Melissa Stone is an Irish Career Coach and leading HR Consultant with a passion for empowering individuals and organisations. Driven by a desire to make a significant impact, Melissa transitioned from her role as a Global HR Director to establishing her own career coaching and consulting firm. Her unique approach combines positive psychology and insights with practical strategies, guiding clients to achieving the level of success they want and deserve.
Melissa Stone, Executive Career Coach & Consultant
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hi I’m Melissa Stone, an Irish Executive Coach and HR Consultant, whose life reflects a blend of purpose, professionalism and passion! Nestled in picturesque County Wexford, Ireland, I love to find inspiration in the beauty of my surroundings.
Beyond the boardrooms and coaching sessions, I would say that my life to date has been a tapestry of diverse interests. My love of all things international was founded as a baby, moving from my dad’s home of Cleveland, Ohio back to my mum’s home of Dublin, Ireland. An alumnus of University College Dublin, Ireland, my international academic journey paved the way for a Bachelor's in Business Studies (HR) and a Master's in Business Administration with a focus on HR Management from Warnborough College Canterbury, England.
My passion for equal opportunities and equality began as a young child, when I learned how to face paint to raise money for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thankfully my childhood face painting days are now over, but my drive for inclusivity and quest for knowledge continued into adulthood, with a Diploma in Employment Law from Law Society, Ireland and specialized training from the University of Michigan in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.
As a busy mum of two, I understand the challenges that female professionals the world over face in balancing professional and personal success. I have designed my global executive career coaching programs with life-balance in mind, taking a holistic approach to ongoing success and personal growth.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to create Stone Executive Consulting?
From my role as HR Director for Keolis Downer Gold Coast in Australia to steering international projects globally for the Keolis Group, I have amassed a wealth of experience and expertise that I am dedicated to sharing. My time in various HR leadership and executive coaching roles globally, working with corporates across the UK, Australasia, Ireland, Paris, Spain, USA, Canada and the UAE, reflects a commitment to excellence that truly transcends geographical boundaries.
The decision to establish Stone Executive Consulting was born out of a desire to channel my accumulated knowledge and skills into a venture that could make a meaningful impact to female corporate professionals of all sectors and industries, and not just those I worked with. Returning home to Ireland pre-pandemic, I founded my consulting firm, bringing a global perspective to businesses and corporate professionals across a wide range of sectors and industries worldwide.
In particular, working for myself means I have a personal hand in helping females of all sectors break through glass ceilings, achieve pay equity, secure promotion and higher-level job offers, and achieve the career success they want and deserve. On International Women’s Day, I will take a pause to reflect on the decisions in my career that lead me to this point, and feel eternally grateful for the opportunities I have in playing this important part.
In a competitive market, what sets Stone Executive Consulting apart from other career coaching services? What unique value do you believe you bring to your clients?
In a market flooded with career coaching services, what sets my business apart is not just my extensive background in Employment Law and HR best practices, but my unique ability to unravel the closely guarded secrets of HR departments to drive professional success.
I am well positioned as an empathetic guide for those navigating the complexities of the corporate world, and can provide the tools to steer them in the right direction.
In other words, recognising the challenges that exist at work, and understanding what it takes to break through these challenges to achieve career success is key to my executive coaching services.
I trade under the name “Your Career Coach”. It’s important to me that my clients feel that I am their personal coach, with a vested interest in their success long term. It’s not just about landing a dream job or feeling a little more confident, rather it’s about achieving long term career success with a positive, growth mindset. From career transformation programs, to confidence and success mindset coaching, as well as meticulous resume writing and interview coaching, my goal is to empower my clients to overcome obstacles and reach new heights in their professional journeys.
We understand that you also work with SME’s in supporting their strategic objectives and goals. What consulting services do you offer to meet their needs?
Yes, Stone Executive Consulting doesn't just offer conventional executive coaching and career transformation; it also provides a holistic suite of consultancy services. From HR Consultancy for SMEs to bespoke employee engagement surveys and strategic planning, my firm is a one-stop destination.
I have also strategic alliances and partnerships with experts in their area should additional services be required by SME’s, including mediation, human capital management, employment law, payroll and financial planning, training and development, diversity and inclusion, and more.
I am particularly proud of the support I provide to many clients within the charity sector in Ireland, genuinely demonstrating and reflecting my very real commitment to equal opportunities, social responsibility, and community development.
How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes in the workforce market, and how does Stone Executive Consulting adapt its services accordingly?
In an ever-evolving global labour market, staying updated is not just an option but a necessity. My commitment to continuous professional development is the cornerstone of Stone Executive Consulting's adaptability. By actively participating in courses, certifications, and industry events, I ensure that I stay abreast of the latest industry trends and changes.
This commitment to ongoing education is seamlessly integrated into the services provided by Stone Executive Consulting. Clients benefit from insights that are not only tried and tested but also informed by the latest advancements in HR best practice and Career Development.
What are your plans for the future of Stone Executive Consulting? Are there any upcoming features, expansions, or initiatives that your clients can look forward to?
As Stone Executive Consulting continues to thrive, I envision a future marked by growth, innovation, and enhanced client offerings. Plans include expanding coaching services’ reach and introducing accredited career coaching training to cater to the evolving needs of executive clients, including those who wish to become a career coach themselves.
Working with clients remotely from my home in Ireland, I am excited in solidifying Stone Executive Consulting as a trailblazer in the realm of Executive Coaching and Consulting for clients globally.
“I now have total clarity over my next career move. I’ve also worked through confidence issues that have held me back, and feel like a new woman embarking on my career journey” Wendy, HR Manager
“Thanks to Melissa I landed my dream role. With my improved growth mindset, I went with my gut and didn’t settle on the first offer. Now I have both an amazing new role and a fantastic package that I feel fairly reflects my value and contribution” Caoimhe, CFO
“Melissa’s coaching program has been instrumental in my journey, providing me with valuable tools and insights needed to unlock my full potential. The experience has not just been about career progression, but about evolving holistically as a person” Gillian, Software Engineer
“The roll out of our employee engagement survey has been seamless, with minimal disruption on our day to day business. The data was presented in easy to consume reporting, and certainly assisted us with our strategic planning for the upcoming year. Thank you, Melissa” SME Corporate Consultancy Client
“Melissa’s advice and guidance has allowed our business to make the necessary changes that we had admittedly been putting off. She is personable, relays otherwise confusing legal jargon in simple terms, and has allowed me to feel confident and well informed in my decisions” SME Corporate Consultancy Client
