I became an entrepreneur by accident.

Before starting my own business in 2016, I worked in people and organisational development for over 15 years. I was always drawn to the power of purpose in business and the professional potential of women.

But my own ‘successful’ (on paper) corporate career came to an abrupt – and traumatic – end, when I was made redundant a few months after returning to work after my first maternity leave.

Newly pregnant with my second little girl – and with a cool head in a crisis! – I rushed to set up Shine Brighter Consulting Ltd the following week.

I fell head-long into the wonderful world of entrepreneurship; securing my first contract while still on gardening leave from my old 9-5.

I was a great coach – but had absolutely no idea how to grow a business.

I then spent my second maternity leave pondering my professional future. I knew from other women just how hard it was to find a well-paid, flexible role that would allow me to work around my young family.

Plus, I wanted to do work that made a difference and escape what had become an inhospitable, patriarchal world for talented, empathetic women.

In 2018, I landed upon the idea to make the most of my decade of coaching experience and start a business that would help other women who had struggled with their confidence and professional identity after returning to work. I initially coached my NCT friends down my local pub!

Once the referrals had dried up, I realised that, although I was a great coach, I had a LOT to learn about how to grow a profitable coaching and consulting business.

But where were all the down-to-earth, relatable, kind, ethical business coaches who knew their stuff? Back then, it was all #bossbabes and shouty online business ‘gurus’, swanning about on their yachts and telling me what I *should* be doing to make my business more profitable.