You’re Not “Starting Again” – You’re Bringing More Than You Think – Interview with Class Business Awards Judge Kathryn Hall (“The Career Owl”)

One of the moments that really stayed with me from my conversation with Kathryn Hall was something she said so matter-of-factly that it almost slipped past.

So many people returning to work feel like they’re starting from scratch.

But they’re not.

They’re bringing years of experience, resilience, problem-solving and real-life leadership with them. They just don’t always recognise how valuable those skills truly are.

Kathryn understands this deeply. After spending more than twenty years working in HR across multiple industries, she now runs The Career Owl, supporting people across the UK and Europe with career transitions, CV writing, LinkedIn strategy, interview preparation and career confidence. Having worked with more than 900 clients, she sees the same pattern again and again: talented people who underestimate themselves.

And it’s not about capability. It’s about confidence.

The quiet confidence dip so many people experience

For many professionals, particularly parents returning to work, confidence takes a real knock. Time away from employment can feel like lost momentum. Skills seem outdated. Experience feels less relevant. People begin questioning whether they still “fit” the professional world they once belonged to.

But as Kathryn explained, that time hasn’t been wasted.

Running a household, coordinating schedules, managing unexpected challenges and supporting family life builds organisation, adaptability, communication and resilience every single day. These are not gaps on a CV. They are lived leadership experiences.

The difficulty is not capability.
It’s recognising it.

You’re doing more than you realise

Kathryn’s work centres on helping people see what they’ve actually achieved, not just what they think counts. She listens for the details people often overlook – a passing comment about managing a team, coordinating events or solving a difficult situation.

Those are the gold nuggets.

They reveal leadership, initiative and impact. Once those stories are uncovered, confidence grows and people begin to see themselves differently.

“I see the exact same thing in the class business sector. Providers are delivering sessions, supporting families and building communities every single week. But because they’re so close to the work, they often struggle to articulate the difference they’re making. What feels normal to them is actually extraordinary to the families they support.”

They think it’s “just a class”.

It isn’t.

Why stories matter more than titles

During the podcast, Kathryn talked about storytelling – not fluffy language, but meaningful examples that show real impact.

It’s the difference between saying “I run children’s classes” and explaining “I’ve supported 200 children to build confidence, develop social skills and feel part of a community.”

One describes an activity.
The other shows transformation.

That’s what people connect with. It’s also what judges, employers and clients are truly looking for.

It’s no surprise that Kathryn will be bringing this perspective as one of the judges for this year’s Class Business Awards. Her background in HR and career development means she understands how to look beyond surface-level descriptions and recognise genuine impact, evidence and meaningful outcomes.

Recognition builds belief

Kathryn also shared her own experience of entering awards. Despite running a successful business, she admitted that putting herself forward felt uncomfortable. Talking about achievements doesn’t always come naturally, especially for women who are used to simply getting on with the work.

But external recognition changed how she saw her business. It validated years of quiet effort and gave her the confidence to speak about her work more openly.

That shift matters.

Recognition isn’t just about trophies or titles. It’s about permission to acknowledge that your work has value.

Why this resonates so strongly in the class business world

One of my favourite parts of our conversation was hearing Kathryn talk about the classes she attended as a parent. Music groups, activity sessions, creative classes – they weren’t just something to fill the day. They created connection, routine and a sense of belonging during a life stage that can often feel isolating.

Years later, she still remembers them.

That’s impact.

Class providers don’t just deliver sessions. They create safe spaces, build confidence and bring people together. They shape childhood memories and support families through important stages of life.

But because this work happens quietly in community halls, schools and local venues, it often goes unnoticed.

That’s exactly why platforms that spotlight these businesses matter. Recognition helps providers see the value they create every single day.

A simple reminder

If you ever feel like you’re “starting again” or doubt whether your experience counts, pause for a moment.

Look at what you’ve navigated.
Look at the people you’ve supported.
Look at the challenges you’ve solved.

You’re not beginning from zero.
You’re building from everything you’ve already done.

Watch the full conversation

If confidence, career direction or articulating your impact resonates with you, this episode of the Class Business Podcast is well worth your time.

Kathryn shares thoughtful, practical insights on recognising your skills, telling your story and stepping forward with greater belief in what you bring.

Watch the full interview here on our YouTube channel.

And as you do, consider this:

What’s one achievement in your business or career that you’ve quietly overlooked?