She Was Ready to Retire. Then I Asked One Question.
When Logic Says Retire But Something Else Tells You to Stay
Are you ready to walk away from work that still matters to you?
Rachel was accomplished, respected, and calm under pressure.
She came to our coaching session wondering if it was time to retire.
She and her husband were financially secure.
She'd ticked off most career goals.
"The politics at work just aren't worth it anymore," she told me.
Sounded logical.
Done deal, right?
The Question That Changed Everything
So I asked: "If you had all the time and freedom in the world, what would excite you right now?"
Without skipping a beat, Rachel said: "I'd love to see the project I've been leading reach 500,000 users."
Her eyes told us, that by saying that she almost surprised herself!
Her voice shifted.
Her eyes lit up.
That wasn't logic talking.
That was longing.
Desire.
Motivation.
Something at work still mattered deeply to her.
What Numbers Couldn't Capture
We unpacked what reaching that goal would mean.
The project had already exceeded expectations.
But she felt it wasn't done growing.
Her answer wasn't about numbers.
It was legacy.
Impact. Pride.
Then came the sigh.
She said: "But my team's full of hard-nosed engineers. They'll want more funding. I'll have to convince them it worth the spend—again."
The Strategy Most STEM Leaders Miss
I asked: "What if you didn't just give them numbers… but helped them feel something?"
Most of my clients in STEM love data.
They assume everyone else does too.
Here's the secret:
Even analytical minds are deeply influenced by emotion; far more than they'd admit!
We brainstormed ways to stir excitement.
Add real user testimonials.
Ask: "How does it feel to see this project 5X expectations?"
Or: "What would it mean to grow this impact further?"
Rachel smiled. "That's not how those guys usually talk. But maybe it should be."
What Changed for Rachel
By the end, Rachel wasn't just rethinking her pitch.
She was rethinking retirement.
"I'll step away one day," she laughed.
"But not just yet. I've got work to do. And I might actually enjoy this next part."
Coaching helped her see that emotion wasn't a weakness.
It was her most powerful influence tool.
Ready to Discover What Still Excites You?
Email me at suzanne@doylemorris.com for a complimentary chemistry call.
We'll explore your biggest challenge and whether a 12-month coaching partnership makes sense for you.
Most of my clients are employer-funded.
Yes, your company will likely pay for this and I can help you through that goal.
Learn more: www.suzannedoylemorris.com
About Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris
Dr. Suzanne Doyle-Morris is an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) with a PhD from the University of Cambridge focusing on women in Engineering.
For 25 years, she's coached accomplished women in STEM as they advance to senior leadership.
She's the author of three books: "Beyond the Boys' Club: Strategies for Achieving Career Success as a Woman Working in a Male Dominated Field," "The Con Job: Getting Ahead for Competence in a World Obsessed with Confidence," and "Female Breadwinners: How They Make Relationships Work and Why they are Future of the Modern Workforce."
80% of her clients secure promotions or stretch roles within 12 months.
Not because she gives advice, but because she asks the right questions.
Welcome to my Blog
I'm Dr Suzanne Doyle‑Morris and I support professional women working in STEM.
Whether you’re seeking your next promotion, aiming for leadership, or simply looking to make your mark, this blog is created for you.
It's written for the ambitious woman in STEM ready to advance and succeed on her own terms.
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The Women in Tech Promotion Playbook
Your roadmap to advancement with balance
The Women in Tech Promotion Playbook is a practical, evidence-based guide designed for ambitious women in STEM who want to advance their careers without burning out. Drawing on over 25 years of coaching and research, I outline five strategic steps that help women move from being overworked and under recognised to confident, visible leaders.
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