About me - Heather McArthur
Helping People Navigate Their Careers with Clarity & Confidence
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people tick at work. Why do some careers feel like a perfect fit while others leave people stuck, frustrated, or searching for something more? That question has shaped my entire career, leading me to spend over 30 years helping people take control of their careers and make meaningful changes—whether that’s climbing the ladder, pivoting to something new, or simply finding a better balance.
From Corporate Consulting to Personal Career Coaching
My journey started in London, working with Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC), helping large financial organisations develop their senior leaders and create stronger teams. I got a front-row seat to the career struggles of high-achieving professionals—people with impressive CVs but real uncertainties about their paths. Some were thriving, but many were questioning if they were in the right place. I realised that even the most successful people sometimes feel lost in their careers.
After a move back to Scotland, I worked with KPMG, eventually leading their Scottish career consulting practice. I worked with organisations of all shapes and sizes, supporting leadership development, career transitions, and workplace culture. I saw first-hand how the right guidance, strategy, and self-awareness could transform not just careers but whole lives.
Then, as my own life changed with a growing family, I shifted to a more personal approach, working one-on-one with individuals. I spent years coaching professionals at Penna Consulting, particularly those navigating redundancy or major career shifts. I even contributed to Good Practice’s career management section, diving deep into the latest thinking on career growth and leadership.
By 2011, I knew it was time to create something of my own. That’s when Raeburn Career Coaching was born—a business dedicated to helping individuals at all stages of their careers find clarity, confidence, and a plan that works for them.
Career Coaching Isn’t Just About Work—It’s About Life
Over the years, I’ve worked with senior executives looking for a fresh challenge, career changers searching for something more fulfilling, returners rebuilding confidence after a break, and people facing redundancy who need to redefine their next step. Every single person is different, but the common thread? They all want to feel more in control of their future.
For some, coaching is about discovering what they really want. For others, it’s about unlocking confidence, crafting the perfect CV, nailing interviews, or building a smarter job search strategy. Whatever the situation, I help people get unstuck, focused, and moving forward with purpose.
And sometimes, even career coaches need a fresh challenge! In 2023, I decided to take my own advice and step into something new, training as a Humanist Celebrant with Humanist Society Scotland. Now, alongside coaching, I have the privilege of leading weddings, vow renewals, naming ceremonies, and funerals—proof that a career path isn’t always straight, but it’s never too late to explore something new.
A Little More About Me
I’m a member of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), so I stay at the forefront of career development and coaching best practices. But what really drives me is helping people feel excited about their future again.
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or just need a sounding board from someone who’s helped hundreds of people find their next step, I’d love to chat.