Helping you see your career from a clearer, more confident vantage point
I’m Kathryn — Career Coach, Leadership Guide, published author and someone who believes deeply in building a working life that supports who you are, not who you’re expected to be.
First and foremost, I’m a wife and a proud mum to a wonderful little boy. Family is my biggest joy and it shapes not just how I live, but how I work. A career should fit around life, not compete with it and that belief sits at the heart of everything I do.
My journey spans operational roles, HR leadership, coaching, storytelling and a lifelong fascination with how people grow, thrive and find purpose at work. The Career Owl was born from that blend: real‑world experience, grounded insight and a genuine love of helping people see themselves and their future more clearly.
First and foremost, I’m a wife and a proud mum to a wonderful little boy. Family is my biggest joy and it shapes not just how I live, but how I work. A career should fit around life, not compete with it and that belief sits at the heart of everything I do.
My journey spans operational roles, HR leadership, coaching, storytelling and a lifelong fascination with how people grow, thrive and find purpose at work. The Career Owl was born from that blend: real‑world experience, grounded insight and a genuine love of helping people see themselves and their future more clearly.
The path that led me here
My career hasn’t been linear, but it has been full of learning. While studying at college and university, I worked in administrative and retail roles, the kind of early experiences that quietly build strong foundations in communication, customer service and problem‑solving. After graduating, I moved into retail management with Sainsbury’s, working across multiple departments and gaining invaluable leadership experience. Those early roles sparked a lasting interest in workplace dynamics and how people grow, perform and find purpose at work.
In 2003, I stepped away from retail management and moved into HR, a decision driven by a long‑standing passion for people development. Over the next 13 years, I worked across a wide range of sectors: gaming machine manufacturing, children’s clothing, discount fashion and homeware, logistics and more. One of the most formative chapters of my career was with DHL Supply Chain, supporting Fuel, Chemicals, Manufacturing and Technology operations. I later concluded my in‑house HR career at Central England Co‑operative.
After my son was born, I took a career break from 2016 onwards, a pause that gave me space to reflect on what truly energised me. Across every role, one theme kept resurfacing: I was at my best when helping people recognise their strengths, build confidence and take ownership of their careers. I met so many talented individuals who struggled to articulate their value or move forward in a direction that genuinely felt right for them.
By late 2018, I knew I wanted to return to work, but not to the traditional 9–5. Around that time, friends, former colleagues and referrals began approaching me for support with CVs, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation and career direction. What started as informal guidance quickly grew into something far more purposeful. I realised I could combine my HR expertise, coaching mindset and love of storytelling to help people gain clarity, confidence and momentum in their careers.
And that’s how The Career Owl was born.
In 2003, I stepped away from retail management and moved into HR, a decision driven by a long‑standing passion for people development. Over the next 13 years, I worked across a wide range of sectors: gaming machine manufacturing, children’s clothing, discount fashion and homeware, logistics and more. One of the most formative chapters of my career was with DHL Supply Chain, supporting Fuel, Chemicals, Manufacturing and Technology operations. I later concluded my in‑house HR career at Central England Co‑operative.
After my son was born, I took a career break from 2016 onwards, a pause that gave me space to reflect on what truly energised me. Across every role, one theme kept resurfacing: I was at my best when helping people recognise their strengths, build confidence and take ownership of their careers. I met so many talented individuals who struggled to articulate their value or move forward in a direction that genuinely felt right for them.
By late 2018, I knew I wanted to return to work, but not to the traditional 9–5. Around that time, friends, former colleagues and referrals began approaching me for support with CVs, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation and career direction. What started as informal guidance quickly grew into something far more purposeful. I realised I could combine my HR expertise, coaching mindset and love of storytelling to help people gain clarity, confidence and momentum in their careers.
And that’s how The Career Owl was born.
How I work today
Since launching in April 2019, I’ve supported over 1,000 clients, from early‑career professionals to senior leaders and C‑suite executives. Many come to me at a crossroads: returning to work after a break, navigating redundancy, questioning whether their career still fits their life now, or feeling successful on paper but unfulfilled in reality.
My approach always begins with self‑understanding before job searching. Rather than rushing straight into applications or job titles, I help clients explore their strengths, values, motivations and patterns so their next move is intentional, not reactive. This creates clarity, confidence and momentum and helps people move away from fear‑based decisions towards work that feels aligned, sustainable and meaningful.
I offer a blend of coaching and practical career support, including executive‑level CVs, LinkedIn optimisation, interview coaching and longer‑term career development. Alongside 1:1 work, I’ve created accessible self‑led resources for those who want clarity at their own pace, including free tools and paid toolkits for early‑career professionals and those stepping into senior leadership.
I host a weekly podcast, Your Path to Career Success, available on all major platforms and I’m a published author of From Ready to Leader, a book designed to help professionals step into leadership with clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of who they are becoming. Writing it was a natural extension of my work: helping people articulate their value, understand their identity as leaders and move forward with intention.
I’ve worked with clients across an extraordinary range of sectors - finance, IT, engineering, biotech, creative industries, charities, publishing, EV companies, manufacturing, animal welfare and more.
Helping people step into their potential never gets old.
What drives me, even on challenging days, is witnessing the shift from uncertainty to confidence, seeing clients find their voice, recognise their value and realise they’re capable of more than they imagined.
My approach always begins with self‑understanding before job searching. Rather than rushing straight into applications or job titles, I help clients explore their strengths, values, motivations and patterns so their next move is intentional, not reactive. This creates clarity, confidence and momentum and helps people move away from fear‑based decisions towards work that feels aligned, sustainable and meaningful.
I offer a blend of coaching and practical career support, including executive‑level CVs, LinkedIn optimisation, interview coaching and longer‑term career development. Alongside 1:1 work, I’ve created accessible self‑led resources for those who want clarity at their own pace, including free tools and paid toolkits for early‑career professionals and those stepping into senior leadership.
I host a weekly podcast, Your Path to Career Success, available on all major platforms and I’m a published author of From Ready to Leader, a book designed to help professionals step into leadership with clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of who they are becoming. Writing it was a natural extension of my work: helping people articulate their value, understand their identity as leaders and move forward with intention.
I’ve worked with clients across an extraordinary range of sectors - finance, IT, engineering, biotech, creative industries, charities, publishing, EV companies, manufacturing, animal welfare and more.
Helping people step into their potential never gets old.
What drives me, even on challenging days, is witnessing the shift from uncertainty to confidence, seeing clients find their voice, recognise their value and realise they’re capable of more than they imagined.
A little more about me
Outside of work, you’ll usually find me exploring the UK and Europe with my son and husband - from Cornwall and Yorkshire to Wales, the Cotswolds, Jersey and beyond. I’m also passionate about giving back and volunteer as an Enterprise Advisor with secondary schools in Tamworth, supporting the development of meaningful careers programmes for pupils. I’m also the Careers Link Governor for Lift Tamworth. One school’s provision was even highlighted in a recent Ofsted report, a moment I’m incredibly proud of.
I’m a Chartered Member of the CIPD, hold a BA (Hons) in Business Administration with Human Resources Management and I’m qualified in Career Coaching and Executive Coaching Practice through Full Circle Global. I’m accredited in TTI Insights® DISC profiling, a member of the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) and have served on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer since 2021.
And yes, if you’ve seen my photos, you’ll know I have a deep love for pink, teal and navy. Very much my vibe, personally and professionally.
I’m a Chartered Member of the CIPD, hold a BA (Hons) in Business Administration with Human Resources Management and I’m qualified in Career Coaching and Executive Coaching Practice through Full Circle Global. I’m accredited in TTI Insights® DISC profiling, a member of the British Association of CV Writers (BACVW) and have served on the Board as Secretary and Treasurer since 2021.
And yes, if you’ve seen my photos, you’ll know I have a deep love for pink, teal and navy. Very much my vibe, personally and professionally.
Why do I do this work?
My mission is simple: to help people build careers that work with their lives, not against them. I work closely and personally with every client and I don’t believe in one‑size‑fits‑all solutions. Every journey is shaped around the individual, their circumstances and their goals.
If you’re ready to take control of your career or even just start thinking differently about what’s possible, I’d genuinely love to chat.
If you’re ready to take control of your career or even just start thinking differently about what’s possible, I’d genuinely love to chat.
Awards
Winner
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Silver Award Winner in the 2026 Best SME Awards for Best Solopreneur (Under 7 Years Trading). |
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Winner of the "Lichfield and Tamworth Micro Business of the Year" category at the Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce Awards |
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Selected as one of the winners of Theo Paphitis Small Business Sunday #SBS winners in October 2025. |
Finalist
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Selected as a Finalist - Woman Who Achieves Awards 2026 |
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Nominations
Nominated in the Small Business of the Year category in the Staffordshire University Business Awards 2023, 2024 and 2026, Woman Who Achieves Award 2025 and for a Woman Who Solopreneur Award 2026.
Nominated in the Small Business of the Year category in the Staffordshire University Business Awards 2023, 2024 and 2026, Woman Who Achieves Award 2025 and for a Woman Who Solopreneur Award 2026.
Associate work
Alongside running my own business I am also an associate of the following businesses.
Wildwood Coaching Limited
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When you are contemplating redundancies within your business, outplacement services provide valuable support for those employees who leave, and allow those who remain to see you did the right thing, even in difficult circumstances. |
Work Horizons
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If you decide to take membership then please press the following link:
https://workhorizons.com/join/?ref=kathrynhall |
