My Story

My name is Cynthia Francis and I’m so glad you took the time to find out more about Next Generation Mentoring and Life Coaching Services. I understand that parenting is not easy. Getting a good work-life balance can often go completely out of the window. But I’ve been in your shoes – Trying to juggle the busyness of life with its challenges and pressures; as a Mother, Wife and full-time employee at one of the largest Local Authorities in Europe; it was hard.

I spent 37 years with Birmingham City Council and decided to take early retirement 4 years ago. I immediately filled my spare time working voluntarily mentoring children and young people with the Princes’ Trust, Primary and Secondary Schools programme. I also spent 4 years at a Secondary School doing intervention work, on a voluntary basis as a mentor in their Pastoral Support Team.

I truly found my vocation and began to realise that I was beginning to discover the true me. I needed to move this experience to the next level and I thought, “why don’t I start my own business?” and here I am! Now I’m at a point in my life where I believe it is important to ‘give something back’.

As a mother and grandmother, I understand and genuinely appreciate the challenges we meet daily, not just for ourselves but with our families too. I can step into your shoes and understand what you are going through and support you with your concerns. I can empathise with you, I understand from experience how our children can worry us from the moment they are born; and I appreciate that we all want the very best for them. 

 

My children are grown-up now but I still worry about them; I don’t believe that ever stops. I am passionate about enabling you – the parent/carer and the next generation to unlock and realise your full potential. To inspire you to believe that you are not limited to what you can achieve, the doors are open wide and opportunities are just waiting for you to enjoy.

My Experience as a Personal Assistant to the Executive Director for Education and Team Leader, working in the public sector exposed me to a wide range of opportunities and experiences. This includes working with the public in a Neighbourhood Office, Senior Directors, Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, Councillors, head teachers, senior officers in the Department for Education, social workers, senior officers in children’s and adult services and working alongside NHS colleagues. I have also managed teams of secretarial and administrative staff. Undertaking performance reviews, attending meetings, small scale projects; and the rest! My experience in the world of work is immense, enjoyable but stressful at times; juggling a family and a home in the early years was hard.

I have worked at a Further Education establishment as a Lecturer, part-time (evenings) teaching students the Advanced Medical Secretaries Diploma.

 

I have a Diploma in Social Policy, Level 3 in Counselling, CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 3 in Management, City & Guilds in Further and Adult Education Teachers’ Certificate, BTEC National Conversion Certificate (Higher) in Business & Finance and a Diploma in Coaching at Warwick University.

My children are now 30 and 26 years old plus 2 grandchildren and hubby are behind me 100% and keep me busy. My duties as a mum will always continue, they’re still my babies.

My mission is to “inspire the future generation to succeed” and this can’t be achieved without YOU!

Please check out my facebook page and find lots of practical hints and tips that will support you on your journey.

If you have any questions that you would like to ask, please send me an email and I will get back to you.