Helen Nibs’ journey from a high-stress corporate role to founding Helen Nibs Consultant is a powerful testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to follow one’s intuition. With years of experience as a corporate CEO, Helen transformed her burnout and frustrations into a thriving consulting practice that blends strategic insight with intuitive guidance. Her mission is to empower leaders and businesses to overcome challenges, embrace change, and unlock their full potential. Through her personal story, Helen shares the lessons, triumphs, and challenges of entrepreneurship, offering practical advice and inspiration to those seeking to carve their own path.
- What inspired you to transition from being a corporate CEO to launching your own consulting business?
I wanted more personal autonomy in my career. It was time for a leap of faith, to create my own path, rather than continuing in a position that was frustrating and limiting. And… the death threat I received at work really was the final straw!
- Can you share more about your personal journey and the challenges you faced during your transition from the corporate world?
I had been dabbling with my business before leaving my corporate position but had not had the time or energy to do much. I expected the first few months to be slow and was looking forward to that. I recommend anyone switching from a 24/7, high-stress role to allow themselves a bit of downtime and slow build in the new business. You don’t always want to hit the ground running!
The challenge after leaving a highly structured and calendared role for me, was holding myself accountable with time management. Another challenge with being an entrepreneur is that you wear all the hats and sometimes tasks take much longer and lead you down rabbit holes you weren’t expecting!
- How did experiencing burnout influence your decision to start Helen Nibs Consultant?
Burnt out for sure after 9 years in previous role. More so because the annual calendar (dictated by National HQ and local Board of Directors) was the same events and deadlines each year. Didn’t seem we were moving forwards. It was time to launch my own company and get excited about moving forwards!
- What role do your intuitive gifts play in your consulting practice, and how did you discover and develop them?
A huge role! It’s a central part of who I am, and I recognize its importance in life and in business. When we trust our gut and pair it with data and experience, we become unstoppable. Intuition gives us the ability to look up and look ahead. We can create a way forward for our businesses in a proactive way.
I have been developing my intuitive gifts since 2000. I became aware that not everyone was picking up the same insights as I was and what that meant in business and in life. We can all develop these abilities. Please do reach out to me if you are interested in knowing more about how I could help you do the same!
- What were some of the biggest obstacles you faced when starting your own business, and how did you overcome them?
Trying to wear all the hats! Underestimating how much time some things take (for example, social media, networking, etc.). Getting distracted. Recognizing what I need help with. Prioritizing.
Overcoming is a work in progress. I have worked with a couple of coaches and judiciously take advice from people I can see are succeeding in these areas. Taking classes and learning useful ways to do things better.
- How do you maintain your mental health and well-being while managing the demands of running a consulting business?
Lots of ways! Knowing what I want to contribute to the world and following that vision. Being outside, time with my animals, exercise. I’m also an energy healer/Reiki Master so that is a very helpful modality. I host a Reiki Circle for the public every month. It’s the longest running Reiki Circle in the State of Oklahoma.
- Can you describe a particularly transformative experience you’ve had with a client and how it impacted your approach to consulting?
Let me share this one with you, as the feeling of stuck/overwhelm is one that many can relate to!
One of my executive clients was struggling to keep up with the rapid changes affecting her industry and felt stuck and overwhelmed. She was second-guessing her decision-making and leadership, and it was impacting the morale and performance of her team.
As an external consultant, I provide a unique vantage point that differs from traditional internal perspectives and politics. Executives often find it easier to open up to someone outside of their company, who does not stand to benefit, or lose, from any ideas discussed.
We focused on the key change items and the positive benefits they will bring. We listed the friction points currently existing in the business that the new changes will reduce or eliminate. Looking at the changes from a viewpoint of exciting possibility that can be used to bring about a better product/service to their customers, quickly put them ahead of their competitors.
Over the next few months, the results were dramatic. The client reported that with a clear plan and enthusiasm coming down from leadership, the team embraced the changes and were encouraged to contribute. The client retained her top talent.
This experience was transformative for me as it reinforced the incredible value of intuition as a powerful tool in high-pressure business environments, even for clients who typically rely on data-driven decision-making. Intuition and business strategy are not opposing forces but complementary tools that can drive long-term success.
- What advice would you give to women considering a major career change or starting their own business?
If possible, don’t do anything rash and start the planning process. Build a financial cushion for yourself first (you’ll need it). Hire a coach to help elevate you.
Consider: are you just burnt out at your current position? Would moving to a different company, or position, solve it? If you need more, start planning. Get it down on paper and brainstorm. What would you need before leaving your current role (money in the bank, medical insurance coverage, etc. Will you have start-up expenses? Remember, no paycheck will impact your ability to get loans, purchase home/car, etc.)
Do you need to get additional certifications? Schedule and complete before transitioning. Get your loved ones supportive of your planned move, if possible. Make this a planned move, rather than a knee jerk reaction. Expect cash flow to take longer to come in than you anticipate. Get your offer ready. Network!
- How do you balance the intuitive and practical aspects of your work to help your clients effectively?
I merge intuition and the practical seamlessly. They are two sides to the same coin. Both enhance the other. If you approach business as a mystical thing, you will likely fail. You must understand your finances, industry requirements, and so much more, to effectively run a business and help people (and turn a profit). If you utilize intuition and disregard all data, you will miss industry changes, consumer shifts and miss opportunities. There must be a balance.
- What strategies do you use to stay motivated and focused, especially during challenging times?
Time management is tricky! I like visual cues. One I’m using at the moment is helping with conversations on networking/socials. Get 6 marbles/paperclips in one dish. Move to second dish for every contact you reach out to that day. Really helps! Write your numbers on a white board and track.
- How has your perspective on leadership and success evolved since leaving your corporate role?
It’s sweeter and more joyful to create your own success on your own terms!
- What lessons have you learned about resilience and self-care through your journey?
I build self-care into my daily routine. You can’t run on empty. Resilience: expect this to be a marathon, not a sprint, and pace yourself. Some days will go fantastically, and other days won’t. Remember that some days are about planting seeds, and you may have to wait a while to see the harvest. Keep going!
I think the key is to create several goals and victories for yourself: some should be easy ones to keep yourself motivated, and some should be huge ones to keep striving for. You need both!
- How do you support your clients in their own journeys of self-discovery and growth?
Before we begin, I talk to them to establish it’s a good fit. I listen to where they are, where they want to go. I also listen to what they’re not saying, what they may not know they want/need. Then, I help them craft their winning game plan strategy. I’m available for them to reach out to and I check in with them for accountability. They each have their unique game plans. This is not a cookie cutter program. They will have progressed dramatically by the end of our coaching or strategic planning journey, and most importantly, it will be sustainable.
- What are some common misconceptions about intuitive consulting that you’ve encountered?
That is might not be applicable to corporate strategy, that it’s mystical or just common sense. These misconceptions greatly underestimate the impact intuition can bring to your business/industry. Working with me isn’t about replacing data, it’s about enhancing how you use it.
- What future goals do you have for Helen Nibs Consultant, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I was asked by a top 50 Fortune 500 company to lead a workshop for their leadership in October, so that is hugely exciting! Future goals are to work with more fearless companies who seek to mainstream intuitive practices and nurture leaders and their teams. I love to travel and have a shortlist of global cities I plan to bring my intuitive vision to!
https://helennibsconsultant.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-nibs/
