In 2016, Shirley founded Happy Parents Coaching to address the often-unspoken challenges of combining a demanding career with parenthood.

Research shows that 62% of parents find parenting more difficult than expected—and yet the emotional, mental and physical transitions they go through are rarely acknowledged in the workplace.

Her mission: to empower organisations to become Happy Parents Companies—places where ambitious professionals can thrive without having to choose between career and family.

• Making the personal impact of parenting visible and workable in professional environments.
• Helping leaders and professionals navigate key life phases, such as becoming a parent or caring for loved ones.
• Creating cultures where performance and wellbeing can thrive side by side.
• Providing guidance during sensitive life events such as birth, miscarriage, burnout, and identity development.

Whether working with executives, scientists or entrepreneurs, Shirley empowers professionals to create a fulfilling life that integrates ambition with caregiving—and helps organisations become environments where this is truly possible.