Counterbalance: How to build your career without ruining your life

Life can feel like we are in a constant spin cycle where our priorities are forced to change on a daily basis. Technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have changed everything beyond all recognition. The work-life balance paradigm is no more. Our world has become far more complicated than that. We still want to achieve our aspirations including our career and relationship goals, and enjoy our hobbies, but how do you decide what to focus on?

I am Tom Shaw. I have built a successful career, working for 18 organisations (including The Economist Group, Virgin Media O2, Experian and Laing O'Rourke) in 7 countries (including Japan, Australia and France). I have enjoyed 6 promotions, and worked for 30 bosses. I am a Chartered Fellow and an Executive Coach. Outside work, I have created a fulfilling life. I am both happily married, and a proud father. I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and run the Paris Marathon, earned qualifications in Japanese, completed charity work with 50 organisations and circumnavigated the globe overland from Fiji to Hawaii. Spoiler alert: it has not always been plain sailing.

So what? Well, I am here to help you achieve as many of the things that you want to do as I have managed. I will share my 30 years' experience of Human Resources where my main role has been helping others to maximise their potential. 'Counterbalance' will walk you through the key attributes that help to build a career, and create a fulfilling life whilst protecting your wellbeing. This is not about generic advice or deploying a technical solution to an adaptive challenge. This is very much about asking yourself meaningful questions that focus on where you are on your unique journey and where you want to go next.

So, what are we waiting for? Let's start getting to know each other...