A Little bit about Our Team, Values and Why we do what we do

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Before Better Balance, I worked in technology marketing for 14 years and prior to that I spent 8 years helping MBAs get jobs and internships as a Career Advisor at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business and as a Campus Recruiter for top-tier consulting firms. 

Most of my career has been focused on helping others (I'm a 2 on the enneagram if you're familiar with that) and now I'm focusing that energy on helping people find better balance by matching talented professionals who want to work as Flex Employees with the employers looking to hire them. The Better Balance concept was born after I had been half laid off and wished we had spent less on our house so I could work less and do a job that I loved.  This desire has fueled my mission around the movement for more part-time professional roles so people have the opportunity to do meaningful work AND have time for the people, hobbies and causes they love.

I've lived in Austin for over 20 years where my husband, son and I love to be in or near the water, travel and gather with friends and family.  I believe we were all put on this earth for a purpose and to have an impact, no matter how big or small.

  I am a mother of two daughters and I worked in an international company as a Human Resources Manager for over 15 years. The last 5 years, I worked 4 days a week to spend more time with my girls. That’s why, as a mother, a human resources professional, and a flex employee, I am passionate about Better Balance’s purpose, and have joined the team since February 2023.

In February 2022, I arrived in Austin from France to start a new family adventure and discover this wonderful country. We have already traveled a lot to discover Texas and other different states. We really appreciate living in Austin and my eldest daughter has become a huge fan of the Texas Longhorns. 

I am who Better Balance is targeting. I’ve worked in Sales and Marketing for Fortune 500 companies before stepping back to take care of my mom, and then my own little humans. As a curious, life-long learner, there’s always an itch to be mentally stimulated. My wheelhouse is large, and I’m constantly antsy to do something.

Funny enough, I initially met Jill to learn about Better Balance and find a part-time match for myself. I thought, “This is exactly what I need!” I want to be available to pick up my kids and continue with my career with ease. After chatting, she saw how my varied experiences lend itself well for her early-stage company, and I saw an opportunity to utilize my professional skills and provide a candidate’s perspective.

At heart, I love helping people. I’m here to ensure our message is clear and reaches people, showing how work doesn’t have to be an end-all, but one part of a fuller equation that brings more joy to life.

 Claire Stadhouder is a Career and Confidence Coach who helps women return to the workforce by helping them reconnect with their talents and aspirations, providing them with the clarity, confidence and strategy they need to fulfil their professional and personal life goals.

I moved with my husband to Austin from Chicago, having spent our initial years together in London and Amsterdam. When we first moved to the US, I was astonished to discover that new mothers were often facing an incredibly difficult decision – putting their careers on hold and remaining at home with their newborn child, or returning to full-time work within a very short period of time and missing out on so much with their loved ones. These limited choices too often result in forcing exceptional talent and expertise from the workforce.  
 

When Jill and I met, we realized that we shared a vision for transforming the world of work for the benefit of employers and employees, making the connections that offer value and flexibility, motivation and inspiration, loyalty and reward. Employers and flex candidates benefit from a new style of career and company culture. I am excited to be part of this team and to contribute to making this change.