Create a culture in which women thrive

Why are we still talking about women and work?

Because women continue to be under represented at all levels in the workplace. Before the glass ceiling is even in sight there are a series of ‘broken rungs’ which slow down or stop women’s progress. Because equal pay has been law for 50 years but women still get paid less for doing the same work.

The way we work has been designed around the lives and needs of men, and women continue to be held back as a result.

“Penelope’s years of experience combined with her natural warmth and openness make My So-Called Career a perfect partner. My team feel empowered, inspired and armed with options after her sessions.”

— DC, MD

How can I help you?

I confront the challenges women face in the workplace which lead to overwhelm, frustration, crisis and burnout.
I use proven techniques to develop confidence, resilience and self-awareness and promote healthy and sustainable relationships with work.
I provide a safe and inclusive environment for women to step outside their comfort zones.
The My So-Called Career community provides insight and inspiration from a range of sectors.
My work gets results. My clients are happier, more engaged, better motivated and more effective.

My So-Called Career Services

Career Coaching

I work with women one-to-one to help unlock their thinking, challenge the assumptions and expectations that hold them back, and determine a course of action to move them forward in their career.

Group Workshops

Group workshops provide an opportunity to go deeper into topics in a warm, accessible and informative way.

Careers Courses

My interactive courses are designed to build the confidence, skills and support networks women need to navigate the workplace. I put equal focus on content and community, creating powerful, self-supporting cohorts that last.

“The modern workplace does not work for women. It has been designed around the lives of men and it is no longer fit for purpose.”

-Caroline Criado Perez

"It’s not balance. It’s a shitshow.”

– Catherine Armstrong

“Being underpaid takes your abilities, experience, goodwill and dedication and casually degrades them.”

— Margaret Heffernan

Why choose My So-Called Career?

My So-Called Career is a unique blend of experience and passion.

My own so-called career took me all over the world, in leadership roles at renowned media companies and powerful brands, and almost broke me in the process.

I now apply everything that I learned along the way to help companies do better by women, and create cultures where they thrive.

More about us

“I would wholeheartedly recommend this extremely intelligent and bloody lovely person to any woman out there looking to make their next move.”

— FC, Executive Producer

The impact of our work (in the words of our clients).

If you want to go from drained and directionless to bold, brave and balanced…

Say Hello

Don’t just take our word for it:

Testimonial

I started working with Penny when I was in a rut in my decade long career which I used to be proud of but came to hate. I was unmotivated and felt really lost about what I wanted for my future and didn't know where to start. The lessons and wisdom that Penny imparted have not only helped me to understand my career and goals better, but she has helped me to understand myself. The exercises made me think about what I really value as a person and want to focus on in my career and seek out/create in a working environment, and also what can be left behind. During our time together I was made redundant and Penny was so supportive and gave me the permission and space to feel the mixture of emotions before coming back with a kick-ass plan of action! I'm now focussing on my love for interior styling and putting the work into growing my own business and feel equipped for whatever happens next as together we have identified and implemented structures to help with my goals and dreams. Penny is incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful and fun, and is great at understanding the crux of an issue whilst developing strategies to support and challenge me. She's extremely generous in sharing her connections and I also really appreciated her check-ins which always made me feel like I had someone in my corner. I can't recommend her enough to any woman who needs coaching and support with their career! Thank you so much Penny!

- Holly, Interiors and Styling

Working with Penny was eye opening. I landed on her lap, frustrated and ready for bigger, better things, after 14 months of incredible busy-ness and overwhelm. Through (lots!) of patience, a keen ear, and constructive challenging, Penny helped me get to a much better place. Although I haven't yet figured out exactly what comes next for me, I feel much better equipped to really lean into my power, and be the decision-maker in my career. And I know Penny will always be there - she is now officially part of my support system, which I know I can call on whenever I need. I would highly recommend (and already have!) Penny to anyone, regardless of what they're trying to achieve.

- Sophie , VP International Expansion, Jow

I needed this today – I sometimes feel guilty about needing a daytime nap when I "should" be working, but your newsletter is a brilliant reminder that it's absolutely necessary! Thank you for writing it.

- Abigail, Freelance Journalist and Editor

I found Penny at a time when I really was in crisis: my attempts to return to a freelance industry post maternity proved very challenging and my self-esteem was at rock bottom. But from the moment I spoke to Penny, her compassion and understanding was apparent and I knew I had the support of someone who truly wanted to set me on the course that was right for me. At each stage of our time together my confidence grew: her thoughtfully considered questioning and exercises helped me develop the self-belief that had long disappeared. By igniting my curiosity and interest, her guidance lifted me out of my comfort zone and helped me realise what I really wanted from my career. Since working with Penny I have understood the importance of my own values, realised my potential for growth and fostered the courage to be the authentic version of myself. Working with Penny has allowed me to take ownership of my career and see the many possibilities ahead of me, and I’m finally excited about where I will take my professional journey. I could not recommend Penny and My So-Called Career enough!

- Laura, Podcast Editor and Producer

The Career's Cuppa workshops are my perfect way to spend a Friday night! They give me the little pick-me-up that is often needed, covering topics which are very prevalent right now. Penny offers useful advice and simple tips that we can try to help deal with issues such as overwhelm or uncertainty. The workshops bring together a lovely group of woman who show kindness and vulnerability and help inspire me to push through any challenges. I can't recommend them enough!

- Kathryn, Coach, Self-Employed

Working with Penelope was a complete shift in my perspective regarding my career. Through our meetings and the recommended resources that Penelope provided me, I was able to take a fresh look at my career. The skills and tools that she taught me not only made me better in my job, but also helped everyone around me. The ideas and concepts, especially regarding the challenges that professional women face, that I we explored should be included in all MBA programs. I look forward to hopefully working with her again as part of future challenges and opportunities in my career. I can not speak highly enough of Penelope and the impact that working with her had on me, specifically as a female career professional.

- Jessica, Renewable Energy Director, Kiterocket

I came to My So-Called Career lost and exhausted in a job I'd once loved, unsure whether to regenerate from within or seek out new opportunities. Over the course of six sessions, Penny helped me gain perspective and re-build the confidence I needed to make the decision, in my own time and for the right reasons. The genius of My So-Called Career is that it flexes to your rhythms, while also gently interrogating them – and what you actually want from work and life. Penny really is career sunshine: warm, illuminating and much needed if you’ve been out in the cold. I couldn’t recommend her coaching and her company highly enough. Thank you.

- Nancy , Senior Editor, Cultureshock

I started working with Penny when I was feeling confused and torn about the next steps to take in my career. I'm now leaving our sessions feeling so much more clear and confident about what I want and how to go after it.

- Hannah, Co-Founder, The Now Work

Working with Penny has really helped me to reframe my approach to work and prepare myself to be braver and take more risks in my career. I valued her approach which helped me face and address uncomfortable truths in a safe and positive space. I can’t recommend her highly enough.

- Catherine, Senior Communications Manager, Frontiers

Penny holds a fantastically safe and supportive space for women. She provides a mix of very solid, practical advice and tips, along with activities to help unpick what really matters to you in your own career. If you need a little help bringing order or direction to the jumble of career-related thoughts in your head, I'd absolutely recommend reaching out to Penny.

- Anna Jay. Head of Audience Development, Thompson Reuters Foundations

I can’t even think about all the ways that Penny has helped me because there are so many. She’s just that constant cheerleader in your life when you need her and has helped me change my career in exactly the way I had hoped but didn’t think was possible. She was patient when I wasn’t quite ready to deal with certain things due to other life circumstances but also ready when I needed her. I didn’t even think I needed a career coach when I first started working with her and now I’m not sure how I would have coped with her. If you know what you want but don’t know how to get there, speak to Penny. If you have absolutely no clue, speak to Penny. You won’t regret that decision! Thank you for everything Penny!

- Vanessa Minaudier, Head of Media Operations, Carwow

A colourful zing of upbeat support & inspiration!

- Katherine Brown, Tech Champion for E-Commerce, Arts Council England