About
About Elaine McCartan
My Journey: From Struggle to Purpose
I was born in Zimbabwe to Michael and Katie Foxen, surrounded by the warmth of family and the rich culture of my homeland. But in 1996, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start, I took a leap of faith and moved to the UK, settling in London. Two years later, I married an Australian man, and in 2000, I became a mother to twin boys—one of the greatest joys of my life.
However, life had other plans. After eight years, my marriage ended, and I found myself a single parent, navigating the immense responsibility of raising my sons alone. It was later revealed that my ex-husband had bipolar disorder, a revelation that brought clarity to years of unanswered questions.
As a contractor in London, I worked for financial giants like American Express, EY, and Citibank. But despite the prestige of these roles, life felt like an uphill battle—juggling a demanding career, a mortgage, and supporting my parents as Zimbabwe’s economy collapsed.
I was constantly working, yet I couldn’t afford the luxury of time, peace, or even a simple holiday. Something had to change.
The Big Change
In 2018, I made a bold decision to move to Warrington in search of stability and a better quality of life. The transition was not without its challenges—my sons struggled with the lack of diversity in their college, and I faced the cultural shift of moving from the fast-paced capital to a quieter town. But I found my footing. I secured a job at Barclays and, within two years, was promoted to PMO Analyst, specializing in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion—a role that resonated deeply with my passion for amplifying diverse voices.
Then came 2023—a year that tested me beyond anything I had ever experienced. What can only be described as a George Floyd moment happened right in my own home, as I faced severe racial abuse from the police. The trauma was overwhelming. I sought therapy, piecing myself back together one session at a time. Just as I began to heal, another blow came—redundancy in May 2023. The job market was brutal, but I refused to let it break me. I threw myself into upskilling, taking courses to stay relevant and resilient.
Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the heartbreak that followed. In December 2023, I lost my father—the pillar of strength in my life. Then, just five months later, in June 2024, I lost my mother, my guiding light. Grief consumed me. I found myself lost, questioning everything: Who am I? What is my purpose?
And then, through the darkness, clarity emerged.
Clarity
I realised that every hardship I had endured—every setback, every loss—had shaped me for something greater.
I had spent my life searching for answers, for healing, for meaning. And now, I knew my calling: to help others find their own paths, their own healing, and their own strength.
My journey has been one of resilience, transformation, and discovery. And now, I am here to guide you through yours.
My Core Values
~ Empathy, Authenticity & Empowerment ~
“Transformation begins when you trust yourself to take the first step.”
How the Process Works
1. Discovery Call
An initial discovery call will be arranged free of charge. This session allows us to explore your needs and determine if coaching is the right fit for you.
2. Session Procedure
After signing of a Coaching Contract, Coaching sessions will be conducted via Zoom. A secure link will be provided before each scheduled session.
3. Honesty & Communication
Open and honest communication is essential for effective coaching. If at any time something I say during a session causes discomfort, I encourage you to share your concerns immediately so we can address them constructively.
4. Booking Additional Sessions
Additional coaching sessions can be scheduled upon completion of the initial session. Regular weekly or bi-weekly sessions can be arranged as needed.
5. Confidentiality
Your privacy and trust are my top priorities. All sessions are held in a safe and confidential space.
All information shared during coaching sessions will be treated as strictly confidential. This includes personal, private, and business-related matters.
6. Nature of Coaching
Coaching is a collaborative process designed to support personal and professional growth. With my support, as the client, you acknowledge full responsibility for setting your goals, making decisions, and taking actions to achieve desired results.