Work Coach: career progression for journalists

STOP PRESS:

28 April 2025 City University Freelance Writing: How to Get Published in Print and Online

City Short Course 6.00-8.30 8 weeks Monday evenings

City Lit course: Introduction to Journalism. Online. 6 Wednesday lunchtimes February 19th - 26 March 12.30 to 14.30. Learn journalism skills: how write news, features and social media.—————————————————————————————————————————————-

Susan Grossman works as a certified work and career coach and mentor. She is certified by the ILM. Her clients range from aspiring reporters to senior TV producers, editors to freelance writers. She is a former BBC journalist, and has for the last 20 years worked as a visiting lecturer in journalism. She coaches writers, broadcasters, journalists and small businesses on all aspects of getting published, from pitching to interview skills, relationships at work, freelancing and career progression.

Susan’s approach draws on 40 years experience in the media: 15 years as a BBC broadcaster (presenter of BBC Two's Food and Drink, reporter BBC Radio 4), 5 years magazine editor (Redwood Publishing), 20 years Visiting Lecturer Journalism: MA Westminster University, City Lit and City University Short Courses.

She is an approved business coach with the Journalists’ Charity and West of England Growth Hub

Why not try a FREE 10 minute chemistry call.

Boost CONFIDENCE AND Plan a strategy

Get clarity and progress thinking

Enable decision-making

succeed at job interviews

Pitch and get published

Susan is a challenging, intuitive and motivating coach. She uses tailor-made diagnostic tools, including art therapy to access sticking points. All coaching is confidential.

What people say: “working with Susan was a valuable experience, she is a great coach and mentor with a clear communication style and has a skill for helping people work through their hurdles and thought processes” Amanda O. Editor at CNA Sept 2024

‘I finally got bylines in th Guardian and New York Times last month, I still keep Susan’s tips in mind, and am grateful to her for setting me on the right path” Clarissa Sept 2024

‘If you are looking for a different perspective there is nothing like an ex Radio 4 journalist to inform your interviewing approach” Catriona July 23

Also see bio, LinkedIn Recommendations

CURRENT COURSES - now enrolling. We have a lot of fun. Get feedback on work in progress. Online.

23-26 June 2025 City Lit Travel Writing 10.30 - 13.00 online HW330. 4-day course

15 May 2025 Freelance Writing How to Get Published in Print and Online City University Short Course 6.00-8.30 8 weeks Monday evenings

‘I wanted to thank you for giving me the confidence to go out and pitch as an unpublished writer and begin the journey I have been putting off for years. Truly if I can do it, anyone can. Just use the tools on the course.’ Simon, City Short Course Aug 2021

“Wednesdays have become a sacred place for learning in amongst the madness. Susan is a brilliantly engaging teacher who has a wealth of expertise to draw on” Emma

“Your course was so helpful in demystifying the whole process of pitching and getting published” Claire

OTHER WORK

Awards Judge International Content Marketing Awards, webinars Girl Guiding Scotland, Women in Journalism and the Journalists’ Charity. For success stories please see Testimonials and keep scrolling!
Volunteer: U3A Creative Writing.

WHY ME?

Because I love my work, am certified, and have many years of expertise and experiences to draw on, I’ve written Which? reports, was travel editor on The Telegraph Weekend magazine, an editor at Redwood Publishing, reported for BBC Radio 4‘s Breakaway and presented Food and Drink for BBC 2. I set up and run the Facebook group @JournoAnswers which has 4200 members worldwide.

CLIENTS

Journalists’ Charity, Girl Guiding Scotland, Content Marketing Association, EJC European Journalism Centre, Malta Tourism, Project Associates, American Express, Relais & Chateau, My Family Club, Ad hoc PR, The Bookseller, Southern Housing. Westminster University. American Express, Kenwood House, British Airways, Small Luxury Hotels.

TV presenters and reporters, war correspondents, editors, subs, non-fiction authors and emerging writers. You may be freelance or a former staffer, photographer, editor or woman returner. You may have been made redundant or collect a pension. All coaching is tailor-made and confidential.

MY COACHING

I adhere to the guidelines set by the European Council for Coaching and Mentoring: to be non-judgemental and to do our work in confidence. Sessions are led by you, but you give me, your coach, permission to challenge self-inhibiting attitudes or ways of thinking and behaving. You will take responsibility for yourself and any actions you undertake that might result from coaching.

Invest in yourself - don’t just think about it