As she re-launches her book 'Vicissitude' and career development programme, we talk to Helen Tucker about her personal journey and overcoming vicissitudes.

'Vicissitude': a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life; a regular change or succession from one thing to another, or one part of a cycle to the next; a change or variation.

Helen Tucker (HT): The inspiration behind 'Vicissitude' I suppose comes from the true meaning of the word 'vicissitude' - I was going through a 'variation of circumstances and fortune' in my life and I either could have laid it to bed or develop it - and I went for the latter.

What I did was to step out of my comfort zone and take time out from being a mother, sister, aunt, wife (at the time), my job and really focus on who I was, where I was heading and what I really wanted from life. This self-analysis became the blueprint of the award winning career development programme I have since developed. I used my MBA to research, analyse and gather information about women who were highly qualified but were not utilizing their skills or their potential to get ahead and be in positions were they could make a difference, increase their income, create a less stressful life and be happy!

I found that just like me they didn’t take time out, it was as simple as that and, in some parts, as challenging: time to focus on influences in their lives, what motivated them, what was holding them back. Action they could take - having a 10 year plan, networking to climb the corporate ladder, get a job or become self-employed if they desired – were the challenges they had to face and to tackle. However, once accomplished, this brought about a positive change or a variation in their lives.

HT: I launched the first edition 5 years ago. This second edition is more of a challenge because I have put more of who I am in the book - a semi autobiography, I guess.

The first one just simply targeted the steps of the Career Development Programme while this one delves into much more about my life and others' and some of the challenges faced. I'm not one for sharing my personal life with people, let alone have it written and in print! But I wanted to not only leave a legacy for my children (I have started my autobiography) but this also maps out how I got where I am today by using some of the tried and tested steps that I have delivered for over a decade to those who want to make a change.

I consider myself so wealthy with knowledge, wisdom health and blessings. It's not always about the money, which in honesty was my initial focus when I started my business. Life is much more than that. It's a case of understanding what is really important in life. As I have matured, my values and beliefs have also changed and I have consolidated my experience over the years to streamline my Career Coaching services.

HT: I surprise myself! I embark on mini journeys which bring me closer to what I want from life and particular goals, but I don't see life as an ultimate goal that I have to achieve. I now enjoy my journey in life; being a Christian, I give thanks every day. I am also inspired by the people I am around; friends and family, and most of all, clients. They give me a great insight into their own plight and challenges and the satisfaction that what I have developed and gained over the years is helping others to make decisions that are positive and that make a difference in their lives. I see myself as a catalyst helping people to achieve what they want but fear what others would say or do to not support them.

I am always looking at new ways of doing things and attend workshops for fun or for personal or professional development. My work as a career coach has also taken me further afield and widened my own options to the possibilities of working in the Middle East, the Caribbean or various parts of the UK.

I have been fortunate to travel extensively with my work and to seek out possibilities which, in turn, have enriched my outlook on life. This year I have travelled to Qatar, Dubai, Canada and, before the year is out, to Sierra Leone for personal as well as business opportunities. A 9-5 job would not have afforded me that - or the time!

HT: Although I was born in the UK, my family is from Sierra Leone and has strong traditions in that their expectations were quite high and that is what I have tried to instill into my children, but with some flexibility. For me, recognizing that my children are individuals and are different in how they study or have varying ambitions is important.

My son wanted to mix study and work so is now doing an internship with an international company and based in West Africa. By so doing, he is not only gaining work experience and building his skills, but experiencing African culture and preparing and encouraging himself to travel to other countries. My eldest daughter studied psychology and counseling and my youngest daughter is studying for her GCSE's.

When my family arrived in the UK in the late 1950’s it was a lot harsher than what young people face today. This has certainly shaped my values and belief system in the early stages of raising my children. And, as the word 'Vicissitude' suggests, changes in my life have changed some of my beliefs to be a lot more diverse, flexible and to promote today’s opportunities to my children, whilst still retaining some of the African values instilled in me.

HT: I have had feedback from the first edition that the steps really helped people gain a better insight of who they are and what they want without feeling guilty.

Other people can make you feel guilty for spending time on yourself, improving yourself, being happy, only because sometimes they cannot find that 'true self' potion themselves and may not want you to gain confidence because they feel that they would be left behind.

Reading and taking the self development steps in the book enhances any relationship because if you know who you are, then you are better at engaging with other people and developing a much more meaningful relationship with those who want to be around you. I will also add that many of us have 'toxic' people around us and dealing with them may mean that a new pattern of behaviour has to be adopted and adhered to for them to see that you have changed.

Sometime it's changing yourself that can help build a relationship but also cutting ties with the ones that hold you back.

HT: I like this question! Well, I continuously step back from what I am doing, whether it's for a long break, like a weekend away, or only a short break i.e. an hour's pampering.

I treat myself and acknowledge that I have many blessings that have enriched my life so I am grateful for what I have done and have experienced. I also laugh a lot, which is my secret for keeping young! Also, not always taking life so seriously, and remembering that we are on this earth for a purpose. I found my purpose early enough in my life to make a difference. Some people don't know what their purpose is and invariably follow other peoples' visions or dreams and end up being lonely, bitter and ill.

I have had a couple of close friends who have passed away over the years or have become ill with cancer. One who really inspired me was a close friend; we both taught at a further education college and after some personal challenges in her life she became seriously ill. She decided then that life was too short and made a total u-turn and followed her dream. She amazed me and inspired me to embark on living life to the max, whichever path I took.

Many other influences have motivated me: from books to reading your website ReConnect Africa.com, with all the positive interviews, jobs, career advice that help people access information when it comes to career development or change! And also, CD's of people who say what they are doing and just do it!

Each day is an inspiration because I get up each morning. Some people, unfortunately, don't get to see the morning.

HT: The book 'Vicissitude' can be obtained via Amazon and from my website. I also promote it whilst running the Career Development workshops and will be running a series of seminars in Luton in November - so check out my website to get an update on dates and venues. www.dupignyconsulting.com or email me at Helen@dupignyconsuting.com