Margaret Collins - who am I?

I started my professional life as a research scientist. Working on a number of projects ranging from cloning immunogenic antigens from Mycobacterium bovis to identifying the mechanisms of pathogenesis in diseases as diverse as BVDV infection and Sweet Itch.

I became a lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College and began my journey teaching Molecular Virology to undergraduate and to postgraduate students. I soon began taking a greater interest in the development of professional skills like time management, personal organisation and communication skills.

I realised that my own work-life balance was far from perfect.
I was living in Reading, working in Potters Bar (and commuting 4 hours each day!) and regularly travelling to care for family members in Wales. I enjoyed everything I was doing but there was always too much to do. There was always someone who needed me. There was never time for me...

There wasn't a 'flash of lightening' but I realised that if I didn't care for myself, there would be nothing left to give to other people, at work or at home. So I set about creating a life that I loved, a life that worked for me.

I became interested in coaching and then trained as a Professional Coach. I learned to identify the things I needed to function efficiently in my life - and to ask for them. I began to clear out the irritations, to focus on activities and people that energised and inspired me. Putting my home life in order created such a difference. I could be calm and self confident, knowing I had the resources to meet whatever demands were made of me.

Then my eyes turned towards my work life. I was able to negotiate changes in working patterns to suit me. I began doing more of what I enjoyed most and spent more time supporting the professional development of my students. I decided to reduce my working hours and my travelling time. To supplement my income I increased my activities as a Coach, taking on clients and running training sessions that I find inspiring! I am creating a life that contains the elements that I love most about my professional life - and it's a wonderful feeling.

Would you like to create your ideal life?

You too can create a life that you love. Begin by believing that it is possible. Plan for it. It won't happen overnight but you can consistently work towards it and make it a reality - but only if you're willing to commit to the first step - and then another... and another.

Are you ready to start?

Coaching can give you the tools and strategies to take control once more.

"I'd like to take the opportunity to fully thank you for the clarity of vision I got from your session earlier. I was spurred to action! I now have a job I enjoy immensely. Once again, thank you, from a much happier Melanie"

Click here to find out more about the coaching and psychometric assessments I offer.

I also offer workshops in a range of subject areas in addition to longer personal or business development programmes.

Find links to a number of resources, free downloads and recommendations.

Copyright Margaret Collins 2005. All rights reserved.