About Aileen

Background

My journey into coaching has been shaped by a desire to help people find meaningful, sustainable careers - especially when the traditional path doesn’t quite fit.

I started my career in publishing, working as an editor for over a decade. Alongside that, I volunteered with a number of organisations supporting homeless people, older adults and those experiencing mental health problems. It was through this voluntary work - and later, a role on a mental health helpline - that I realised I wanted to make a bigger difference.

Leaving publishing was a turning point. I moved into the housing sector, initially working with people with mental health problems. I progressed into management roles where I led a range of services and supported managers to run their services effectively.

That decision - to step away from a job that was burning me out and towards work that truly mattered - changed everything. It reignited my passion, brought a sense of purpose back to my work and laid the foundations for what I do today: helping others find their own fulfilling career paths and supporting employers to build more inclusive workplaces.

Over the years, I’ve managed services for people with mental health problems, learning disabilities and dementia. I’ve also held senior management roles, which means I understand the pressures that come with responsibility - and just how important having a balance in life really is.

Today, I run my own coaching and training business, and I’m also an associate coach with Genius Within, where I help neurodivergent people to develop strategies that enable them to thrive at work. I work closely with organisations to create more neuroinclusive environments and help managers feel confident in supporting and championing the strengths of their neurodivergent team members.

Why coaching and training?

Coaching and training felt like a natural next step. My background in both professional and voluntary roles - as well as my lived experience as a neurodivergent person - has given me insight into the challenges people face at every stage of their working lives. 

I’ve been through many of those challenges myself: the stress, the uncertainty, the career changes and retraining. That lived experience helps me connect deeply with my clients. I know what it’s like to feel stuck and I know the impact that the right kind of support can have, both personally and professionally.

That’s why I do this work - to help people navigate change, rediscover their strengths and create careers that feel both successful and sustainable.

“I think anyone who wants to improve should consider getting some coaching. I never knew what to expect but Aileen was easy to talk to, patient and very good at getting to the key issues. We worked through a lot and I got things done that I had put off over and over. I cannot recommend her enough. If you are considering coaching for work or personal reasons you should get on and do it. You won’t regret it.”

— Sandy, Senior Housing Professional