L. Edwards

I questioned whether I should stay in social work, felt low in myself, and knew I wanted more but didn’t know how to move forward. I enjoyed my role, but I also felt ready for a new challenge and a different career direction. Through coaching, I experienced several powerful “aha” moments. I built the confidence to go for a new job, recognised how much overthinking was holding me back and learned practical ways to manage it. One of the biggest shifts was understanding what is within my control and what isn’t and developing strategies to step back when needed. I also discovered how valuable reflection is for me. Writing things down became a key tool, helping me process my thoughts and move forward more clearly. Having clear goals throughout the process kept me accountable and focused, which made a real difference in taking action. The biggest change? I changed jobs. I moved from feeling stuck and uncertain to stepping into something new with confidence and belief in myself. What I’m Taking Forward Stronger self-talk and self-belief Confidence to ask for support Clearer boundaries Tools to manage overthinking Ongoing reflection through writing Continued growth through the Growth Hub and connecting with other social workers What I Believe Now I know I’m capable of more than I allowed myself to believe before. I feel grounded in my faith, more confident in my decisions, and open to new opportunities. For Anyone Thinking About Coaching… Go for it. I was anxious at first—I started with free workshops and then booked a call. Coaching gave me a space I don’t have elsewhere. I can’t speak as openly with colleagues or senior staff, but here I could be honest, reflect, and grow. Thank you, Le’Siran I highly recommend coaching, it's a safe space.

I attended the World Social Work Day Event for Birmingham City Council. It was an excellent interactive event where we explored the theme of Harambee and Co-Building Harmony. Le'Siran created a safe space for workers to explore trauma and the complexity of social work.

I recently attended a wellbeing in social work event arranged by Le'Siran Edwards and it was such a nice, helpful activity. It allowed me to meet others in a similar situation and share thoughts and ideas. The information we learned from guest speakers was so important as part of managing our own wellbeing within social work. Really glad to be part of her growth hub too and have the space and resources that may not be otherwise available. A great place to speak and be listened to.

I attended the wellbeing session we discussed trauma in the work place and our responses to the trauma. This was a great session with knowledgeable international speakers that made the session very interesting. Thank you so much Le'Siran for creating forum that allow us to stop, think and reset... 👏👏👏 - Sandra Francisco

I attended a wellbeing event for social workers and it was such a great experience. Spaces like these are a necessity for sharing good practice and reflecting on our wellbeing in the workplace. Thank you, Le'Shiran!

I attended the Workplace Trauma & Wellbeing in Social Work. I have just begun my journey in social work and want to make sure I develop the tools to allow me to give 100% to myself and my work. I learned of Le'Siran when she was a Frontline guest speaker in the summer, and I think this would be a great addition - the guest speakers are amazing. Thank you all! 💗

I attended the wellbeing event and met the lovely lady speakers, Le'Siran was warm and welcoming and I really valued some time out to reflect and focus on my own wellbeing, something we don't often do in social work.

I attended the wellbeing event and it was nourishment to my soul. Le'Siran creates a safe space to share our burdens and leave them behind. Thanks for fulling my cup x

I initially came to coaching because I wanted to progress my leadership skills and gain clarity about my next professional steps. What I gained went far beyond that. Coaching gave me the space to think deeply about who I am as a leader and how I want to progress. It supported me to move from reflection into action. I became far more proactive, and the ongoing monthly coaching helped me maintain that momentum rather than slipping back into old habits. Personally and professionally, the biggest difference has been confidence and encouragement. I feel more assured in myself and supported to step up rather than stay comfortable. The most significant transformation for me has been around identity. Coaching helped me contextualise my values and truly understand who I am – both personally and professionally. Through this process, I challenged myself in ways I never had before. Previously, I only ever saw myself in Team Manager (TM) roles and never believed I could go for them. During coaching, I applied for two TM positions and was shortlisted for one – something I would not have attempted before. I chose to invest in monthly coaching because I wanted to continue growing and reaffirm the learning from the initial coaching programme. The sessions became an accountability space that kept me focused, proactive and intentional. They helped me prioritise myself, create space for reflection, and work through procrastination in a constructive way. Coaching has fundamentally changed how I see myself as a leader. Le’Siran helped me identify my gaps and areas for development so I could become the leader I want to be, rather than the leader I thought I had to be. My mindset and perspective have shifted significantly. I now explore options more fully and approach my career growth with greater objectivity and confidence. One of the most powerful changes has been learning to balance emotion and logic in my decision-making. Coaching helped me step back, reflect, and lead with clarity rather than reacting in the moment. Thank you Le'Siran! As a result of this journey, I’m now moving forward to create my own organisation through Le’Siran’s Frontline to CEO Business Course. Coaching strengthened an inner confidence I didn’t believe I had. I now know I am capable — and that belief shows in how I approach leadership opportunities, job applications, and long-term goals.

I joined the Social Work Growth Hub as I wanted to connect & support from other social workers & access to the member events. What I got was more than that! There’s a resource library for wellbeing, practice development and direct work tools plus more. I initially thought this would be a place where it would feel like it’s taking more of my time but actually the member updates are well paced and we already have the member events plan for the rest of the year. I’m so glad I joined, it’s empowering with resources relevant to my job and it’s an opportunity for me to show myself a bit of self-care. I highly recommend.

Before Coaching At the start of coaching, I felt timid and doubting. Although I knew I had experience and capability, I kept it contained — “when I do have space and a shell, I just own it and remind myself it’s there.” This was my first management role after many years as a social worker, and I internalised a lot. I dealt with challenges alone, hesitated to speak up, and this showed in my body language and confidence. I knew I needed support at that point. After seeing a post by Le’Siran, something clicked — this was about me. During Coaching Through coaching, I became more aware of how I spoke, how I paused, and how uncertainty showed up. Where there had been hesitation, clarity began to grow. I became more anchored in who I am. My confidence didn’t come from becoming louder, but from grounding, pausing, and trusting myself. I became more comfortable speaking up — nervous at times, but no longer stopped by it. I also learnt to reassure myself internally rather than seeking validation externally, and to express my needs instead of keeping them in. Naming what I need brings relief and strengthens relationships. The anchoring and breathing exercises, particularly a visualisation, were powerful and are tools I still use. After Coaching I now feel more confident, balanced, and self-assured at work. I no longer over-give, I’m honest about my capacity, and I understand my limits while continuing to grow. The biggest difference is hearing my own voice clearly. It was always there — now I own it. I no longer undermine myself, and I can see that I’m doing a good job. I feel like a stronger version of myself, both personally and professionally. Recommendation I would say to anyone considering coaching: go for it. Trust yourself. There’s no better reward than giving yourself to yourself. This 8-week coaching programme with Le’Siran helped me return to myself and move forward with confidence.

To my fellow social workers: If you haven’t listened to “Dear Social Worker, Let’s Talk” by Le-Siran Edwards, especially the episode “You Don’t Have to Shrink to Survive as a Social Worker,” I really encourage you to check it out. So much of our work can push us into survival mode managing risk, holding trauma, navigating systems, and constantly being told to “be resilient” without being given space to actually breathe. What I love about this community is that it creates a space where we don’t have to armour up, tone ourselves down, or pretend we’re unaffected. Le-Siran speaks with honesty, warmth, and compassion about what it means to do this work without losing yourself in it. It’s a reminder that we can show up fully not just as practitioners, but as people with voices, identities, limits, and strengths that matter. Listening to this podcast made me feel seen and reminded me that: We don’t have to shrink to survive Boundaries and self-care are not selfish Our wellbeing is part of ethical practice We deserve communities that nourish us, not drain us If you’re looking for connection, validation, or simply a reminder that you’re not alone in navigating the emotional weight of this profession, this is a community worth being part of. Let’s stop doing this work in isolation. Let’s build spaces where we can learn, reflect, laugh, cry, and grow without apologising for taking up space. If you’re a social worker who wants to feel supported, grounded, and empowered I genuinely think you’ll find something meaningful here.