Hi I'm Assunta Cicalese ...

I am a Career Coach and I work with women who want to return to work after a career break or are considering a career change, helping them clarify their direction, rebuild confidence, and successfully move into roles that align with their values, strengths, and life priorities

I know first-hand how daunting it can feel to step back into the world of work after time away—or to question whether the career you once had is still the one you want now.

I spent years working in Human Resources within the financial services sector (check my LinkedIn profile here) supporting individuals and organisations through change, performance, and progression. Additionally, I built a strong academic foundation with a Master’s degree in Psychology and professional training in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching, giving me a deep understanding of how mindset, confidence, and behaviour shape career decisions and outcomes.

After an eight-year career break, I successfully returned to work (check my return to work story here). I experienced the self-doubt, the identity shift, and the practical challenges that so many women face: Am I still relevant? How do I explain the gap? What do I really want now? Navigating that transition reshaped not only my career, but my purpose and in 2023 I decided to become a full-time coach.

Today, I bring together professional expertise and lived experience to support women who are:

• Returning to work after a career break

• Considering a career change

• Exploring self-employment or setting up on their own

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My approach is grounded, practical, and compassionate. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all career advice or “fixing” women to fit outdated systems. Instead, I help you clarify what you want, rebuild confidence, challenge unhelpful thinking, and take realistic, achievable steps towards a working life that fits who you are now.

You don’t need to start from scratch—you already have more experience, insight, and strength than you realise. My role is to help you recognise it, trust it, and move forward with clarity and confidence.​

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I’m a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Coaching Psychology (DoCP) and the Association for Coaching (AC), and I adhere to their code of ethics and conduct rules, ensuring that my practice is grounded in professionalism, integrity, and evidence-based principles.

British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct Rules:Society’s Code of Ethics and ConductMember Conduct Rules​Association for Coaching (AC) Code of Ethics for Coaches, Mentors and Supervisors:https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/AboutCodeEthics