Coaching and Mentoring

Step in with courage. Step up with confidence. Step out with clarity and conviction.

Grace, smiling, with her hand resting on her shoulder

Grace Munro – this is my story

Welcome to my page.

Here’s a little about me and how I’ve landed here.

People have often assumed my life has been easy. What they don’t always see is what it’s taken to get here.

I’ve become a mother, navigated career change and moved countries more than once. I’ve also overcome two eating disorders and dealt with decades of anxiety and depression, family breakdown, workplace discrimination, cumulative loss and bereavement.

I’ve built a career in a male-dominated industry and found my feet again at work after maternity leave. I know what it’s like to feel the weight of other people’s expectations alongside the enormous pressure you can put on yourself. I also know what it’s like to keep showing up and be the person holding everything together when life is falling apart around you.

I’ve had to learn how to keep growing through criticism. Taking on what’s useful, trusting my own judgement and continuing to move forward is something I’m still learning. For me, a growth mindset is an approach to life: staying curious, learning from experience and keeping an open mind about what’s possible.

My outlook is optimistic, and I tend to look for opportunity, even when life is difficult. I believe there are often more doors open to us than we initially see. I believe in the power of manifestation, and I’m drawn to Zen Buddhism. I’m also interested in alternative therapies, including hypnosis and five-element acupuncture. I’m curious about different ways of understanding ourselves, finding balance and feeling more grounded while pursuing the lives we want.

I have a strong work ethic, thanks to my parents, and put my all into whatever I take on. Above all, I value human connection and relationships: showing up for people, having honest conversations and taking the time to understand one another.

Throughout my career, I’ve been coaching and mentoring friends and people in my professional and social network. I find real satisfaction in talking through a difficult situation, helping someone recognise their options, offering a different perspective or working out a next step together. Thinking outside the box is one of my strengths.

I bring professional experience, emotional intelligence and a willingness to talk honestly about difficult things. My approach is warm, friendly and practical. We can talk openly, untangle a challenge, explore an idea or work towards something specific. Sometimes we’ll make a plan; sometimes I’ll listen while you figure out what you need.

What feels difficult is personal, shaped by our own experiences. You don’t need to measure your challenges against anyone else’s for them to deserve attention.

Outside work, I’m a philanthropist, an artist (self-declared), a ski racer (enthusiastically amateur) and a highly social ambivert – both an introvert and an extrovert. Community is important to me and gives me a sense of belonging. I love a full social calendar and get a lot of energy from both meeting people (new or known) and having fun. I also love to travel and explore new experiences.

I offer coaching and mentoring free of charge, whether you’re looking for support personally or professionally. I’m so glad you’ve landed here, and I’m excited to see where this might take you and what we might achieve for you together!

My passion

Completely free mentoring and coaching.

Why? Because I genuinely love helping friends and I’m excited about the challenges we can solve together.

Testimonials

In their words

I’ve been working with Grace since November 2024. I first heard of her through recommendations from peers in the market, and after speaking with her at a conference, I immediately felt like she just understood me. That first conversation was a turning point, and I knew right away that I wanted to work with her.

At the time, I had just transitioned into insurance pricing, a completely new field for me. The learning curve was steep, and I often felt overwhelmed by everything from navigating underwriter relationships to understanding internal dynamics and team politics. I was searching for guidance from someone who could offer both practical advice and genuine insight.

Grace delivered exactly that. She helped me tackle everyday challenges with clear, actionable strategies, whether it was organizing my workflow, approaching meetings with confidence, or building stronger relationships. What truly sets her apart is her holistic approach: she doesn’t just address the immediate problem, but helps you see the bigger picture and develop lasting confidence. Over time, I’ve noticed a real shift in my mindset. My confidence has grown, and the imposter syndrome I once struggled with has started to fade.

Grace is kind-hearted, approachable, and genuinely invested in her clients’ success. She has a remarkable ability to break down complex challenges and provide clarity when it’s needed most. I also know several mutual friends who speak just as highly of her.

What truly distinguishes Grace is not just her expertise, but her genuine care for the people she works with. She listens deeply, understands the broader context, and empowers you to find solutions that feel right for you. I’m truly grateful for her support, and I would recommend her to anyone seeking a coach who combines wisdom, empathy, and practical strategies.

When I first met Grace, in 2017, I was an intern starting out on my career journey. Looking back, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of gratitude to Grace for the time she’s taken to mentor, support and guide me over the years.

Grace is an admirable friend and leader, whose warmth and kindness truly stand out. She is authentic, nurturing and above all, genuinely wants the best for others. I have confided in Grace numerous times, seeking her advice in all aspects of my life including my career and personal relationships. I admire her continuous pursuit of growth, her ability to both create and seize opportunities and her approach to dealing with life’s challenges. She has a wonderful network of capable and inspiring people around her, each of whom speaks volumes about the type of person she is.

Through Grace’s extensive network, I was also introduced to two regular mentors, both inspiring women further along in their careers, who continue to guide and support me. As a woman entering a predominantly male-dominated industry, this has been invaluable. I now feel like I’ve found not only my path, but also my community, purpose, and a sense of belonging in the market.

More recently, when I approached Grace about exploring new roles, she raised my profile across the industry, both through her network of fellow actuaries and her strong relationships with specialist recruiters. She connected me with a role opening, initially just to give me interview experience, strengthen my negotiation position, and broaden my options. But I ended up securing the role, and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.

This opportunity allowed me to take a major step forward in both seniority and financial progression. After five years in insurance, I’m now in a role that truly reflects where I want to be, and I credit Grace with helping me get here.

Along with all the guidance and support Grace is sure to provide, you’re guaranteed a fun time and a good laugh too. I couldn’t recommend Grace more: she’ll certainly show you how to make the most of what life has to offer!

Working with Grace during my final years of senior school was a turning point in my career journey. At the time, I was considering a career as an actuary but felt unsure about whether it was the right path for me. Grace took the time to understand my interests and aspirations, and then went a step further, connecting me with professionals in her network so I could gain real-world experience across a range of roles within the insurance industry.

These opportunities were incredibly valuable. Not only did they give me insight into the day-to-day realities of different careers, but they also helped me identify where my true strengths and interests lie. Through thoughtful conversations and hands-on experiences she arranged, I was able to make a much more informed decision about my future.

Thanks to Grace’s guidance, I chose a degree that truly aligns with my long-term goals, and I’ve never looked back. Her support, insight, and commitment made all the difference.

Now at the end of university, graduating with a First Class Degree, I am looking forward to engaging with Grace with respect to career options ahead of me.

Whatever life’s throwing your way, together, we’ve totally got this!