Members on the move
Rebecca Castleton Founder Castleton Associates
By Theresa Mills

“Never waste a crisis!” says career coach Rebecca Castleton, founder of Castleton Associates.  Rebecca is the first in our series of interviews with inspirational Biz Lunch members.

Rebecca has worked as a successful career coach for over 20 years, with clients based in three countries.  She uses her experience as a career coach, her psychology background and her skills in branding and marketing, to help clients ‘reinvent’ themselves and create their own personal brand.

“People come to me for different reasons,” she says.  “They may have lost their job, are re-entering the job market or are simply looking for a more fulfilling career.  Sometimes people come to me not knowing what they want, but they know they want a change.  Whatever their reason, background or age, I can help them develop a new life plan.  During the coaching process, I conduct assessments to discover their strengths and interests and together we develop strategies to apply these skills in work and life situations.  My clients may not know what they want when they start, but in the end, they find clarity.  When they have clarity, they are able to recognize opportunity.”

Rebecca believes it is possible for her clients to be successful no matter what the economic climate.   “Never waste a crisis!” she says.  “There are some big challenges in Spain at the moment, but these provide opportunities.  We need to look realistically at ourselves and the market and create opportunities for change.  It may mean starting a business online, working as a liaison with an organization from another country or even finding the needs here and innovative ways to meet them.  Use whatever resources are at your disposal and keep talking to people.”

Like most successful business people, Rebecca recognizes the value of networking.  “Organizations like the Biz Lunch are the best way to connect with people and learn about job openings.  80 percent of jobs are found in the ‘hidden job market’ before they are ever posted.”

“Take the opportunity to expand your world both personally and professionally.  The Biz Lunch and other networking events in Barcelona offer a chance to meet others, learn about other careers and begin to create the career and life that you want.”

To learn more about Rebecca Castleton, visit her web site at: http://www.castletonassociates.com