The drive: What challenges have you overcome?
A recurring challenge throughout my life and career has been overcoming people-pleasing tendencies. Like many, I’ve felt the weight of “good girl conditioning”. Growing up, I was taught that being polite, agreeable, and nice was more important than prioritising my own needs or speaking up. While I was always diligent and hardworking, I rarely voiced my opinions – especially if they went against those in authority. I struggled to say no, set boundaries, or handle conflict, often defaulting to avoidance or accommodation.
During my coach training, I had a lightbulb moment that was difficult to swallow but ultimately transformative. I used to pride myself on “never letting anyone down”, but when I dug deeper, I realised the real reason I avoided saying no or disagreeing – it wasn’t about kindness or reliability, but about avoiding my own discomfort. I feared the shame that came with potential disapproval. Seeking approval or avoiding criticism is often about controlling how another person views you. I now understand that people pleasing is a strategy to avoid my own discomfort rather than an act of kindness, and although I still struggle with it some days, I find it easier to let go of the need for others’ approval.
On a more practical note, another challenge I’ve faced is marketing myself. With a background in marketing, I assumed this would be the easy part when I launched my business – but I couldn’t have been more wrong! Marketing yourself is entirely different from promoting someone else’s products or services. The cringe factor is very real, and even though I know the theory, putting it into practice has been much harder than I expected. Shifting my mindset to think of myself as a “salesperson” and learning to sell myself has been a significant hurdle, but it’s also been one of my biggest growth areas.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
There are definitely more pros than cons for me in running my own business, though I won’t deny that there are days when I question my decision to leave a stable, well-paid job. In those moments, I can’t help but wonder, “What have I done!?”.
The biggest benefit is the deep sense of purpose I feel. One of my core values is impact and being able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these brilliant women – helping them build confidence and live up to their abilities – is incredibly rewarding. This sense of purpose makes the long hours and income uncertainty worthwhile. Another huge benefit is the freedom and choice that come with entrepreneurship. As someone who values balance, the ability to choose between attending my son’s carol concert or working is empowering. Sure, sometimes the decision isn’t easy, and yes, I occasionally choose work over family, but having the choice is a game-changer.
The last pro is the incredible learning curve. It’s been steep, but I appreciate how much I’ve grown and how confident I now feel in looking back at my journey. The knowledge and wisdom I’ve gained are invaluable.
On the flip side, the main con is the lack of financial instability. The nature of my work is very “feast or famine”, so you can never rest on your laurels. While this serves as a motivator, I often have to remind myself to prioritise self-care and rest. It’s essential not to feel guilty about taking the time to recharge, as it ultimately fuels my business and parenting.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
My biggest goal right now is to make my work more accessible to a wider audience of women. While I primarily work one-on-one with clients – something I deeply value – it’s not always financially feasible for everyone, particularly for those on maternity leave or working part-time with reduced income.
To address this, I’d love to partner with businesses to bring my work into the workplace as an employee benefit. Supporting women and parents through coaching can significantly improve employee retention, as it allows them to find the balance they need while also feeling seen and supported by their employer.
I’m also exploring the idea of launching a group program. This would make my services more affordable for individuals and create a vibrant community of like-minded mother-leaders, whether they’re in corporate careers or running businesses. I’m starting a case study group in the autumn, so if you’re interested in joining, please email me at hello@helenmasoncoaching.co.uk to register your interest.
Visit www.helenmasoncoaching.co.uk to find out more about the services she offers. You can also connect with Helen on LinkedIn and Instagram.
