About the author

My name is Sharon Thomas. I began working in career and self development in the early 1990’s after a career crisis in my own life. I have designed and run many publicly funded groups for people returning to work, and have had a successful career coaching practice built up entirely through personal recommendation over 25 years. I have also worked in motivational team building and confidence raising within sectors as diverse as banking, construction, schools and universities.

My own motivation and huge pleasure in my work is to see others grow, find their true roles in their career and create happy and meaningful lives for themselves, often in quite amazing and unforeseen ways.

Influences

I was first impressed by the concept of lifelong learning and access to career advice for all ages when I visited the University of Arizona in the early 1990s. The numerous academic studies and self-help books there were a real catalyst for me and spurred me on to read, study and explore the area generally.

The materials I gathered and developed over the years were influenced by Richard D Bolles, Susan Jeffers, Springboard (a programme for women) and many others. Trainers and group facilitators share and use materials widely, as well as adapting and developing their own, and I have been no exception.

I was heavily influenced in my counselling and coaching style by Carl Rogers and Gerard Egan, but along the way have welcomed ideas from Jung, Transpersonal therapy and certain motivational speakers including Tony Robbins, (whose coaching training materials I adapted for the exercise on Values in Session Two of the Wonderful Work Book.)

In terms of motivational programmes, Louise Hay was of course way ahead of her time and her legacy of Hay House Publishing is still a truly inspirational resource for self-development at many levels.

I have been referencing mindfulness with my clients for over a decade now, and any kind of meditation as a useful tool towards self-discovery, peace and clarity.

My own spiritual teacher has been and still is Mother Meera.