Meet Catherine Ferguson! Catherine lives with her adorable kids and husband in Red Bank, NJ. Originally from New York, Catherine spent some time living on the west coast before settling down in Monmouth County. She worked in marketing for many years before she started her own coaching business, where she helps to manage moms with work-life balance and offers guidance in major career decisions. So many moms struggle with pursuing their dreams and being a good mother at the same time (we can certainly relate!), and Catherine is a tremendous resource to lean on when you’re at a crossroads in your career path. Learn more about her local practice, some of her favorite spots to bring her kids in Monmouth County, and how to connect with her in our interview below!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I grew up just outside of New York City in Westchester County, NY, and lived in Manhattan,
Philadelphia and San Francisco before moving to Red Bank at the end of 2018.
How many children do you have and old are they?
My son Richard is 4 and my daughter Lark is 2!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
Before I began my coaching business, I had a 12-year corporate marketing career at big
companies such as DKNY, Equinox, Trulia and Zillow. When I had my son in 2016, I knew
instinctively my career was no longer the right fit for me. I had actually known this for a while,
but the perspective shift of becoming a mom made it very clear. I got trained as a coach all the
way back in 2012 and had used those foundational skills to help me navigate my own life and
career, and in 2018 I decided to go out on my own and help other women who felt like they were
at similar life and career crossroads.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband and I make a good team. We had our kids while living out in California while most
of our family was back east. Being so far away really helped us grow as a pair. Even when we
disagree, we know we always have each other’s backs.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
There’s so much to do in Monmouth County and we enjoy a lot of them!
– In the summer…the beach! My husband surfs and is desperately trying to get the kids on
a board.
– Exploring as many parks, hikes and green spaces as we can. Two favorites are Deep
Cut Gardens and Hartshorne Woods Park.
– We love the Red Bank Library and can’t wait until it’s open again.
– Grabbing a coffee and a treat at Coffee Corral in Red Bank and hanging at one of their
picnic tables.
– Practicing our bikes, scooters and skateboards at Seven Presidents Skatepark.
– Hanging out at Cocobeans Play Cafe, especially when the weather turns cold.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in
the corporate world? Please share!
I have my own coaching practice. I work with women who are trying to find their own sweet
spot between work and parenting. So many women arrive at a career crossroads after they have
kids, but many aren’t sure how to pivot. Do I stay home? Do I finally start that business I’ve
been thinking of? Do I quit my job? What if I actually want to work a ton and not be at home
with my kids…does that make me a bad mom? There’s no universal playbook and I’ve found
many women feel stuck in a place they don’t want to be – trying to work like they don’t have
kids and parent like they don’t have a job. My job is to help women figure out what is right for
them NOW in their life and their career or business, so they can find their own balance between
work and parenting.
Most recently, I’ve rolled out a new 4-week 1:1 program designed to help women who want to
launch their own businesses. Because if 2020 has made anything crystal clear, it’s that the rules
of work were not written with working moms in mind. I know so many women who have
considered starting their own venture – especially this year. They’re ready to call their own
shots. My new program is designed to help get them over that very big hurdle of ACTUALLY
getting started. You can learn more about it here, https://onebam.com/bizbootcamp, or email me
at [email protected]
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
We knew absolutely no one when we moved to Monmouth County in December 2018. I found
The Monmouth Moms and it was like my bible. I especially lived for the Weekend Roundups.
They really helped me explore the area and meet the wonderful people and places that have
helped us make this home.
What is your favorite restaurant in Monmouth County?
Semolina in Red Bank, NJ
What is your favorite activity to do with your children in Monmouth County?
Riding bikes into Red Bank. Exploring every single park in Monmouth County!
What are your Mom Goals?
I strive to be an example to my kids. Meaning, I want them to see it all. The good days and the
bad days. How to handle it when things are hard. How to appreciate all of the things that are
good. I want them to feel brave enough to follow their hearts and speak their mind. I want them
to think big and be kind and stand up for those who need it.
Being a mom is the hardest job I’ve ever had and I couldn’t love it more. I do my best to
appreciate my kids for who they are and to see the world through their eyes as often as I can.
Sponsored by: Catherine Ferguson
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