IMPACT IN ACTION: From Redundancy to Reinvention
How career coaching helped Toni overcome redundancy, rebuild confidence, and rediscover her purpose after maternity leave.
Challenge
When Toni came to me for coaching, she had been made redundant…while still on maternity leave. A seasoned senior marketing professional and new mother, Toni found herself grappling with shock, shaken confidence, and a difficult question:
“Who am I now, how do I even enjoy my maternity leave, and what do I want from work?”
The redundancy felt deeply personal. Even though her partner had a stable job, the emotional toll of being “let go” during the early stages of motherhood left her feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. The joy of spending time with her baby was shadowed by stress, self-doubt, and urgency: she needed to return to work, but something fundamental had shifted.
That’s where our coaching journey began (a safe space to explore, understand, and express):
The shock of sudden redundancy while still on maternity leave
The loss of confidence and professional identity
The emotional tension of balancing motherhood with professional aspirations
The need to rediscover purpose and redefine work on her own terms
ACTION
Creating Space for Honest Reflection
We created a space where she could speak openly about her fears and ambitions without judgement. The work was deeply personal, unearthing long-held narratives about success, value, and self-worth.
Realigning Her Career With Her New Values
Motherhood had shifted her priorities, and so we started by getting clear on what truly mattered. Through values-based coaching and a personalised workbook, Toni explored her identity beyond the title she’d lost, tapping into her strengths, aspirations, and evolving sense of purpose.
The workbook is now a helpful resource for other clients facing similar transitions.
Rebuilding Confidence Post-Redundancy
We revisited her professional wins, what brings her joy, what makes her unique in her work, and why others love working with her. Together, we built a personalised toolkit, a collection of achievements and feedback she could draw on when imposter syndrome hit or doubt crept in.
She shared later that these tools, and the coaching techniques behind them, continue to guide her in daily life. This wasn’t surface-level confidence; it was a steady reclaiming of her voice and value.
Designing a Career That Works for Her Life
Rather than defaulting to what she should do, we designed a framework based on energy, family rhythm, and personal alignment. She started making decisions not from scarcity or fear, but from a place of deeper self-awareness, grounded clarity. Saying no became easier. So did choosing work that honoured both her values, ambition and her life as a parent.
Letting Go of Perfection and Embracing Progress
Instead of trying to “bounce back” perfectly, Toni learned to move forward with intention. One small win at a time.
RESULTS
As a result of exploring her values, confronting moments of discomfort, and embracing change, Toni’s journey led to powerful transformation:
Secured two freelance positions, and, as a result of rebuilding her self-trust, is now being approached with additional opportunities, building a strong reputation.
Re-entered the workforce with a clear sense of direction, a strong understanding of her professional worth, and the confidence to make choices aligned with her values.
Created a flexible approach to work that enables her to thrive as both a professional and a mother, without compromising her personal values or career goals.
Continues to apply coaching tools and insights in her daily life; even months later, they remain integral to her decision-making and mindset.
Uses coaching sessions to give herself dedicated time to pause, reflect, and stay grounded in what matters most, ensuring she continues to make intentional, aligned decisions.
“Working with Antonia as my coach has been a truly transformative experience… I re-entered the workforce with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. I cannot recommend her coaching services highly enough.”
— TONI G | FOUNDER OF FRANK EFFECT
Toni’s story is a powerful reminder that redundancy, especially during major life transitions like becoming a new parent, can feel like a loss. With the right support, it can also be a catalyst for reinvention.
She didn’t just return to work. She redefined what work means in this new chapter of her life.
If you're navigating change and need clarity on what’s next, learn more about how we can work together or book your consultation here.
