
Zip It
The essential guide for those who’ve been professionally silenced
Dr Claire Handby
Description
A silent epidemic is taking place. More and more frequently, executives and mid level leaders are experiencing the trauma of an unexpected professional exit and enforced silence, such as through an NDA (non-disclosure agreement). The cost in terms of identity disruption, personal and professional fall-out, with the erosion of self-worth can be paralyzing.
But being told to ‘zip it’ is not the end of the story. Dr Claire Handby draws on years of top-level business experience, exposure and executive coach credentials, to set out a bold way forward.
Reclaim your narrative, rediscover your agency and own your identity, to step boldly into the next chapter of your life and career with confidence.
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The first book to address directly this growing but little-acknowledged business practice and its personal and professional impact.
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Includes case studies demonstrating the trajectory into positive career advancement
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Deals with both the emotional side and the practical aspects of this traumatic journey.
Contents
Table of Contents
Dedication
Foreword
Introduction
Chapter 1: The Unexpected Exit
Chapter 2: The Weight of Silence
Chapter 3: The Personal Fallout
Chapter 4: The Invisible Aftermath
Chapter 5: The Breaking Point
Chapter 6: The Turning Point
Chapter 7: Reframing the Story
Chapter 8: New Ground, New Growth
Chapter 9: Finding a Voice in a Different Way
Chapter 10: Your Exciting Future Unwritten
Conclusion
Editions
FORMAT / ISBN / PUBLICATION DATE / RRP
Hardback / 9781805760924 / March 16, 2027 / £24.99
Paperback / 9781805760931 / March 16, 2027 / £14.99
Ebook / 9781805760948 / March 15, 2027 / £7.99
Authors
Dr Claire Handby
Dr Claire Handby’s career journey spans more than 25 years, beginning in the construction industry where she managed trades on-site — hard hat on, steel-toe capped boots at the ready — before moving into senior leadership roles in Big Four management consulting with EY, Deloitte, and KPMG.
A chartered professional and now successful business owner, she has built a reputation as a trusted board-level adviser and executive coach. Today, she helps individuals realign their careers with clarity and confidence, drawing on her depth of personal experience within conversations.

