The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to run and market a business. These weren’t skills I needed in my HR career, so it has been a completely new learning curve. However, I’ve enjoyed developing those skills and expanding my knowledge beyond my original profession.
The cost-of-living crisis in recent years has meant that it’s been harder for people to invest in this type of support and I have evolved my offerings to make them as accessible as possible.
An ongoing challenge is educating companies that maternity leave is not just a logistical challenge and supporting returning mothers should be viewed as a leadership investment rather than a nice to have. I believe that when we support working parents well, we don’t just retain talent; we build a more resilient and inclusive culture for everyone. That belief is what keeps me going.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
I love being able to support individuals one-to-one and see the progress they make in their confidence, clarity and professional credibility. Watching someone rediscover their sense of direction after a major life transition is incredibly rewarding.
Running my own business also gives me flexibility to spend meaningful time with my preschooler.
The downside is the responsibility that comes with keeping the business going. Income can be unpredictable and self-employment requires a lot of resilience and self-belief. It can also be difficult to fully switch off from work, but on the days when a client messages to say something has shifted for them, it reminds me exactly why I chose this path.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’d like to expand my work to support new fathers as well. Their experience as working parents is often overlooked, particularly during the early months after a baby is born and when their partner returns to work. These can be significant transition points for fathers too, and many struggle to access the flexibility they would like in order to be present parents.
Supporting both parents to navigate these transitions could help families feel more balanced and supported, while also encouraging workplaces to rethink how they support modern parenthood.
Visit karenhedgescoaching.com to find out more, and connect with her on Instagram.
