Hi I’m Dara Astmann.
I’m a Career Clarity Coach and champion of second acts, empowering ambitious moms to rediscover what’s possible and confidently pivot into careers that ignite both passion and balance - on their own terms.
For as long as I can remember, I followed a straight path—climbing the ladder, chasing promotions, and checking all the boxes I thought defined success. The corner office and big title? That was the goal.
Then I became a mom, and everything shifted.
What mattered most to me changed. I no longer wanted to climb just to climb. I wanted to be present. I wanted my time to mean something. So I advocated for and landed a job share role, working part-time and being home with my kids part-time. While some saw it as a step back, for me, it was exactly what I needed.
But eventually, after nearly 20 years in media and ad sales at companies like WPP, Publicis, and Paramount Global, something stirred again. I knew that if I was going to miss a school pickup or a baseball game, it had to be for something that truly mattered to me.
So I hired a coach. And that decision changed everything.
She gave me the space to ask: Who am I today? What do I really want now?
That clarity was worth its weight in gold, not just for me but for my whole family.
I enrolled in iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) and became a Certified Professional Coach, thinking I’d have more time now that both of my kids were in school. Then the pandemic hit. I was working, studying, and homeschooling a first and second grader. But even in the chaos, something was waking up in me. I was growing, learning, and starting to feel more fulfilled than I had in years.
That experience became the foundation of the work I do now.
Today, I help ambitious moms redefine success and create second acts that align with who they are now. Whether you’re returning to work, pivoting careers, or building something from scratch, I support you in finding clarity, growing confidence, and taking action without guilt or burnout.
My practice started with individual coaching but I quickly realized how many women felt alone, even though they were all asking the same questions. That’s why I created group programs and community experiences like Career Pivot Playbook and EntrepreneuHER. You shouldn’t have to figure this out by yourself. When you’re surrounded by women who get it, everything changes. Community has become the heart of my work—and it’s what truly sets my coaching apart.
If any of this resonates, here’s what I want you to know:
- The career you chose in your twenties doesn’t have to be it
- Success doesn’t have to mean the corner office
- The pause you took to raise your kids doesn’t end your ambition
- If you’re building something new, you don’t have to do it alone
- Your next chapter isn’t a step back. It’s a step into who you are now
- And your biggest obstacle is often your mindset, not your resume.
I believe in redefining success on your terms.
I believe clarity, community, and small steps lead to big change.
And I believe no mom should have to figure this out alone.
Your second act starts with a single step.
If you're ready to explore what’s next, click the link below to tell me more about you. I’ll be in touch to schedule a call and help you take the next one—together.
Testimonials
“Since working with Dara, I’ve had my biggest earning months ever, have renewed confidence in myself and my abilities, and even met a new client through her Mompreneurs group.
Dara is a great connector and friend who will be your biggest cheerleader, but also know whe you need an extra push or added supp;ort to reach a goal.
Burnout-parental or professional- is real and Dara can help you through it.
-M.D.
“So grateful for my sessions with Dara. Dara helped me get organized for my H1 review. I felt prepared, proactive and confident going into crucial work conversations - this allowed me to thrive.
Dara helped provide me with a solution and goal oriented mindset. The outcome was very positive and I am thrilled with my raise! Looking forward to working with Dara in the future. Highly recommend.”
— D.R.
“Dara really challenged me to think deeply on my values. She made sure each session ended with an action plan that wasn’t too overhwleming but impactful.
This step-by-step guidance allowed me to see my path clearly as I transition back to work from maternity leave. Come with an open mind, be ready to have a good discussion and Dara will guide the way.
— Cathy
“Thanks so much for your guidance and support! Definitely helped my confidence and organization skills leading up to this promotion. Very cool to say I’ve been working with you as an amazing coach and have gotten a promotion or raise every 6 months since working together for the past two years!”
-Darcy
“Dara and I met at a unique time in my career and she truly gave me the push I needed to start something I’ve always wanted to do but wasn’t sure how to. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to make a change or to provide the confidence you need to go for what you want.”
-Erica
“I left our coaching sessions super inspired and energized, and it gave me the space to think about my passions and explore them further.
A career pivot has been top of mind for me, and through my time with Dara, I came up with a new business idea! I am currently exploring next steps to take the business off the ground, and her support has been instrumental as I begin.”
-Amanda
I help busy moms find the clarity, confidence, and purpose they need to navigate their second act and build a fulfilling career that aligns with who they are today, without sacrificing the life they’ve built or what matters most. Together, we redefine success on your terms.

I know how powerful it is to have someone in your corner. Coaching gave me the space to reconnect with myself—and now I’m here to give you that same support, clarity, and encouragement as you take your next step.
If this resonates for you, click here to find out more about what coaching together may look like for you.

Work with Dara
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear more about where you are and how I can support you.
Click the link below to share your story, and I’ll be in touch to set up a time to connect.