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.