Catherine Fitzsimons

Thank you for taking an interest in me and my story!

I would start by saying I am passionate about people development but unlike most coaches, I draw a lot from my own turbulent personal history which adds value to the work I do and the results achieved.

Quite recently, I was awarded an MSc in HRM from UCD; which has been a new high since at one point in time, I thought I was incapable of such success. Now my sights are set on achieving a PhD in education. The truth is I had NO interest in learning during my formal school years and grew up believing that I was inferior and stupid compared to others. I did complete my leaving certificate in 1983.

Following this I enrolled in a secretarial course which is what most girls did in the 80’s. By the 90's, I found myself very interested in human development and the world of psychology which led me to an award in counselling from Maynooth.

In the early noughties I became interested in the internet and the online world of cyberspace, this interest led me to pursue more awards from Microsoft and a teaching dip in IT. In tandem I was still pursuing my interest in human development, which led on to awards in both human resources and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), I studied with the IINLP (Irish Institute of NLP) and became one of their first accredited coaches. Over the last few years I have developed my skills in mediation and I am currently a member of the Mediation Institute of Ireland

On a personal level I am a mother of two sons and currently have three grandsons and a beautiful granddaughter. Like most people life can be full of adversity however mine is quite unique in the challenges I faced and the outcomes achieved. Overall, I have become a happier, stronger and more confident person who loves to inspire and challenge others to change their world.

Last year, I tested my abilities as a radio presenter on a local radio station while this year I am pushing the bar up by setting my goal to complete my book and become a published author. Currently, I work part-time as a business lecturer and balance that with building the Fresh Thinking brand which offers a HR outsourcing solution to SME’s.

Please feel free to connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or visit www.freshthinking.ie

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