My story

Women of colour deserve a career coach who truly understands their journey.

I help ambitious women of colour uncover their value, overcome barriers and move forward with confidence.

Jennifer Purcell
Founder, Lead to Change · Career & Leadership Coach
Jennifer Purcell, career and leadership coach
Where it started

The career I thought I’d have

For a long time, I believed that if I worked hard, delivered results and did what was expected, my career would naturally move forward.

Like many women of colour, I followed the rules. I performed at a high level. I took on more responsibility. And still, I found myself navigating moments of invisibility, self-doubt and stalled progress, often without clear feedback or support.

I’ve been the only Black woman, and sometimes the only woman of colour, at leadership tables. I’ve experienced microaggressions and the exhaustion of overperforming while feeling unseen.

What changed everything wasn’t working harder. It was working differently.

The turning point

Working with my first career coach helped me…

  • Recognize my strengths
  • Gain a clear sense of direction
  • Position myself strategically
  • Advocate for opportunities

I learned how to work within systems that weren’t designed for me, without compromising my values or voice.

That shift transformed how I understood leadership, confidence and agency.

Lessons from my experience

I’ve seen how talent is developed, overlooked and promoted.

With 30+ years in government, mainly in leadership roles, I understand the unspoken rules, the power dynamics and the cost of constantly having to prove your worth.

I launched Lead to Change in 2020 to help women of colour stop questioning themselves and start strategically positioning their careers for growth and recognition.

Background & training
30+ years in federal and provincial government, leading major initiatives and hiring and developing talent
Coach training through an ICF-certified program; coaching aligned with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics
Certifications in life coaching and conflict coaching
Former volunteer coach, BC Public Service Coach Network
Degree in Political Science and Economics
How I support my clients

I help my clients…

1

See their value clearly

2

Release beliefs and patterns that keep them stuck

3

Position themselves for opportunities aligned with who they are now

I don’t believe in quick fixes.

I focus on reflection, honest conversation and strategic action, so you can lead with confidence, not exhaustion.

Ready to move forward?

Stop second-guessing yourself and start moving forward with clarity. You don’t have to do it alone. In a 30-minute discovery call, we’ll talk about your current situation, what may be holding you back, and how coaching can help you achieve your goals.

Book your discovery call
30 minutes · Virtual