From Tech Exec to Trusted Coach: One Woman’s Journey to Redefining Leadership for Women

After more than 20 years of working at globally renowned companies like Google, MTV, and Grammarly, she made a bold move: she stepped away from corporate leadership to start her own coaching practice.

But her journey didn’t begin in Silicon Valley—it started in a London hotel.

While studying hotel management, she was placed in Human Resources for one of her rotations. That moment shifted everything.

“The moment I stepped into that department, I knew I’d found my path,” she recalls.

That early instinct led to a remarkable two-decade career in tech and HR, including 11 years at Google—an experience she calls a “mini MBA” filled with constant learning, change, and exposure to world-class leaders.

“It’s where my leadership philosophy really formed. Effective leaders create clarity, communicate vision, remove roadblocks, and then step aside so their teams can do what they do best.”

Burnout, Bereavement, and a Bold New Chapter

Despite her accomplishments, 2024 proved to be a turning point.

New leadership, widespread restructuring, and the accelerated pace of change—especially due to AI—had made her role increasingly intense. She was hiring a new team, traveling frequently, and juggling an overwhelming workload.

“By the end of the year, I was running on empty.”

A family bereavement forced her to step back. And during her time away, the company was involved in an acquisition, and there was a reshuffle in senior leadership.

“That pause gave me clarity. I had a choice—stay another few years, or finally build something of my own. I chose to back myself.”

Starting her own coaching business didn’t feel like a risky leap. It felt like the next right step—one she had been quietly preparing for over the years.

“I’d always known I’d build something of my own one day. This was the time.”

Coaching with Purpose and a Personal Mission

Today, she works with women—especially those in career transitions—helping them regain confidence and clarity when they feel stuck or uncertain.

Her coaching is grounded in something deeply personal: a desire to level the playing field for women navigating systemic and structural barriers in the workplace.

“Helping women find their confidence again is incredibly rewarding. The ideal state is that we create a world where the playing field is truly level.”

Her approach is centered around a framework she created called VITAL:
Values, Identity, Trust, Abilities, and Legacy.

“Many women come to me not knowing their next step. The VITAL framework helps them reconnect with who they are beyond job titles or external expectations.”

Each pillar prompts deep reflection. Clients explore how their values have evolved, what beliefs are holding them back, and what legacy they want to leave.

“It’s about stripping away the noise and reconnecting with what’s fundamentally important—so they can move forward with intention.”

Quiet Leadership and the Power of Authenticity

One of the most powerful lessons she passes on to her clients comes from her own experience with leadership.

“There’s a misconception that great leaders have to be loud or extroverted. I’ve never believed that.”

Some of the best leaders she worked with led quietly—with trust, consistency, and authenticity. Now, she encourages women to embrace their own leadership styles instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

“Authenticity builds trust. And trust builds great teams.”

Helping Women Navigate Burnout and Identity Shifts

Many of her clients come to her in the midst of burnout or identity loss—especially after years in demanding roles.

Her first priority is rest.

“If someone’s in deep burnout, the first step is always recovery. You can’t make clear decisions when you’re depleted.”

Once there’s space to reflect, she helps clients map out what energizes them versus what drains them. Often, that simple exercise reveals where things have gone off track—and opens the door to realignment.

“Burnout isn’t solved with a vacation. It’s a longer process of reconnecting with your values and energy.”

Reframing Fear and Finding the Edge of Something Better

There’s a phrase she often shares with her clients:

“You’re not stuck—you’re just on the edge of something better.”

That edge, she explains, is the space between what no longer fits and what’s next.

“When everything feels uncertain, that’s usually a sign of growth. I help women reframe that discomfort as progress.”

Clarity, she says, doesn’t come all at once—but from taking small, intentional steps forward.

Breaking Mindset Traps in Career Pivots

Over the years, she’s seen the same mindset traps hold women back during career transitions:

• Fear of not finding another “good” job
• Belief they won’t succeed elsewhere
• Guilt for wanting more
• Fear of losing stability or flexibility
• The sunk-cost fallacy

“Many believe that changing direction means losing everything they’ve built. But in truth, all of that experience transfers. Nothing is wasted.”

She helps her clients see that a “good on paper” career isn’t worth it if it’s not good in practice.

“If you’ve got another 10–20 years of work ahead, that’s too long to stay unfulfilled.”

Through structured coaching and a realistic plan, guilt gives way to empowerment—and fear to forward momentum.

Redefining Success—From the Inside Out

Success in her coaching practice isn’t measured in job titles or salary bumps, though those often follow. Instead, she focuses on something deeper:

“Success is when clients feel reconnected to themselves—clear, confident, and energized about what’s next.”

She’s proud of the strong referral network she’s building and aspires to become one of the top career transition coaches in the Bay Area.

“I want to be someone that other coaches and leaders look to for guidance.”

Building a Legacy of Confidence and Clarity

In her first year as a coach, she’s focused on building strong foundations. But her long-term vision is far bigger.

“I want to create a thriving coaching practice where women come for clarity and leave with confidence.”

Her legacy? It’s about helping women trust themselves again—and step into careers that actually fit their lives.

“That, to me, is deeply meaningful.”

From the hotel floor in London to executive boardrooms—and now coaching women through pivotal career moments—her journey has come full circle.

She didn’t just leave the corporate world behind. She stepped into her purpose. And now, she’s helping others do the same.

Contact Information

To learn more about Claire Campion’s work or to connect with her for coaching opportunities, visit www.careertransitionwithclaire.com or email contact@itsclairecampion.com.