From breaking athletic barriers to leading transformative change in education and coaching, Claudia Cubbage’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and reinvention. A former international athlete, headteacher, and now career and leadership coach, she has consistently challenged limitations placed on women while helping others find clarity and balance in their professional lives. Her story reflects strength in the face of adversity, the courage to evolve, and a deep commitment to empowering others.
Humans of Fuzia is featuring Claudia to celebrate her inspiring journey of challenging gender norms, overcoming burnout, and supporting individuals in navigating meaningful career transitions. Her experiences and insights resonate with our global community of 5+ million people across 35+ countries who share a mission of supporting women through He for She and She for She, encouraging growth, resilience, and impact-driven leadership.
Tell us about your early journey and what shaped your path.
My journey began in sports at the age of 11 when I competed in a school high jump event. One of my friend’s parents noticed my potential and encouraged me to train professionally. I went on to compete internationally, became a Welsh champion, and represented my country.
Later, I transitioned into multi-event athletics and became a heptathlon champion for Wales. During the 1980s, women were not allowed to participate in certain athletic events like pole vaulting because of beliefs that they could harm women’s bodies. I challenged this mindset and became the first woman to pole vault in the UK, setting a national record at the time. That experience shaped my lifelong belief: if someone says you can’t do something, prove that you can.
How did your interests in technology and education develop?
I have always been a technical and creative person who enjoys building and designing. At school, I was one of very few girls studying technology. I pursued design technology at university and later became a design technology teacher.
At that time, it was rare for women to teach subjects like woodwork, metalwork, or electronics. Despite skepticism, I progressed quickly in my career, becoming head of department and later a senior leader. I eventually became a headteacher, supporting schools, improving performance, and helping educational institutions achieve outstanding results. My journey in education reinforced my determination to challenge stereotypes and lead with impact.
What challenges did you face during your career, and how did they shape you?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was burnout. As a headteacher, I worked extremely long hours and took on significant responsibilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workload and pressure eventually led me to question my abilities and well-being.
This period of self-doubt became a turning point. I realized I needed to prioritize balance and purpose, which led me to step away from full-time leadership and explore new ways to help others. That transition allowed me to rebuild my confidence while supporting others facing similar struggles.
What inspired you to start your coaching journey?
Throughout my career in education, I had already been coaching and mentoring hundreds of people. After leaving my role as headteacher, I formally established my coaching practice to help individuals navigate career transitions and professional challenges.
I now work with people who feel dissatisfied in their current roles but are unsure how to move forward. My goal is to help them identify what they truly want, explore opportunities, and build the confidence to create meaningful change in their careers and lives.
Who do you typically work with, and what challenges do they face?
There isn’t one specific demographic. I work with young professionals just starting out, mid-career individuals seeking promotions, and those nearing retirement who want to redefine their next phase.
The common factor among them is a sense of dissatisfaction with their current situation. They know they want something different but struggle to identify the next step. Through coaching, I help them gain clarity, position themselves for new opportunities, and achieve better work-life balance.
How do people discover your work?
Most people find me through LinkedIn, local platforms, and referrals. I deliberately keep my client base small so I can provide a personalized experience and truly make a difference.
Alongside coaching, I also work as a consultant in education and contribute to content creation and professional reviews. My focus is on meaningful impact rather than working full-time, as maintaining balance and supporting my family are important to me.
What role has family played in your journey?
Family support has always been central to my life. My father supported my athletic pursuits, and as a working mother, I balanced leadership responsibilities while raising my children.
One of my proudest moments was when my daughter told me she wished to become half the woman I am. That recognition reminded me that perseverance and authenticity inspire others, especially the next generation.
What are your future goals and vision?
I am currently writing a trilogy of books. One focuses on helping headteachers manage workload and use coaching for support, another explores career transitions, and the third addresses anxiety and self-belief.
My vision is to help people realize they can achieve more than they think by building confidence, overcoming fear, and making purposeful choices.
“Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do—believe in yourself, push boundaries, and create the life you truly want.”
Connect with Claudia Cubbage:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-cubbage
Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
