 The work we were born
to do
Sue
Wentworth-Sheilds started her career as a coach in the 1980s, after a
time working with the Human Potential Research
Project at Surrey University and
Roffey Park in Sussex.
My intention was to meet the needs of women at a point of transition in their
lives in a very low-key way. What happened next was unexpected. I found myself
taking an active role in the women's movement, elected Chair of the National
Alliance of Women's Organisations and a Fellow of the
Royal Society of Arts.
What I discovered about myself : I have a passion for helping women gain
confidence, recognise their skills, believe in themselves and follow their
own unique star to happiness and success.
What I learnt about life : If you have a vision, life certainly takes you
places you never expected to be!
My aim was to help women create happy and successful lives through personal
development and self-awareness, learning how to handle their finances wisely,
recognising how the law impinges on every aspect of our lives and, through an
active role in The 300 Group, encouraging those who wanted to take an active
role in public or parliamentary life. And, yes, one of my protegees is now an
MP.
Athough this work fulfilled my aspirations, it didn't pay the bills! So I had
been developing a parallel career in the competetive cut and thrust of the
'real world'. A challenging place where I wanted to discover what men have
always had to learn a : the rules of survival.
It was only later that I discovered that you could honourably create an income
by doing what you love!
Out in the 'real world'
After a first degree in modern languages, and a period of time working with the
American Institute for Foreign Study in Paris, I trained as a Solicitor at the
College of Law in Guildford.
My background in law combined with an interest in the 'softer skills' led to a
career working at national level at the interface between education and
industry.
I was commissioned to produce books, articles and audio-visual educational
resources for publication under the imprint of The Building Societies
Association and Business in the Community, the charity set up by Prince Charles
to help companies work more closely with local communities.
My most fun job was as Head of an Adult Education Centre where I was given
free rein to develop a wonderfully eclectic mix of classes for all ages and
interests.
Discovering a talent for marketing, I left the world of education to create
Family-Friendly Marketing, a service to help the imaginative
entrepreneur communicate effectively with parents. I also produced guidance for
the financial services industry on how to advertise their products effectively
and ethically to the Young Investor.
Moving on
More recently I spent two years commuting between London and Sheffield Business
School (the opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of the Derbyshire Dales turned
out to be an added attraction). I gained my Master of Sciences in Organisation
Development and a most enlightening insight into the basis of those 'rules of
survival'.
By strange synchronicity, my growing awareness of the challenging role men and
boys have in our society coincided with the discovery that the baby I was
expecting was a boy.
The biological clock strikes
Motherhood at the age of 40 opened the door to a new and steep learning curve.
I began to develop what became the award-winning
Motherwise UK group of websites and
turned my involvement from national to local affairs.
I was appointed Non-Executive Director of an NHS Hospital Trust. I was invited
to take on the new role of Panel Convenor for Patient Complaints and had an
opportunity to work with the local NHS Maternity Services Liaison Committee and
Community Health Council.
I became an active member of the
National Childbirth Trust
and National Women's Register and
a fundraiser with Soroptimist International. I also stood for local government
as a prospective Liberal Democrat councillor for a ward in Broxbourne,
Hertfordshire. It was great fun to be invited to "the count". Yet
another fascinating 'experience'!
During this time, I also broadened my understanding of the business world. I
took on a franchise, I developed skills in direct selling, network marketing
and team-building and created an Internet Cafe in my own home, offering IT
taster sessions for women of all ages. This was accredited by the DTI as an
IT4All Learning Centre and promoted nationally as an example of good practice.
More fun!! I have been a member of the Institute
of Directors for more than a decade.
Destiny
Calling a halt on a busy, high profile career for further study and then
motherhood, I finally took the opportunity to work out how to combine having a
career, paying the bills, prioritising motherhood AND doing all the things I
love.
Moving to rural heaven in Lincolnshire, I now concentrate on
new technology as a means of supporting the creativity and success of the many
women coming on-line.
I have developed many skills as a web developer, eZine editor, forum moderator
and newsgroup contributor with the help of my cheerleader-friend Caroline
Tresman on www.homeworking.com.
And now, with the help of the Graduate School of Coaching, I am putting the
fruits of thirty years of active learning, professional development and life
experience into my coaching practice .
"Sue is a talented Coach who uses her skills,
experience and training to help women and men create their own unique,
satisfying and creative lifestyles."
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