For almost 30 years, Helen Barrera thrived in the hospitality industry, building a career that provided professional and personal growth. She loved the dynamic nature of her work, from mentoring teams and problem-solving, to delivering the best possible customer service. Throughout major life transitions, including marriage and motherhood, Helen’s career remained stable, allowing her to balance family and professional ambitions.
“I always thought that I would retire in that industry. I felt confident that my skills and dedication would keep me secure,” recalls Helen.
But as the industry evolved, so did the business landscape. Mergers and acquisitions became more frequent, and with them came inevitable restructuring. Though Helen had always been aware of the possibility of layoffs, she never imagined it would happen to her. When it did, the reality was jarring. A career she had been devoted to for decades was suddenly gone, leaving Helen at a crossroads.
The transition wasn’t just about losing a job, it was about losing a sense of identity. Helen says, “The hospitality industry had been my world for so long that it was difficult to imagine working in a different field.” At first, she recalls struggling with self-doubt, asking herself, “What else was I qualified to do? Could I really start over in a completely different industry?” At times, the uncertainty felt overwhelming, but instead of rushing into another position out of fear, Helen made the decision to pause, reflect, and explore what she truly wanted for her future.
Redefining the Path Forward
With time off, Helen was able to travel and reflect on what she valued most about her work. “I asked myself some hard questions,” Helen reflects, “What did I enjoy most about my career? What parts of it did I want to carry forward? What did I want to leave behind?”
It became clear that while Helen had excelled in the hospitality industry, what she truly loved was working with people-coaching, mentoring, and problem-solving. “I had always been a leader, even called myself a Coach Leader, who empowered my teams to make informed decisions. I loved the challenge of helping people, watching them develop their skills and confidence,” says Helen.
However, there were aspects of the industry she no longer wanted to endure. “Managing multiple hotels in Texas and Louisiana had been stressful, especially during hurricane season, when navigating emergency protocols and ensuring staff and guest remained safe became a top priority. The constant pressure, long hours, and unpredictability had taken their toll.” Helen realized that while she still wanted to lead and support others, she needed to do it on her own terms.
A Conversation That Changed Everything
As she considered her next steps, Helen connected with The Entrepreneurs’ Source (TES) Career Ownership Coach Patricia McGraw. At the time, Helen was looking into various career opportunities, but nothing seemed to offer the financial security or flexibility she truly needed. Patricia introduced her to a new way of thinking-one that didn’t just focus on getting another job but on building a future that aligned with her strengths and goals.
Patricia encouraged her to look at the bigger picture: What did she want for her family’s future? What kind of financial stability and independence was she looking for? These conversations helped shift Helen’s perspective. Instead of limiting herself to what she had always known, she started to see the possibilities of business ownership.
Helen remarks, “I had spent my career helping my company succeed, so why not do the same for myself?”
Stepping Into Entrepreneurship
Deciding to become a business owner wasn’t immediate or easy. Like many who transition from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, Helen had initial fears and doubts. Could she really build something on her own? Would she be able to replace her income? How would she navigate an entirely new industry?
But Helen reminded herself that she had spent years coaching and leading others-why not apply those same skills to her own future? Instead of feeling trapped by the past, she embraced the opportunity to create something new.
With the guidance and support of a strong brand and proven system, Helen became a Career Ownership Coach with TES. Leveraging her strengths – her ability to connect with people, her leadership experience, and her problem-solving skills- Helen is building a sustainable business that provides financial security and gives her control over her time and future.
Helping Others Find Their Own Paths
Helen’s journey into entrepreneurship isn’t just about her own success-it has become an opportunity to help others find theirs. She recalls one of her most rewarding experiences as a business coach, working with a client who was struggling for years about his future; he wasn’t happy in his career, wanted to reduce his stress, and be more present for his young family.
“He had come to me multiple times, interested in the idea of business ownership but hesitant to take the leap. Each time he would gather information, express excitement about the possibilities, but then retreat, overwhelmed by fear and doubt,” Helen explains. “He would disappear for months, only to return, still feeling stuck in the same place.”
Rather than pressuring him, Helen took a patient and supportive approach. She listened to his concerns, helped him break down the barriers holding him back, and guided him at his own pace. Over time, he gained clarity and confidence. Eventually, he decided to move forward, starting his own business and embracing a new path that once felt impossible.
Watching him succeed reaffirmed what Helen had always believed, people thrive when given the right support and encouragement. Just as she found a new path for herself, she now had the opportunity to help others navigate their own transformation.
Looking Back: A Life Transformed
Recently, at the annual TES conference, Helen had the opportunity to approach Patricia and express her gratitude. Helen told her, with complete sincerity, “You changed my life.” The transition to business ownership had given Helen not only a new career but a renewed sense of purpose and freedom.
Looking back, Helen realized that the layoff – something that had once felt like a devastating loss – had actually been an opportunity in disguise. It forced her to reevaluate her path, step out of her comfort zone, and build something even better.
Helen’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention. For those facing career uncertainty, Helen’s journey is proof that setbacks can lead to new beginnings. With the right guidance, mindset, and willingness to embrace change, transformation is possible.
She had once believed that her career in hospitality was the only path forward. Now, Helen knows that sometimes the unexpected turns in life lead to the most fulfilling destinations.
Ready to start your discovery and become a Career Ownership Coach®? Learn more today!
