focus and purpose.  Book a call – it’s free

What could go right?…