Our Story

If you've worked hard to build a successful career but are wondering how long you can keep going at your current pace, you're not alone.

I'm Debra McDermott, PhD, I'm the founder of Build Your Inner Edge. I help ambitious women build successful, fulfilling careers without sacrificing their wellbeing. My mission is to help you achieve sustainable success so you can continue to thrive professionally while protecting your energy, confidence and sense of purpose.

Before becoming a coach, I spent more than 30 years in higher education and corporate learning and development, holding senior leadership roles in five countries. I hold a Master's degree in Education and a PhD in Social Science, where my research focused on career transitions. Throughout my career I've taught, written and spoken on career development, learner motivation, positive psychology and professional identity.

From the outside, my career looked successful. Much of the time, it was deeply rewarding. But there were also periods when the pressure became relentless.

I found myself navigating difficult team dynamics, toxic organisational politics and increasing demands that gradually eroded my enthusiasm for work. Some mornings I would drive to the office with my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. I was exhausted, frustrated and looking for a way out.

Having already developed a strong interest in wellbeing and positive psychology, my instinct, as a researcher, was to look beyond quick fixes and explore what the evidence actually tells us about resilience, motivation and sustainable performance. I immersed myself in the research, discovering practical, evidence-based strategies that not only helped me recover but fundamentally changed the way I approached work and life.

That experience became the foundation for Build Your Inner Edge.

Today, I help ambitious women navigate demanding careers, leadership challenges and periods of significant change without sacrificing their wellbeing. My signature programme, Sustainable Success by Design, combines insights from positive psychology, career development and leadership with practical coaching tools that help you build resilience, reconnect with your purpose and create a career that is both successful and sustainable.

When I'm not coaching or writing, you'll usually find me exploring the mountains of southern Spain with my wonderfully wayward Husky, keeping two delightfully delinquent cats out of trouble, spending time with horses, practising yoga, or attempting to make slightly wonky pottery. I also speak fluent Spanish and slightly rusty French.

I believe success shouldn't come at the expense of your health, relationships or happiness. With the right mindset, strategies and support, it is possible to build a career you love and a life that allows you to enjoy it.

OUR METHODOLOGY

Building Your Inner Edge

Our coaching is based on an evidence-based, structured framework designed for ambitious women to thrive through career transitions and leadership challenges with clarity, confidence and resilience.

True leadership isn't about working harder; it's about cultivating the internal resilience and strategic clarity that sets you apart.

THE FOUNDATION

The Five Pillars of Your Inner Edge

Our evidence-based framework is designed specifically for ambitious women to achieve sustainable success, helping you lead effectively without sacrificing your personal wellbeing.

Mindset

Connecting to Purpose

Scheduling Rest

Cultivate a resilient, growth-oriented focus and examine & reframe your beliefs.

Align your daily leadership decisions and career moves with your core values and long-term professional vision.

Protect your energy and prevent burnout by treating physical and mental recovery as a non-negotiable professional asset.

Build Positive Emotions

Gather Resources & Create a Crisis Plan

Foster daily moments of joy, gratitude, and confidence to fuel sustainable high performance and emotional resilience under pressure.

Equip yourself with a robust support network and proactive strategies to maintain stability and focus during challenging workplace situations.

OUR PROGRAMS

Programs to Build Your Inner Edge

Our evidence-based coaching frameworks are designed specifically for ambitious women to navigate transitions, build confidence, and achieve sustainable career success without sacrificing their wellbeing.

01 / RESILIENCE

02 / TRANSITION

03 / REINVENTION

Sustainable Success by Design

The Career Reset

One-to-one selectability coaching designed for ambitious leaders who have been told they are 'nearly there' but need that final push to secure senior roles.

A structured six-session coaching program for successful women ready for meaningful change, helping you realign your professional career with your personal wellbeing.

A specialized guide and program tailored for midlife women seeking to rediscover their professional passion, design a career they love, and thrive.

The Selection Edge

Website Privacy & Data Protection Policy

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction
We value your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or subscribe to our services.

2. Data We Collect

• Name, email address, phone number

• Payment details (processed securely via third-party providers)

• Any information you provide through forms, coaching sessions, or correspondence

3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data to:

• Provide coaching, programs, and services

• Send relevant updates, resources, and promotional material (with your consent)

• Process payments and manage accounts

• Improve our services and website experience

4. Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent (e.g., newsletter sign-up, lead magnet download)

• Contractual necessity (for coaching programs)

• Legal obligations (e.g., tax reporting)

5. Data Sharing
We only share personal data with trusted, GDPR-compliant third-party service providers essential to our business operations (email platform, payment processor, IT support). We never sell your data.

6. Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes above or comply with legal requirements (up to 6 years for accounting records).

7. Your Rights
You may:

• Access and correct your personal information

• Request deletion of your data

• Withdraw consent at any time

• Object to or restrict processing

• Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise your rights, contact: debra@herinneredgecareerstudio.com

8. Security
We implement technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, including secure storage and encrypted communications.

9. Cookies & Tracking
Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve user experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on this page.

Empowerment

Career coaching and resources for women professionals.

Support

Growth

debra@herinneredgecareerstudio.com

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