About
Hi, I’m Helen, The Portfolio Career Specialist
The world of work is changing. I help individuals and organisations navigate that.
A multi-passionate corporate creative with a portfolio career, I’ve got big goals, multiple to-do lists, and a need to succeed.
I work with high achievers to unpick what’s next when the job they do is no longer a career they love.
I help organisations support their top talent by equipping them to thrive in the changing landscape of work.
And I empower aspiring authors in the coaching industry with the tools they need to write and publish their books.
How I got here
Today’s careers don’t tend to be linear and mine certainly hasn’t been. There have been a few pivots along the way.
I did the corporate thing and built a successful career in change management, holding senior leadership roles in global recruitment outsourcing. It was fast-paced and varied and exhilarating, and I got to work with all sorts of interesting people all over the world.
And if I was awake, I was at work.
It wasn’t sustainable.
I’ve always been a bit of a book nerd, so decided to downscale and free up a bit of time to see if I could actually write one.
As you do.
I found a job closer to home. One that was senior enough to keep me engaged, but didn’t require 5am conference calls. I took a creative writing course and wrote my first book.
And then there was a pandemic.
As we started to come out the other side, it was clear that the new way of working didn’t work for me.
I walked the burnout tightrope. Something had to change.
I retrained, resigned, and stepped out on my own, building a portfolio career that meets the needs of my corporate and creative sides.
Sounds simple when I say it like that.
Today I use all the practical skills gained in change management, HR, and recruitment, together with that all important creativity, to support my clients through their own career change process. For some of them, it’s about gaining clarity before making a pivot. For others, it’s about moving past blockers or formulating plans to achieve their goals.
People will tell you I’m professional, honest, and kind. Fiercely achievement orientated, fuelled by learning, and determined to fill my life with people and experiences. A devotee of betterment and a big fan of stripping out unnecessary complexity to get to the good stuff. I’m not here to do it for you, but I will stay by your side as you move forward.
If you’re ready to get started, or have questions, pop some time in my diary, and we can have a chat.
Short bio
Helen ONeill helps professionals build sustainable portfolio careers and coaches write books that position them as experts.
She spent 20 years leading complex change portfolios before embarking on her own successful portfolio career. She’s an EMCC accredited coach, published author (under her own name and the pen name Jody Derby), and has been navigating multiple income streams for over a decade.
Long bio
Helen O’Neill is a multi-passionate corporate creative with a portfolio career. As someone who wants to do all the things, she has big goals, multiple to-do lists, and a need to achieve.
As an EMCC accredited coach, she helps future-focused professionals thrive in their careers during times of change. She specialises in translating dreams into goals and turning goals into achievements. Whether that be working with clients to design their own sustainable portfolio career, or writing and publishing their book.
She maintains her corporate credentials by working as a Change Consultant, where she supports organisation to deliver and embed value-led change initiatives.
A lifelong learner and self-confessed bookworm, Helen writes personal development non-fiction that is accessible and practical. She also writes mystery fiction under the pen name Jody Derby.
Her side hustle is Yarn Allie, where she sells hand-knitted and crocheted cards and gifts.
She rarely watches television. She’s rubbish at updating social media, and she tries to avoid the news as much as possible. Instead, she packs her life with experiences, achievements, and laughter, and she loves helping others do the same.
Values
When something doesn’t feel right in your life or your career, it’s often a misalignment with what you’re doing and the values you hold.
The services offered here are all built on the values that follow; they are integral to what the business is, how it operates, and the guiding principles that form its foundation.
Freedom
Autonomy, empowerment, fairness, and respect.
Kindness
Direct, honest, and kind. Authentically on your side.
Curiosity
To learn, to share, to grow.
Energy
Achievement orientated with a bias for action.
Connectivity
Community is powerful. We are all important.
