Kate Tomkins Coaching
I help ambitious mothers navigate the identity shift of motherhood and work out what they actually want from their career now.
You used to be ambitious. Driven. Going places.
Then somewhere in the juggle of motherhood and career, you lost sight of her.
Maybe you're returning to work after maternity leave and wondering whether the old role still fits. Maybe you're in a job that looks great on paper, but something about it doesn't feel right anymore. Or maybe you just can't shake the feeling that the career you built before children was built for a different version of you.
You're not broken. You're not ungrateful. You've just changed - and your career hasn't caught up yet.
That's exactly where I come in.
About me
Hi, I'm Kate. I'm a career coach for mums navigating the identity shift that nobody warns you about — the bit where you become a mum and suddenly the career you had before doesn't quite make sense anymore. I'm also a mum to a lively three-year-old boy, and we live just outside London — so yes, I know that shift well!
After graduating from the University of Leeds with a BSc in Psychology, I started out managing large student accommodation buildings. I loved the variety, and honestly, the part I loved most was supporting people through whatever challenges they were facing. While working full-time, I completed an MSc in Surveying and went on to manage accommodation blocks and large teams across the south of the UK.
On paper, it was the dream role. But after my husband died suddenly shortly after our wedding, and later when I became a mum, everything shifted. Returning from maternity leave, I felt torn between wanting to be present for my family and trying to perform in a high-pressure role. The things that had once motivated me — job titles, salary, packed schedules — no longer felt important. The career I'd spent years building just didn't fit the person I'd become.
Psychology had always been part of me, and when I discovered coaching, everything clicked. I completed the ILM Level 7 qualification in Executive Coaching and I'm now building my hours towards full EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation. Honestly, I feel so lucky to do this work.
These days, I help ambitious mothers who are going through that same thing — that moment where you realise you've changed but your career hasn't. Maybe you're stepping into a promotion, returning from maternity leave, exploring a completely new direction, or just trying to work out what you actually want now. Whatever it is, I provide a safe space where you can untangle your thoughts and figure out what comes next — on your terms.
I love this work because I've been there myself. I know what it's like when something feels off, when Sunday evenings are full of dread about the week ahead, or when you question whether you're good enough despite years of experience. I've felt the juggle, the pressure, and yes — the mum guilt too.
For the first time in my career, I truly love my job. And the best part? Knowing I get to help other mothers work out what they actually want, and leave those Sunday evening worries behind, makes it all worthwhile.
Coaching with me
Does any of this sound familiar?
The return-to-work question
You're heading back to work after maternity leave (or thinking about it), and nothing feels like it fits anymore. The old role, the old hours, the old version of you - it all feels like a different life. You want to go back, but on terms that actually work for who you are now.
The identity shift
You were ambitious, driven, going places - and then you became 'mum.' Now you're not sure who you are outside of that role. You love your children fiercely, but there's a quiet voice asking 'What about me? What do I want from my career now?'
The 'is this really it?' moment
You've got the job, the title, the salary - and yet something feels off. You catch yourself wondering whether this is really what you want, or whether you just followed a path that someone else drew for you. You've changed since becoming a mum, but your career stayed the same.
The confidence wobble
You used to trust your instincts. Now you second-guess everything - at work, at home, in conversations with your boss. Somewhere between sleep deprivation and back-to-back meetings, your confidence quietly slipped away. You know what you are capable of - you just can't seem to feel it anymore.
Whatever's going on for you right now, coaching with me gives you a safe space to talk it through. Somewhere to pause, untangle those thoughts spinning around in the back of your head, and work out what you actually want - not what everyone else expects of you.
You already know more than you think you do - sometimes you just need someone to help you hear it. Think of it as a really good conversation with someone who's properly listening.
Coaching packages
I usually work with clients in the following ways, but if you have something specific in mind, just reach out — I’d love to have a chat and see how I can help.
A one-off, 90-minute session to help you think through something specific that's on your mind.
6 x 90-minute sessions over 3-6 months to properly figure out what you want from your career and make it happen.
Launch
One 90-minute coaching session
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Who it’s for:
You've got something specific on your mind - a decision about your career, a conversation you need to have, or just that nagging feeling that something needs to change. You need space to think it through.
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What you'll get:
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A single 90-minute session where we dig into what's going on, explore your options and help you leave with a clearer head and a plan.
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A personalised email summary to help you stay focused.
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The outcome:
You'll walk away with your head straight and a plan of what to do next.
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Investment: £150
Evolution
Six 90-minute sessions over 3-6 months
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Who's it for:
You know something needs to change but you're not sure what yet. Maybe you're returning after maternity leave, maybe the old career just doesn't fit anymore. This is for the bigger stuff.
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What you'll get:
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A free 30-minute chat to see if this feels like the right fit for you.
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Six sessions on Zoom spread over 3-6 months, giving you the time and space to really figure out what you want from your career at this point in your life.
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Personalised email summaries after each session so you can reflect and keep moving forward.
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The outcome:
By the end, your career will finally make sense for the person you are now - not the person you were before having children.
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Investment:
£600
Recharge
Ongoing top-up sessions
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Who's it for:
You've already done some coaching with me, and every now and then you need a check-in to reset and refocus.
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What you'll get:
- Ongoing “top-up” sessions on Zoom, usually monthly or quarterly, to help you pause, reflect, and manage whatever’s on your plate.
- Personalised email summaries after each session so you can look back on what we covered and stay on track.
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The outcome:
Think of it as a pit stop. You come in, sort your head out and get going again.
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Investment:
POA, tailored to your needs
Kate asked brilliant, insightful questions that helped uncover the heart of the matter, paired with kindness and pragmatism.
KATHERINE, LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT
I loved your insights, questions and thoughts. You challenged me really well, bringing a different level of insight. You are humble, calm, focused and a fabulous listener.
SARAH, OWNER OF CONSULTANCY COMPANY
Kate, I have enjoyed working with you so much. Your sense of humour and kindness shine through. You are a natural, empathetic coach and provide focused insights that cut through the noise.
LUCINDA, CURRENTLY A FULL TIME MOTHER
Kate is a wonderful coach. Throughout our engagement she was fully present and created a safe space for me to share freely. Her use of questioning was on point and helped unlock some key issues, generate self-awareness and useful insights. This was such a worthwhile investment leading to a great amount of personal growth. If you are looking to embark on a coaching journey, I would highly recommend Kate.
MARION, OWNER OF L&D CONSULTANCY
Contact me
Whether you're curious about coaching, have a question, or just want to have a chat about what's going on - I'd love to hear from you. Fill in the form and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can.