Hi! I’m Monica Richardson
Career Pivot Coach
If you’re at a career crossroads—craving more purpose, more clarity, or just a version of success that actually fits—I see you.
I know what it’s like to feel stuck in a role that no longer aligns, to wonder if it’s too late to make a change, or to crave something more—even when you’re not quite sure what “more” means yet.
I’ve walked that winding path myself. And every step has helped me guide others through theirs.
Here’s how my journey unfolded—and how it might help you shape your own.
》 The Corporate Chapter
My Silicon Valley career started at Google, where I worked as a recruiting coordinator—scheduling interviews, sitting in on feedback sessions, and assembling candidate packets for review by Larry Page himself. It gave me a rare behind-the-scenes look at how hiring decisions are really made—what interviewers focus on, what they overlook, and how much more goes into a “yes” than just a resume.
Then I moved into HR at Facebook (Meta), supporting people through some of the most pivotal moments of their careers: onboarding, promotions, international relocations, PIPs, performance reviews, internal transfers, and exits.
It exposed me to the many ways people’s careers evolve —and how even the most accomplished people can hit a wall, lose their sense of direction, or struggle silently behind the scenes.
Looking back, I wish I’d had then what I offer clients now: the tools, language, and clarity to navigate those inflection points with more confidence and intention. But I did my best with the tools I had at the time.
》The Burnout & The Leap
Everything changed when I became a mom and hit burnout. I was working long hours and feeling ineffective both at home and at work.
I was drained, disconnected, and asking big questions about what I really wanted from life and work. So I made an impulsive leap—I quit my job and enrolled in photography school.
The creativity, the challenge, the thrill of learning something new lit me up. But when I turned it into a business, the reality set in.
Sunset family portrait sessions meant missing dinner with my own family. Hauling equipment in 100+ degree heat wore me down. Driving across town during rush hour left me depleted before I even got started.
I was pouring myself into hours of behind-the-scenes work—editing, organizing, handling all the invisible details. And yet, I hesitated to raise my rates. Deep down, I was still learning how to own my value.
》 The Wake-Up Call
I knew I was undercharging, but I didn’t know how to break the cycle. Then I stumbled on Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny—and it hit me like a lightning bolt.
That book helped me see how deeply my beliefs about money and worth were shaping everything—how I priced my work, how I showed up, and which opportunities I thought were available to me.
Not just in my photography business, but throughout my entire career. I realized I’d never once negotiated my salary or truly advocated for myself in a meaningful way.
That’s when it hit me: how we see ourselves directly affects what we go after—and what we settle for.
That realization set me on a new path—therapy, personal growth, and eventually, coaching. Along the way, I let go of the thought patterns that had kept me playing small and discovered practical tools that helped me get clear on who I was, what mattered, and how to lead from self-trust instead of seeking approval.
And once I saw how powerful these tools were, I knew I couldn’t keep them to myself. I became a certified career and leadership coach to help others do the same.
》 Bringing It All Together
Today, I bring together everything I’ve learned to support others through their own transitions:
✔ My experience in corporate HR and recruiting
✔ My personal journey through burnout, reinvention, and identity shifts
✔ And my belief that meaningful growth happens at the intersection of mindset and strategy
Now I help clients navigate change with clarity—not chaos. Together, we design next steps that are strategic and authentic—career moves that reflect the best of who they are and the things that matter most to them.
If you’re ready to unlock new and exciting possibilities for your next career chapter, I invite you to join me in one of my programs below. Hope to see you there!
Let’s Explore What’s Next
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward, I’d love to walk alongside you in one of my programs below.
Free Pivot Confidence Guide
Feeling stuck or scared to make a move?
Download this free guide to learn 6 mindset shifts that will boost your confidence and help you pivot without panic.
Unlock Your Core Strengths Mini-Course
Ready to find out what makes you unstoppable?
Uncover your top 3 core strengths and learn how to use them right away—for more confidence, clarity, and direction.
Plan Your Pivot Course
Ready to make a move and be excited about your career again?
This step-by-step program will help you identify your “spark ingredients,” explore aligned pivot options, and map out your next move. Let's make your next chapter the best one yet!
Qualifications & Affiliations
Certified Career Coach – Career Coach Institute
Certified Leadership Coach – Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC)
Board Member – Girls Empowerment Network
Sustaining Advisor – Junior League of Austin
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