Helena Bailey, owner of Phoenix Coaching

What first drew you to starting your business?

After many years as Corporate Communications Director, I was a corporate coach and was fascinated and curious that women used to come to coaching at work with a polished and seemingly controlled exterior, but like an oil painting, on closer inspection, they were displaying cracks and chinks that they felt unable to express. I could tell they longed for more in their lives. This was particularly true for women in midlife. They were questioning their life purpose and their life choices. Many were frazzled, often feeling invisible and at the bottom of the pecking order and frankly pretty fed up - yet felt unable to express this to their partners, families or managers. Working with these women-led me here as I realised I had found my “tribe” and I absolutely love coaching these women.

What is the best thing about being your own boss?

The best thing about this role is seeing the change when women articulate their dreams, goals and create plans to get them there. I am a team with each client: a thinking partner, a cheerleader, a supporter, and a confidence builder. The relationship is more dynamic than any team I have been part of before. I only work with women with whom there is chemistry and I can support - and that is a privilege.

What's your advice to other women going into business?

Give yourself time to know your market/client. It doesn’t always come immediately and sometimes it evolves. Know yourself - your interests, your strengths, weaknesses and quirks. You can only coach when you are fully authentic and you are comfortable with the authentic you!

I draw on my coaching experience, my life experience, my business qualifications, my marketing qualifications, my psychology qualifications and blend it all together. The older you get, the more you can draw of a range of skills and tools - use them all and dig into past experience, it is amazing what you have acquired over the years!

What is your top tip for success?

Hustle! Don’t be shy and lean into your networks. Support other women and they will support you. The energy you give out is what you will get back. I really believe that.

Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?

I have completed obstacle races all over the world and used to test out courses and review them for an adventure magazine.

I am a qualified PT and used to own a CrossFit gym (for fun)