We were lucky to catch up with Louise Neil recently and have shared our conversation below.

Louise, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?

In 2017, after years in a corporate role that left me unfulfilled, I made the significant decision to leave. As a single mom, this was not a decision I took lightly. I planned a financial runway, allowing myself three months to explore new career paths. This period extended to six months amid various challenges, during which time I had no clear direction for my future.

At a crossroads, I engaged a career coach. Although she dissuaded me from returning to the corporate world, she introduced me to the concept of coaching and the possibility of entrepreneurship—ideas that had never occurred to me. With no business experience and no role models who owned businesses, I naively thought I could simply “hang a shingle” and clients would come. I skipped essential steps like crafting a business plan or developing a marketing strategy. Despite becoming certified and building my credibility, success didn’t follow as I had hoped.

Then, during a particularly low point, I was tempted by online ads promising a quick path to making $100,000 in 90 days. Desperate for a breakthrough, I signed up for one of these programs after a compelling consultation. They convinced me that this was the quickest, best, and only way to succeed. Caught up in the moment, I enrolled and immediately felt a pang of regret.

That night, as I paced the hall at 2 AM, talking to myself in an empty house, I grappled with my decision. Amid the silence, a moment of clarity came from deep within. I realized that while I didn’t have all the answers, I needed to trust my instincts. With a newfound kindness toward myself, I allowed myself not to have all the answers right away. The next morning, I demanded—and received—a full refund.

Since then, I’ve invested tens of thousands of dollars in various programs—from coaching to marketing and business accelerators. Not all were successful, but the lesson from that night has stayed with me: with each step and each investment, I remain fully engaged and allow myself the possibility of failure. This mindset has not only helped me learn invaluable lessons but also empowered me to forge my own path and define success on my terms.

Reflecting on this journey, it seems this experience was both my best and nearly my worst investment. However, it undoubtedly stands out as the most transformative, teaching me lessons in resilience, trust, and the importance of listening to my inner voice.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey to entrepreneurship and coaching wasn’t planned. Feeling stuck and undervalued in my own career ignited a fire in me to help others avoid similar roadblocks. That’s why I bring my unique blend of introspection, strategic thinking, and genuine compassion to my work at Pivoting Point Career Solutions.

Decades in corporate finance, IT, and project management left me with a deep understanding about process improvement and human behavior. Even before I left my corporate life, I’ve saw countless mid-career professionals grapple with self-doubt, confidence, and ownership of their careers. And I myself became on of them. Now as a career empowerment coach I help those folks navigate career transitions, or seek more meaning in their work. I understand the complexities of the professional world firsthand, and I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate them with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

I believe each client deserves a personalized approach. Through a combination of coaching sessions, workshops, and curated resources, I tailor my program to help individuals rediscover their passions, align their strengths with their goals, and create lasting change. I don’t offer quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, I guide my clients on a journey of self-discovery, helping them uncover their unique path to success.

My unwavering commitment to authenticity sets me apart. It’s more than just finding the next job; it’s about achieving true alignment and fulfillment. When individuals find work that matters to them, it creates a ripple effect of positive change. That’s why I’m passionate about helping people find careers they love. I believe in the transformative power of self-trust, and I empower my clients to tap into it for lasting success.

Through introspective exercises, targeted coaching, and practical strategies, I equip my clients to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and build the career and life they’ve always envisioned. I’m here to support you every step of the way, helping you emerge stronger, wiser, and more confident than ever before.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

One of the cornerstone strategies that has contributed significantly to my reputation within the market is the consistent application of my company’s mission, vision, and values. These guiding principles serve as the bedrock of our brand identity, ensuring that every aspect of our business reflects our commitment to authenticity and integrity.

By aligning my business practices with my personal values, I’ve been able to cultivate an authentic brand that resonates with clients on a deep level. This authenticity has not only set me apart in the market but has also fostered trust among my audience.

I believe in doing work that creates lasting transformation, not just for the present moment but throughout my clients’ entire careers. As a result, I am selective about the clients I work with, ensuring that they are genuinely ready to embark on this transformative journey.

In terms of business development, I initially built my clientele through referrals and testimonials, leveraging the power of strong relationships both within my client base and within my professional network. This focus on relationship-building has been instrumental in establishing my reputation as a trusted and reliable authority in my field.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

The exciting aspect of being a career empowerment and leadership coach lies in my opportunity to not only engage with leaders across various industries but also to glean insights from some of the top executive coaches in the field. Drawing from both this external expertise and my own corporate background, I’ve developed a clear understanding of the type of leader I aspire to be, as well as insight into common leadership pitfalls to avoid.

In cultivating and nurturing my team, I prioritize ensuring that each member is aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and values, fostering a sense of purpose beyond mere deadlines. Whether they are freelancers, contract workers, or full-time employees, everyone plays a crucial role in advancing our mission. Additionally, I actively support their professional growth and development, recognizing that their sense of significance is integral to their engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

Furthermore, I promote a culture of transparency and connection within the team. For freelancers and contract workers especially, I encourage them to familiarize themselves with their colleagues, fostering networks and potential partnerships that may extend beyond our organization. This sense of community and collaboration not only enhances engagement but also fosters a supportive environment conducive to growth and success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://louiseneil.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylife.project/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-neil/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbYOh-Vi9wfDL4PqOjhc_RA/featured
• Other: https://bio.site/louiseneil