About
About
I’m Helen, author, and portfolio career coach.
Today’s careers don’t tend to be linear and mine certainly hasn’t been. There have been a few pivots along the way.
I did the corporate thing and built a successful career in change management, holding senior leadership roles in global recruitment outsourcing. It was fast-paced and varied and exhilarating, and I got to work with all sorts of interesting people all over the world.
And if I was awake, I was at work.
It wasn’t sustainable.
I’ve always been a bit of a book nerd, so decided to downscale and free up a bit of time to see if I could actually write one.
As you do.
I found a job closer to home. One that was senior enough to keep me engaged, but didn’t require 5am conference calls. I took a creative writing course and wrote my first book.
And then there was a pandemic.
As we started to come out the other side, it was clear that the new way of working didn’t work for me.
I walked the burnout tightrope. Something had to change.
I re-trained, resigned, and stepped out on my own, building a portfolio career that meets the needs of my corporate and creative sides.
Sounds simple when I say it like that.
I published two books during my first year in practice. Putting content that would serve my clients at the heart of my business.
And other coaches started asking how I did it. They wanted to write and publish their books, too.
So I decided to help them.
I’d love to help you too.
Books
When I made my first career pivot in 2016, I did it to free up time to write. Personal development is my passion, and I write mystery fiction under the pen name Jody Derby just for fun.
Non-fiction
How to Use Your Phone Less: 8 Steps to Digital Freedom
When was the last time you went anywhere without your phone? Do you find yourself regularly falling down the scroll hole? What could you do with that time instead?
Through a series of actionable steps, you’ll be empowered to break free from the endless cycle of notifications, scrolling, and digital fatigue that leaves you feeling drained and unfulfilled.
2026 Planner: Plan your Portfolio
The portfolio career: where versatility meets opportunity and where success takes dedication, flexibility, and organisation.
This is the ultimate planner for people whose careers span multiple revenue streams and want to keep their planning in one place.
Whether you’re a freelancer, fractional worker, side hustler, or multi-passionate, this planner is designed for you.
People Who Pivot
Helping you work out what’s next, when the job you do, is no longer a career you love.
The world of work is changing and the pace of that change is accelerating. It can be exhausting and overwhelming.
We’re seeking careers that serve us. To make a change on our terms. And more of us than ever before are re-evaluating and thinking about doing something completely different; of making a career pivot.
Fiction - writing as Jody Derby
The Murder at Kendrick Manor
Eight guests arrive at a murder mystery weekend. All of them are suspects. Which of them will leave alive?
Lily Jones lives a magnolia life. When she wins a place at Kendrick Manor’s murder mystery weekend, she hopes it will give her the inspiration she needs to write her novel.
As the game begins, she’s up against the other guests, including a retired detective, the son of a famous author, and the intimidating business woman. And then people start to die. Lily tries to untangle the real clues from the fake and work out who she can trust. Can she escape the manor before the murderer comes for her?
Short bio
Helen ONeill helps professionals build sustainable portfolio careers and coaches write books that position them as experts.
She spent 20 years leading complex change portfolios before embarking on her own successful portfolio career. She’s an EMCC accredited coach, published author (under her own name and the pen name Jody Derby), and has been navigating multiple income streams for over a decade.
She lives in London, UK.
Long bio
Helen O’Neill is a multi-passionate corporate creative with a portfolio career. As someone who wants to do all the things, she has big goals, multiple to-do lists, and a need to achieve.
As an EMCC accredited coach, she helps future-focused professionals thrive in their careers during times of change. She specialises in translating dreams into goals and turning goals into achievements. Whether that be working with clients to design their own sustainable portfolio career, or writing and publishing their book.
She maintains her corporate credentials by working as a Change Consultant, where she supports organisation to deliver and embed value-led change initiatives.
A lifelong learner and self-confessed bookworm, Helen writes personal development non-fiction that is accessible and practical. She also writes mystery fiction under the pen name Jody Derby.
Her side hustle is Yarn Allie, where she sells hand-knitted and crocheted cards and gifts.
She rarely watches television. She’s rubbish at updating social media, and she tries to avoid the news as much as possible. Instead, she packs her life with experiences, achievements, and laughter, and she loves helping others do the same.
Values
The services at Coach Write and Helen ONeill Coaching are all underpinned by the values that follow. They are integral to what the business is, how it operates, and the guiding principles that form its foundation.
Freedom
Autonomy, empowerment, fairness, and respect.
Kindness
Direct, honest, and kind. Authentically on your side.
Curiosity
To learn, to share, to grow.
Energy
Achievement orientated with a bias for action.
Connectivity
Community is powerful. We are all important.
