If it's time for a change...I want to help you

Bonjour mes amis!

Why am I speaking French all of a sudden?

Well, I’ve gone and done something exciting - I’ve moved to France!

I sold my dearly loved (little) house in east London and bought a (much larger) house in a small town in Southwest France. It’s been a dream of mine for many years, and it feels amazing to realise it.

But it also feels daunting and a little bit terrifying - and I’m definitely dealing with a lot of new challenges that are taking me out of my comfort zone. Not least the need to speak French in a mostly non-English-speaking town, on topics I haven’t yet covered in Duolingo. Today, for example, I’ve been discussing lighting with 2 electricians - which hasn’t quite involved the medium of dance, but isn’t far off.

And you know what? That’s okay. It’s scary, but I’m buzzing. Because it’s exciting to be doing something on my terms.

Taking control of change

See, I’m a big fan of being active rather than passive in life. But what does that look like?

Well, being passive can look - and feel - a bit like this:

• A sense of waiting for things to happen - for your manager to find you opportunities, or for training to be arranged, or for promotions to happen

• Missed opportunities and a feeling of being ‘stuck’

• A sense that life ‘happens to you’ rather than being something you actively create

• Stagnation

By contrast, being active can look - and feel - a bit like this:

• Taking ownership of your choices instead of letting circumstances or other people dictate your direction

• Taking steps that help you choose your path, pursue goals and respond to challenges with intention

• Identifying opportunities, setting priorities and making decisions that align with your values and long-term vision.

All of this creates momentum and builds confidence because progress - even small steps - gives you a sense of control and purpose. Of course, circumstances will always influence outcomes.

But in my experience, active people adapt more quickly, find creative solutions and are better prepared for change.

Do you want to make a change?

You don’t have to move countries to make a change. You could be thinking about your next career move or how to build your professional profile or getting fit or whatever it is that is important to you right now. What change looks like for you is not what it looks like for me.

But in any case, I’d love to help you!

I’m a coach, with a lifetime of experience. When I was in my early 20s, I moved from Canada to the UK - initially for a year, but then I met a guy. And we all know how that story ends.

Thirty years later, I had:

• Worked my way up from print editor to content designer to strategic leadership

• Progressed from being a union caseworker to the Branch Chair of a union branch

• Been a governor (twice), first for a University college and then for a primary school

• Completed 2 part-time Master’s degrees, just for fun

• Moved from working for other people to working for myself

And now I’ve moved to France!

How can I help you?

As a coach, I can help you make changes in your life and career by:

• offering you dedicated time and attention, so you can focus on your challenge and what’s important to you

• asking you insightful questions that dig deeper and help you understand your blockers and motivators

• helping you identify patterns that are holding you back so that you are able to make changes

I am excited by the potential that coaching can unlock.

What do my clients say?

I work with all kinds of clients, but I specialise in supporting and mentoring strategic digital designers and leads.

Amanda, Lead Content Designer says:

"Being coached by Jane has been hugely beneficial to me in my role as a content leader who works closely with senior experience design (XD), product and programme leaders in a large and complex organisation.

"She has helped me develop the tools and strategies to navigate difficult situations with other leaders and stakeholders, which has given me the confidence to be true to myself and trust my instincts.

"Jane is perfectly suited to coaching. She asks thoughtful and considerate questions and provides a genuinely caring and supportive environment in which to explore challenges.

"I very much look forward to our sessions as I always come away feeling lighter, brighter and able to take on the world!"

Leyla, Lead Content Designer, GOV.UK​​ says:

"Having Jane as my coach has been the perfect rocket fuel for my continuous learning and development. She's become one of my trusted people to help me find my own answers and build clear goals.

"Jane is just so incredibly suited to developing others. She's thoughtful and kind. She makes me feel comfortable and safe, and someone who I'm hugely enjoying working with. I can't wait to see what our next few months will open up."

Contact me

I currently have availability for 3 clients who are starting to think of changes they want to make. I normally work with clients for either 3 or 6 sessions, depending on the scale of challenges.

If you want to find out more, let’s have a chat.

Contact me at jane@roxboro-design.com to arrange a half-hour introductory talk - no commitment needed.

Let’s make something happen for you.