About
My name is Merly Hartnett
I’m Career Counsellor‑in‑Training, Burnout Coach, and Wellbeing Specialist, and the founder of Nurture Ambition.
I support women, especially mums, to reclaim their energy, confidence, and purpose, so they can grow careers they love while feeling grounded and resilient.
With over 15 years’ experience in career development, occupational rehabilitation, and workplace wellbeing, I’ve seen how burnout can quietly erode confidence, identity, and joy. As a mum, a coach, and someone who’s experienced burnout myself, I understand how exhausting it can be to want more ... more peace, more clarity, more you without sacrificing everything to get there.
Through my 1:1 coaching program, the Nurture Ambition Pathway, I blend career counselling, burnout recovery, and holistic wellbeing support to help women rebuild resilience, regulate their nervous systems, and recover sustainably.
Why I Do This Work
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Because I’ve been there. I’ve felt the tug-of-war between ambition and rest, career and motherhood, identity and responsibility.
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Because burnout doesn’t have to be your story. I help women reclaim energy, confidence, and clarity while navigating work and life transitions.
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Because motherhood doesn’t mean giving up your dreams. You can grow your career, prioritise your wellbeing, and still be the mum you want to be.
I bring together:
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Career counselling: helping you discover strengths, values, and meaningful career directions
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Burnout coaching: supporting boundaries, energy, and identity restoration
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Wellbeing practices: practical routines, mindset shifts, and strategies that fit into your real life
Who I Work With
I partner with women who:
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are feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or stuck in their careers
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are transitioning back to work after maternity leave, illness, or major life change
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want careers that feel meaningful, flexible, and sustainable
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crave clarity, confidence, and identity in their work
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want to prioritise energy, mental health, and family without giving up ambition
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Working with me feels like:
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A safe space to explore career, identity, and wellbeing ... beyond just resumes or CVs
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Practical, grounded action plans that work for your life as a mum
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Nervous-system-informed support to build resilience, confidence, and energy
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Accountability, encouragement, and compassion as you step into your next chapter
Why It Works
This is more than career coaching. It’s a hybrid of career counselling + burnout recovery + holistic wellbeing. You don’t just shift jobs, you shift how you show up in life, work, and motherhood, creating sustainable change and long-term fulfillment.
My Credentials
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Graduate Certificate in Career Development & Counselling at Queensland University of Technology (in progress)
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Certificate IV in Career Development
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HCANZA‑Accredited Health and Wellbeing Coach, specialising in mindset, behaviour change, and holistic wellbeing
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Specialist in Burnout Recovery, Career Transitions & Women’s Wellbeing
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Trauma‑aware, heart-led, and client-centred approach
