Do you run around like a headless chicken, juggling your to-do list
like a bag full of cats?
Do you wish you knew how to get the important stuff done without
being derailed by other people’s priorities?
Do you long for a day when you tick everything off and then get to sit down
with a glass of wine?
If this is you, you probably know this isn’t a sustainable life. If you continue like this, never taking time for yourself, being driven by what other people want, adding yet more tasks to the list every day, what’s your life going to look like in three years? In five? In ten?
What happens if you spend your whole life like this? If you never catch up? You never get it all done?
And with all the to-dos, you miss the chance to actually live your life?
If you’re ready to live life in a different way, I’ve got the tools to help you do it — because you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and so have many of the people I’ve coached.
I’m Ellen Bard, a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and I’ve been working with clients from individuals to leadership teams for the last 15 years, supporting them in their personal and professional development. I’ve done that globally, working with clients in Europe, SE Asia and the Middle East.
When I work with clients, I make sure I understand their needs and goals in detail, and then support them with suggestions on the way forward. My psychologist background means I can blend real-life experience as well as psychological and other research to make sure that coaching will really add value to your life.
If your life is already awesome, and you have that perfect balance of getting all the stuff on your to-do list done, while feeling relaxed and joyful, then coaching’s probably not for you.
Coaching is for you if…
- you are having trouble breaking through (whether in your career, personal life or any other area you’re looking to improve) — and you’re looking for guidance and advice.
- you are willing to put effort in. Coaching is a partnership, and I can’t do the work for you.
- you are open to trying small experiments in your life, changing a little at a time. We’ll work together to identify what they might be
- you are looking for accountability. I’ll provide support and check-ins on your progress. I’ll challenge you, and help you to be the best you can be in the areas you decide you want to work on.
- you want to be productive AND you want to take care of yourself.
I’ve been in your shoes. For ten years, I worked in a busy consultancy, juggling client responsibilities, project management, business management, travel to client sites, and my own team.
Oh, and I also had two chronic illnesses: chronic pain caused by a car accident early on in my career; and Crohn’s disease.
I managed to overachieve despite all that. On the surface, at least. But there was very little joy in my life. Instead, I rushed through my days stressed and in pain, never sparing a moment to think about what my future held.
When I stepped back and looked at the situation objectively, I could see that I was kinder when I coached others than I was to myself.
Ellen has been fundamental in shaping me as a professional. She was the best manager I have ever had, challenging yet supporting me, coaching me to grow and develop my career. When I decided to move to Singapore, to a role with big pressures and limited support, she was super supportive and offered to be my mentor whilst I was there. Without Ellen’s voice of reason, I’m not sure I would have made it through! I’m now based in Hong Kong, where I have just achieved a life-long dream to set up my own business. This change was also driven by a need for better work-life balance, after a series of illnesses largely caused by stress. Ellen helped me through this period and gave me the encouragement I needed to ‘take the leap’. I would safely say this was the best decision I have made and I am currently loving life, with a successful business, feeling healthy and more time to enjoy myself! Ellen has always been an inspiration to me and without her support, I would not be in the place I am today.
RACHEL AUSTEN | AUSTEN ADVISORY, Hong Kong
I knew this wasn’t how life should be, but I was so busy working, and fixing everybody else, I didn’t have the energy to fix myself.
I realised I had spent all this time waiting for things to change — without doing anything to change them myself. It was time to start taking responsibility for myself — for my own choices, for my own life. Because it wasn’t my boss’s responsibility to look after me. It wasn’t my friends’ or family’s responsibility. It was mine.
I made the decision to change.
I began working for myself, coaching and training on a freelance basis. I also started experimenting with other aspects of my life, and taking better care of my health, both mentally and physically.
I worked with individuals from Saudi Arabia to Singapore, helping them to grow and develop, but this time, I prioritised my own wellbeing. I made sure that I was okay as well as them.
I still get a lot of stuff done, but I have a deeper understanding of the things that help me live a rich and satisfying life.
I balance productivity and self-care.
It was an interesting — and often challenging — journey to get here. I was lucky to have a psychology background to help me make it.
Having personally been through this transformation, I now show others how to do it, too.
Ellen is a remarkably generous spirit, with such a beautiful perspective on work and life. Her ideas are magic little ingredients that not only help to hold all her wonderful creations together, but also serve as the icing on the top. Whether it has been as a colleague, a coach, or a friend, Ellen has shared with me her warmth and passion without reservation. Her ideas have had such an important impact on my personal and professional life, I don’t know where I’d be without them.
HELEN BLACKIE | BUSINESS PSYCHOLOGIST, UK
It takes time to transform your life. There’s no magic button to press to get rid of all the stress and bring balance.
You have to put effort in. And it can be hard.
It’s not exciting — at least not in the immediate moment — but that’s how change happens.
Working with a coach is an investment in yourself, and can make that change easier, and faster.
Together we can clarify your vision of what you want your life to look like, and decide on the steps you’re going to take to get there.
It won’t be easy. It won’t be instant.
But it can be fun – and it will definitely be worth it.
Ellen radiates true beauty and brilliant kindness. I have been genuinely inspired by her loving and practical words of wisdom. She motivates me to follow the sparkles of my heart! I’m so grateful for Ellen’s presence and support in my life.
TIRZAH SHIYA | YOGA INSTRUCTOR & MASSAGE THERAPIST, USA
Step 1: You fill in a short questionnaire, and then we’ll have a 30 minute call to decide whether or not we’re suited. A coach needs to fit your style, and I need to make sure I’m confident I can support you.
Step 2: If we choose to work together, I’ll ask you to reflect on some questions before our first Skype session. We’ll then have an initial two-hour session where I’ll get to know you, and we’ll set out some priorities.
Step 3: After that, sessions will be one hour, by Skype. There will be experiments for you to do in between sessions and report back.
Package Options:
- The Taster: 1 x 2 hour session and a 1 hour follow up: $449
- The Ready: 1 x 2 hour session and 3 x 1 hour sessions: $599
- The Committed: 1 x 2 hour session and 6 x 1 hour sessions: $899
Are You Ready to Transform Your Life?
What can I expect from my free 30 minute intro call?
We’ll chat more about your answers to the short questionnaire. We’ll talk about the biggest challenges you’re facing, and what you’re looking for in a coaching relationship. We’ll discuss whether or not I’m the right person to support you.
What do I need to prepare for the 30 minute intro call?
You’ll have filled in the short questionnaire already. That will give you some areas to think about, and we can go into them more on the call. Have a pencil and paper ready to make notes!
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellation fees are 50% if cancelled/moved within 72 hours, and the full amount if cancelled/moved within 24 hours.
How do I pay?
Payments can be made by credit card, paypal, or a direct bank transfer. You can pay in your own currency.
If anyone can help you transform your life it’s Ellen Bard! Ellen has an insightful, practical, calm and positive approach to changing behaviour to achieve a sustainable and fulfilling personal and professional life.
RACHEL DOOGUE | BEHAVIOURAL ASSESSMENT SPECIALIST, IRELAND