Create a culture in which women thrive

Why are we still talking about women and work?

Because women continue to be under represented at all levels in the workplace. Before the glass ceiling is even in sight there are a series of ‘broken rungs’ which slow down or stop women’s progress. Because equal pay has been law for 50 years but women still get paid less for doing the same work.

The way we work has been designed around the lives and needs of men, and women continue to be held back as a result.

“Penelope’s years of experience combined with her natural warmth and openness make My So-Called Career a perfect partner. My team feel empowered, inspired and armed with options after her sessions.”

— DC, MD

How can I help you?

I confront the challenges women face in the workplace which lead to overwhelm, frustration, crisis and burnout.
I use proven techniques to develop confidence, resilience and self-awareness and promote healthy and sustainable relationships with work.
I provide a safe and inclusive environment for women to step outside their comfort zones.
The My So-Called Career community provides insight and inspiration from a range of sectors.
My work gets results. My clients are happier, more engaged, better motivated and more effective.

My So-Called Career Services

Career Coaching

I work with women one-to-one to help unlock their thinking, challenge the assumptions and expectations that hold them back, and determine a course of action to move them forward in their career.

Group Workshops

Group workshops provide an opportunity to go deeper into topics in a warm, accessible and informative way.

Careers Courses

My interactive courses are designed to build the confidence, skills and support networks women need to navigate the workplace. I put equal focus on content and community, creating powerful, self-supporting cohorts that last.

“The modern workplace does not work for women. It has been designed around the lives of men and it is no longer fit for purpose.”

-Caroline Criado Perez

"It’s not balance. It’s a shitshow.”

– Catherine Armstrong

“Being underpaid takes your abilities, experience, goodwill and dedication and casually degrades them.”

— Margaret Heffernan

Why choose My So-Called Career?

My So-Called Career is a unique blend of experience and passion.

My own so-called career took me all over the world, in leadership roles at renowned media companies and powerful brands, and almost broke me in the process.

I now apply everything that I learned along the way to help companies do better by women, and create cultures where they thrive.

More about us

“I would wholeheartedly recommend this extremely intelligent and bloody lovely person to any woman out there looking to make their next move.”

— FC, Executive Producer

The impact of our work (in the words of our clients).

If you want to go from drained and directionless to bold, brave and balanced…

Say Hello

Don’t just take our word for it:

Testimonial

Coaching far exceeded my expectations. It helped me feel confident, motivated and more prepared and open to different challenges. People have commented on the difference in my clarity and confidence! Coaching from My So-Called Career is the best career investment I’ve ever made!

-BW, Innovation Lead

When I first met Penny, I was completely lost and unmotivated in my career. Our sessions were like being in front of a very bright and responsive mirror that helped me realise who I am and how I get my energy, and empowered me to take small, and then bigger steps, to climb out the box I’d retreated into. I would highly recommend My So-Called Career and Penny’s coaching to anyone.

- LW, Strategist

Working with Penny has been one of the most valuable commitments I have made. Her commitment and personal attention to detail is second to none, a constant encouragement amongst the noise. To meet someone whose intentions are purely for your gain is so rare in this working world. I highly recommend!

– Executive Producer

I worked with Penny to address some big career questions that I had been struggling with for several years. From the beginning, she identified the key challenges and themes in my personal and professional life. She helped me to come to a series of critical realizations about what I truly valued, what I wanted next out of my career and how to set myself up on a path that was right for me. What was so unique about her counsel, was her ability to lead me to the answers without telling me what do. With prodding questions, relevant exercises and guiding wisdom, she helped me to find my own way to conclusions that could help me move forward.

- CC, Global Head of Strategy & Growth

I've been on a number of corporate 'career development' courses. They were generally professional, but rarely resulted in actual change. My So-Called Career is in a completely different league. The way the sessions are run and the materials you work with lead to a very personal experience – often eye-openingly so. The advice and insight from Penny are razor-sharp, and demonstrate her deep experience and passion for helping people. I was one of a cohort of ambitious, honest, interesting and smart women, a group that I feel lucky to be part of, and a network I hope will last long past the end of the course.

— AJ, Digital Engagement Manager

I was lucky enough to be a member of MSCC's first cohort and from the very first workshop knew I'd come to the right place for career guidance. The combination of in-person meetings and independent learning allows you complete the course at your own pace with a great support network around you. I can't think of an area of my career and goals that I haven't worked on in the past 10 weeks, including some I had never thought about. The whole programme has been invaluable and left me feeling inspired and optimistic.

-LO, Freelance Journalist

I joined the My So-Called Career Cohort looking for guidance on how to make a big change, and hoping for a sounding board not connected to my company. I got both (and much more!). I decided to leave the company where I've spent the last 13 years. I'm not doing it immediately, but I am going to do it. And I feel good about that decision. This experience was invaluable to me and I wish it wasn't over.

-AH, Editor

The My So-Called Career Cohort exceeded my expectations. The leadership and program was so informative and engaging. Penny challenged me to step outside of my fear and to just go for it. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a special group of women.

-JP , Senior Associate & Domain Expert

Penny is a clear and calm voice of reason in the storm of guilt, overwhelm and self loathing that I have been experiencing in my first year as a freelancer. Within the first ten minutes of our session she’d assured me that what I was experiencing was common and not a sign of my own ineptitude. I’ve left with a spring in my step and a clear plan of what I need to do moving forward.

- ES, Freelance Journalist

The My So-Called Career philosophy and approach are so refreshing in a world of overwork and overwhelm. Penny excels at offering honest, practical and personal guidance and has a strong motivation to help others succeed and do well.

– LW, small business owner

Working with Penny helped me articulate not only what I want to do, but why. I can now clearly identify what the right opportunities are, instead of applying to jobs simply because they are available or ones I “could” do. I would recommend My So-Called Career to anyone looking to make a career change, or seeking career clarity.

– EZ, Journalist