About Jennifer

Retirement isn't automatically a smooth transition

It's something you achieve by visualising your new life, setting goals, creating plans and working towards them with a positive, enthusiastic mindset

Meet Retirement Coach Jennifer

Hi, I was shocked to realise retirement's not plain sailing

In 2020, I chose to reduce my workload significantly and take semi retirement from a career I loved. I’m a Certified Coach and Learning and Development specialist with over 30 years’ experience of coaching, training and mentoring individuals and groups.

I learned a valuable lesson that I’m making my mission to share – retirement can be unexpectedly challenging. It’s a MAJOR life transition, one that I underestimated, and despite how excited, resilient and motivated you might be, the unforeseen emotional ups and downs are eye-opening.

I recognise now that I went into retirement unprepared. Astonishing really, as the word used to describe me most often is ‘organised’. In the year or so beforehand I had started to reduce my workload, had no problem filling my spare time, re-examined my finances, read a book about retirement, and then retired.

I had activities lined up and they kept me busy…up to a point. What I didn’t realise was the enormity of the transition, in my case from a fulfilling, engaging career to a less structured, new way of living that bears little resemblance to before.

The reality of retirement has been a revelation and while the positives have been amazing, there are downsides too that I deliberately incorporate into my coaching practice and help you work through. Forearmed is forewarned!

My experience has undoubtedly helped me operate from a relatable perspective rather than purely a theoretical viewpoint. I’m 100% convinced I’m a better coach because of this.

I completely underestimated the need for a clear ‘retirement sense of purpose’ and how this drives day-to-day motivation.

I didn’t foresee the challenges associated with one half of a couple being retired and the other continuing to work full-time. The disjointedness can take its toll and lead to an uncomfortable feeling of being in limbo.

Stepping back from a fulfilling career, although voluntarily, had a greater impact than expected and has been unsettling at times.

There are so many more examples that I can share with you as we work together to create your unique retirement roadmap.

If you want to avoid making the mistakes I made, let me help you prepare thoroughly for your retirement. I’ll help you explore all key aspects of retirement (with the exception of financial planning), and help you realise the vital importance of finding a new sense of purpose for this special period in your life.

Jennifer's Qualifications and Experience

30-year international career in Human Resources specialising in coaching, training and mentoring
10 years in Financial Services – Private, International and Offshore Banking working in the Bahamas, Channel Islands, USA and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay)
20 years running my own coaching and training business working with clients in the U.K., Germany, Italy, Eastern Europe (Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia) and South Africa
Investors in People Assessor and International Trainer and Team Developer
Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD)
Certified Coach (since 2004)
Certified in Nutrition from St. Mary’s University, London
Radio presenter – 15 years’ presenting a live, weekly Lifestyle and Wellbeing show
BA Joint Hons Degree in Spanish and French from Queen’s University Belfast

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life and many different nationalities and seen first-hand the transformative power of coaching. I’m now using my skills and personal experience exclusively to help clients prepare for and live out a happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement.

Get to know me...

I relax by…

reading a Santa Montefiore novel, ideally set in Argentina, or watching a TV show on diet and nutrition (I’m slightly obsessed).

I’m determined to…

master ‘Andaluz’ Spanish to fit in with the locals when I’m at our home in southern Spain. It also helps keep my brain active.

Since childhood I’ve loved…

sewing and cooking and now that I’ve reduced my workload I’ve got more time to be creative and entertain long-standing and new friends.

I’ve discovered a sense of satisfaction from…

wielding a paintbrush and upcycling old furniture. If it stands still it’s in danger of being varnished! It’s a productive use of my free time, saves money, cuts down on waste and gives me pleasure every time I see what I’ve transformed!

The loves of my life are…

George and Mika – my adorable rescue cats who brighten up every day and expect every need to be fulfilled – immediately, of course.

I strongly believe…

that thriving in retirement is directly influenced by physical and mental wellbeing and having a clear sense of purpose. Those are the fundamentals for a great retirement.

How it works

The coaching process typically begins with a 1.5 hour Retirement Roadmap session. After that, you have the choice of proceeding with the most appropriate coaching package for you.

Here’s a brief summary:

01.

Retirement Roadmap

We start with an initial 1.5 hour session to discuss your goals, challenges, and aspirations for retirement. This helps you clarify your existing thoughts and introduces you to 6 keys to retirement success. As well as being thought-provoking, it helps you focus on areas that need attention.

02.

Ongoing Coaching

Depending on your needs, you have the choice of various one-on-one coaching packages. This is where we break each retirement topic into manageable parts and work through them in detail. The aim is to create a comprehensive action plan that you can start implementing straightaway!

03.

Support & Accountability

The value of coaching lies not only in the productive sessions but also in what you achieve between them. Regular follow-ups increase accountability and encourage you to maintain momentum. Ongoing coaching support leads to greater all-round readiness for retirement than going it alone.

Take the first step to your new life

Are you ready to set yourself up for a rewarding retirement?

How clear are you on how and when you’ll retire? How do you see your future life? How will you spend your days? Where will you be and who will you be with? What will motivate you to get up in the morning and provide meaning and satisfaction each day? How will you cope with change and deal with identity issues, confidence and self-esteem?

What do you need to do now?

Are you ready to explore all your options, make decisions, take actions and do everything you can to create the wonderful retirement you dream about?