Lena Gore Coaching

04/12/2025

Do you want to make a change but feel stuck?

Try this for a second.

Close your eyes and picture the thing you keep coming back to, the thing that actually matters.

Now notice what shows up:

A tight chest?
A faster heartbeat?
That jolt of 'Nope… too much'?
Or maybe a mix of excitement and panic?

If so, you’re not the only one. That used to be me too.

This reaction doesn’t mean 'stop.' It usually means you’ve jumped from your comfort zone into your panic zone, where everything feels bigger and scarier than it is.

Between those two places is your stretch zone - still wobbly, still unfamiliar, but full of energy, possibility and the quiet sense of 'I can actually do this.'

One of my clients described it like this:
'I moved to the area feeling stuck and overwhelmed - personally and workwise. I knew I needed a change but had no idea where to start. Lena helped me break my goals into manageable steps and became my accountability partner. In three months I left an unfulfilling job, gained the confidence to market myself, secured temporary work in my chosen field and felt pretty damn good!

If you’re looking for a coach who empowers you, reach out to Lena - she can literally help you change your life

If you’d like to talk about moving from panic to stretch, book a free call. The thing you want is closer than you think. 💛

09/10/2025

What really makes us resilient?

I used to think resilience was all about working hard - pushing harder until you got through. Turns out that wasn’t the full picture.

Resilience is social. It’s the people who catch you, the tiny habits that steady you, and the little moments that all add up that replenish you. Psychologist Ann Masten calls that ‘ordinary magic - the everyday things that help us bounce back.

A quick exercise I use (super simple, try it for yourself):
🌀 Draw a circle and split it into six wedges — People / Groups / Routines / Habits / Environments / Other.

✏️ In each wedge, jot down what gives you energy:
- A friend who makes me laugh
- My yoga community
- Making kefir every morning
- Completing my gratitude journal
- Spending time in nature
- Stroking my cat

Then mark each one: strong / occasional / underused. Pick one to lean on this week and one to strengthen.

It’s simple, grounding, and deeply powerful.

What’s one piece of your ordinary magic that helps you bounce back? Share it below - I’d love to hear.

03/07/2025

When was the last time you were on your own priority list?

Not the list of errands, responsibilities, or work deadlines.
I mean the one that includes what you need to feel whole, energised, fulfilled.

If your name’s fallen to the bottom (or disappeared completely), you’re not alone.

It happens slowly.
You show up for your family. You give your best to work and friends.
And somewhere along the way, your own needs fade into the background.

But that doesn’t work long term - not for you, and not for anyone who relies on you.

Putting yourself back on the list doesn’t mean neglecting others.
It means remembering:
“I deserve rest without guilt.”
“I’m allowed to do something just for me.”
“I don’t need to earn my place on my own list.”

Lately, I’ve been waking a little earlier, before the children are up, to take ten minutes for myself.
I make fresh kefir. I say a few affirmations. I express gratitude. I breathe.
It’s not elaborate. But it’s mine.
And it reminds me that I matter too.

What would it look like for you to be on your own list this week?

What’s one small act of care or time you can give yourself?

If life’s been so full of showing up for others that you’ve lost sight of yourself, I’d love to help you find your way back.

Here’s a link to book a free 30-minute coaching call if you’d like to talk:
https://lenagorecoaching.com/free-call/

Because you matter. And you don’t have to wait for everything else to settle down before you take care of you.

Book a 30 minutes free, no obligation call to find out how I can help you create the life and work you love. If you'd rather send me a message, use my contact

12/06/2025

I never had the words for it growing up… but now I do.

As a child, I didn’t know what intersectional challenges were. I just knew I felt different.

We were the only Chinese family in my school. I was a girl growing up in a culture that quietly favoured boys. My parents came from rural villages in Hong Kong and moved to the UK in the late ’60s, running a Chinese takeaway, which meant I was expected to work from a young age. There was a constant, quiet pressure to get on with things and not cause trouble.

I wasn’t unhappy, but I always had a feeling of not quite belonging.

Looking back now, I realise how much of that was tied to identity, cultural expectations, and not feeling truly seen or understood. I wish someone had helped me make sense of that at the time - helped me explore who I was, how that shaped the way I saw the world, and how I fit into it.

That’s why I feel so proud to be involved in Bridging the Gap, a project by Bedford-based charity Samsons Academy. It supports young people in Bedford (aged 13–17) who are navigating overlapping challenges like exclusion, poverty, trauma, neurodivergence, and identity.

It’s fully funded and offers creative, trauma-informed group workshops and 1:1 therapeutic support, helping young people feel seen, supported, and strong in who they are.

Some of the workshop themes, like identity, peer pressure, and belonging, hit really close to home. I can’t help but wonder how things might have felt different for me if something like this had existed when I was younger.

We’re currently looking for schools and community spaces in Bedford to deliver the programme from September 2025 (with earlier pilots).

If you're a teacher, youth worker, parent, or just someone who believes in the importance of empowering young people with the skills to thrive, I'd love to hear from you.

If you know a Bedford-based school or group that might benefit, please DM me. Or please share this with someone in your network who might be able to help.

Thanks for reading - and for helping us reach more young people who need this kind of support.

19/03/2025

💭 Ever looked back at a tough time and realized it shaped you in ways you never expected?

In 2019, the business I helped build - a £16 million turnover company - was sold in administration. It was a brutal experience. The transition to new ownership was harsh, and my confidence took a huge hit. I questioned everything I thought I knew.

But looking back, I see that it forced me to grow. It allowed me to see how strong I really am. It gave me the chance to hit reset, redefine success, and step into work that truly aligns with who I am.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

🔹 Failure isn’t a dead end - it’s a redirection.
🔹 It’s not a verdict - it’s feedback.
🔹 It’s not a reason to stop - it’s a reason to evolve.

I’m still working on quieting my inner critic, but I’ve learned that self-doubt doesn’t mean I’m failing - it means I’m growing.

What about you? Can you think of a time when something didn’t go as planned but led to something better?

If self-doubt’s holding you back, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out alone either. If you’re ready to step into your next chapter, let’s talk. Book a free 30-minute call, and let’s explore what’s possible for you.

You’re capable of more than you think.

Call now to connect with business.

12/03/2025

Imposter Syndrome: We’ve All Been There

Ever had that moment where you think, "Any second now, someone’s going to figure out I have no clue what I’m doing"? Welcome to imposter syndrome - the persistent voice of self-doubt.

But let’s take a moment. The truth? You are not alone. Most of us have felt like this at some point, even the people you admire. The good news? You don’t have to let it run the show. Let’s tackle it!

1. Reframe Those Thoughts (Because Your Brain Can Be Dramatic)

"I don’t deserve this role." - Reality check: You were chosen for a reason. You bring something valuable.

"I’m not as good as them." - Reframe: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses - including them.

"What if I fail?" - Perspective shift: What if you succeed? What if you grow? (Both are much more likely.)

2. Success Journal: Because You Forget How Amazing You Are

Every evening, write down three small wins (they happen every day - tune into them).

Keep a folder of positive feedback - it’s like a personal pep talk for future you.

Train your brain to focus on the wins. It's powerful for self belief.

3. From Imposter to Expert: A Confidence Boost in Minutes

Close your eyes. Picture yourself owning the room - yes, you’ve done it before.

Remember a moment when you nailed it - because you have.

Repeat: "I bring value to this space." (Yes, it might feel awkward. SAY IT ANYWAY!)

4. What Would You Say to a Friend? Now Say That to Yourself.

If your friend was feeling like a fraud, what would you tell them? You’d remind them of their strengths.

Now, turn that kindness inward. Write yourself a note and read it when doubt creeps in.

5. Reality Check with Someone You Trust

Talk to a mentor, friend, or colleague. Chances are, they’ve been through the same thing.

Ask: "Did you ever feel like you didn’t belong?" (Spoiler: They have.)

Let their perspective remind you that imposter syndrome is just a feeling, not a fact.

6. Your Career Highlight Reel (Because You’ve Earned It)

Write down five career achievements—big or small, they all count.

What was the challenge? What did you do? What was the outcome?

Look at that list. That’s the real you - capable of learning and growing every day.

Reflection Time: A Few Questions to Consider:

What actual evidence contradicts your self-doubt?

If you fully trusted yourself, what would you do differently today?

What strengths have helped you before? How can you use them again?

Final Thought: Confidence Comes From Doing, Not Overthinking

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence, so let’s not give it that space. Take one step - just one. Do an exercise. Talk to someone. Write that email.

You’re more capable than you think. And if you don’t have all the answers yet? That’s OK. No one does. You’ll figure it out - just like you always have.

Call now to connect with business.

13/11/2024

Confidence Trumps Competence

My parents came to the UK in the late 60s and started a Chinese takeaway called the Golden Star. It was hard work, but the food was great, and the business grew to be very successful. My mum spoke much better English than my dad, but you wouldn’t know it - she rarely used it.

My dad? He jumped right in. His English wasn’t great, but with lots of smiling, nodding, and the occasional hand gesture, he managed everything - suppliers, customers, even banks. It wasn’t perfect, but he had the confidence to use what he knew, and it got him through.

So, why am I sharing this story? Because it’s a great example of how confidence can outshine capability. I see this often in coaching.
Many clients come to me saying, ‘I just want to feel more confident.’ But here's the thing - confidence isn’t about copying someone else’s style or pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about tapping into your own strengths, personality, and unique experiences - finding what makes you feel authentic and grounded.

One of the first things I ask clients is, ‘Can you tell me about a time you felt truly confident?’ Often, this reflection reveals a powerful insight: their best moments of confidence weren’t about fitting a mould. They were about showing up as their authentic selves - especially when it felt challenging.

True confidence comes from knowing and embracing who you are, not trying to be someone else. When you trust your own unique style and tap into what’s important to you and who you truly are, confidence flows more naturally.

So, is a lack of confidence holding you back? What might change if you had more of it?

I’d love to hear what building authentic confidence could unlock for you.
P.S. This is the Golden Star featured in Some Mothers Do Ave Em - video shared by a friend recently.

18/10/2024

The Comparison Trap

You’ve worked your way up from an entry-level role - maybe as a trainee - and now, you’re in a leadership position. But despite your hard work and achievement, you can’t shake that nagging feeling: ‘I’m not as good as others around me.’

Sound familiar?

As a coach, I regularly work with clients facing this challenge -comparing themselves to people with more polished backgrounds or advanced degrees. Even though they’ve earned their way into the room, they feel like imposters.

What’s that about?

Often it’s because we’ve been taught, consciously or not, that our worth is tied to external validation - titles, degrees, or praise from others. We start to believe that without these markers of success, we aren’t good enough.

Some tips to break free from that ‘I’m not as good as…’ mindset:

💡 Focus on what makes you unique. Your path has given you skills and strengths that can’t always be taught; it comes through experience.

💡 Think about the challenges you’ve faced and overcome. How they’ve sharpened your problem-solving, creativity, or leadership abilities.

💡 Feel proud of your journey. You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be.

And if imposter syndrome still lingers?

🗝️ Challenge the voice in your head. If you’re telling yourself ‘I’m not good enough,’ recognise it for what it is: a distorted thought. What can you replace it with?

🗝️ Seek feedback from people you trust. This could be from a mentor, peer, or your manager. We often can’t see our blind spots (clue is in the name), and we deploy our strengths so naturally, we often can’t see those either!

🗝️ Never stop learning. Cultivate a growth mindset and know that you can learn anything you put your mind to.

You’ve earned your spot. It’s time to own it. 💪

If this resonates, DM me. I’d love to help you step into your confidence.

10/10/2024

The Power of Your Inner Voice

We all have an inner voice - a constant companion in our thoughts. For some, it’s a gentle guide, offering insight and encouragement. For others, it’s a harsh critic, sowing doubt and diminishing self-worth.

Our internal dialogue not only affects how we feel about ourselves but also shapes how we deal with challenges, how we interact with others, and how we work toward our goals.

Think about a time when you thought, ‘I’m not smart enough for this.’ What did that do to your confidence? Did it make you shy away from an opportunity?

On the other hand, if you thought, ‘I’m capable of learning and figuring this out,’ suddenly the mindset shifts into, “I’m willing to give this a go’.

When the inner voice turns critical, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt and negativity. Over time, this can manifest as stress, anxiety, or even depression.

What if you could change the conversation? Practicing self-compassion is talking to yourself with kindness. Like you would talk to a friend.

Try these out.
Swap ‘I’m not good at this’ for, ‘I’m not good yet, but I’m learning and improving every day.’

Swap ‘I always mess things up’ for, ‘I’m human, and mistakes help me grow.’

Swap ‘I can’t do this’ for, ‘I need some feedback and help from others.’

The way we talk to ourselves matters - it can lift us up or tear us down.

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect on your inner voice. How is it affecting the way you see yourself? Is it lifting you up or holding you back?

The relationship you have with yourself is more important than you think. It’s the foundation for every other relationship in your life. I encourage you to nurture it with the compassion it deserves.

DM me if you’re ready to change your inner voice.

03/10/2024

What’s Really Shaping Your Mindset?

Most of us know that our mindset shapes our career success.

Tony Robbins says, "Your mindset is everything," but even with this knowledge, many still find themselves stuck. So, what’s really stopping you from taking action? Often, it’s the beliefs we’ve absorbed over the years - self-doubt, fear of failure, or past setbacks - that hold us back.

But awareness alone doesn’t drive change. The real shift happens when you challenge these beliefs daily. One powerful step is recognising the triggers that reinforce a negative mindset. Start by noticing the moments when you feel stuck, when doubt creeps in, or you tell yourself, ‘I can’t’. These patterns are often linked to old fears or past experiences.

Once you recognise these triggers, you can start replacing them with empowering actions. It doesn’t need to be a big leap - small steps like re-framing negative thoughts, setting achievable goals, or seeking support, gradually shift you towards a more empowering mindset.

These small actions break the cycle of self-doubt and negative self-talk. Over time, constructive positive actions create new patterns of success, shifting your mindset from limitation to possibility.

So, what stories are shaping your mindset right now? Are they moving you forward or holding you back? DM me to discuss.

01/10/2024

Practicing Gratitude is a Choice.

Imagine if I told you that gratitude is like magic. Studies show that regularly practicing gratitude rewires the brain, releasing positive chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and makes us more resilient to stress. If you had to pay for this, wouldn’t you? But the best part? It’s free!

I write in my gratitude journal every night, and as a family, we practice expressing gratitude every evening after dinner. It’s more than just saying ‘thank you', it’s about building a mindset that finds the good, even in tough times.

Starting your day with appreciation - your hot mug of tea, a loved one’s infectious smile, or simply a fresh start - can change everything. Gratitude doesn’t erase challenges, but it gives you the strength to face them with a full heart.

I’d love to talk about how this daily practice has changed my life – just DM me! And if you’re ready to start your own gratitude practice, I’d be happy to send you one of my journals to get started. (8 available - first come, first served!)

Resonate? Join us at the workshop to learn more:
https://lenagorecoaching.com/nlp-workshops-coaching-programme-for-women/