About
I work with leaders at breaking point, often before they realise, they are there. Many senior people keep going under extreme pressure while still performing. Women, in particular, are very good at pushing through the signs until one final thing tips everything over.
When that happens, organisations risk losing some of their most capable leaders.
Today, I work with C Suite leaders, boards, and organisations dealing with a range of complex challenges. At the same time, I help organisations look honestly at the conditions that push people too far. Women’s health is central to this work. Not as a niche topic, but as a leadership and retention issue.
When organisations overlook life stage transitions such as perimenopause and menopause, they often lose experienced women just as they reach senior roles. I work best with organisations that take leadership capacity seriously and want performance that lasts.
Clients include Bayer Consumer Health, Heineken, Bauer Media, Mattel, Canesten and the new menopause brand, CanesMeno.
Karen Heras-Kelly, Strategic Leadership Consultant & Coach.
Women’s Health & Sustainable Performance Expert.
My journey
I understand the pressures you face. I understand the desire to make an impact and take care of your needs! Previously, I occupied senior leadership roles with brands like St. Tropez tan and GHD hair.
At St. Tropez, we created a new beauty category called Skin Finishing. I led teams backstage at Fashion Weeks and The Oscars. My head and heart aligned to find ways to give back. I am proud of being part of a legacy that has raised over $22million through its GHD iron for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
At 30, I started to ask myself powerful questions. I had everything I wanted, so why wasn’t I satisfied? By the time I reached 35, I was at breaking point. I was leading international brand communications across multiple time zones.
The work was successful and demanding. I ignored the warning signs until my body forced me to stop. I took six months off with burnout and never returned to that role.
Now, I help others avoid the same fate - supporting senior leaders and organisations to find balance, resilience, and human sustainability at the highest levels of responsibility.
THE TEAM
I am no stranger to challenges. With a career forged in leadership within the energy industry, I transitioned into Leadership and Team Development in 2012.
A social scientist, armed with certifications as an Organisational Relationships Systems Coach and CTI Coach, along with my experience as an author and BBC contributor, I am on a powerful mission to create meaningful change.
As an award-winning business leader, my personal life is intertwined with my professional pursuits. Becoming a single mother to two beautiful daughters brought its own set of challenges and triumphs.
I learned first-hand the barriers women face- structurally, emotionally, and culturally. Discovering the perceptions of women, the judgements, and how hard it is to try and do-it-all. These experiences have shaped my perspective and fuelled my desire to empower not just my own daughters, but women everywhere.
Now, with my daughters ready to spread their wings and with the wisdom of my own peri-menopausal transition, I am fuelled to empower women of all ages, across the world, to live a life that is led by them and chosen by them.
I am here to support more women into leadership positions and to create the change the world needs.
Lucy Barkas, Strategic Leadership & Team Relationship Coach.
Change Facilitator & Certified ORSC Practitioner.
Our work is tried, tested, endorsed and advocated by women
Both Lucy and myself are delighted you are investigating the idea of working with us as Certified Co-Active Coaches, ORSC Relationship & Systems change makers.
Our expertise in Women’s Health & Sustainable Leadership makes us truly unique in our approach.
After a combined 25 years of working with women, we know the full impact of the work we do.
We would love to talk to you about how we can support you and your organisation.
Unravel the stress and voice your needs, concerns in a confidential space. You will:
Gain clarity, calmness and focus
Tackle challenges and concerns in a sustainable way
Create and uphold boundaries
Learn skills and approaches that will sustain you as a leader
It’s deep work that makes an impact and will stay with you for a lifetime.
It’s time to lead differently and be part of the ripple effect
Are you ready to lead differently?
If you’re sensing a breaking point or quietly living inside one, get in touch.