The following interview features Claire Davis, Co-founder of The Midlife Mentors.
Clarie stands out as a beacon of transformation and empowerment. With a diverse background spanning coaching, PR, and wellness, Claire has uniquely positioned her organization to support individuals navigating the complexities of midlife. Alongside her husband James, she has created a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering growth, reinvention, and optimal living.
This interview unveils Claire’s multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship – From pioneering the world’s first Midlife Reset Audit to innovating with digital tools and interactive workshops.
Claire’s efforts are geared towards making significant impacts on the lives of her clients. Her philosophy integrates mind and body wellness, which is central to the services offered by The Midlife Mentors.
Following are Claire’s thoughts and words:
Give a brief overview of your professional journey. What made you choose your current industry?
I’ve always had a passion for coaching and actually qualified as a life coach in my early twenties. I then spent the next fifteen or so years juggling coaching with a career in PR, becoming a stress management coach along the way, and expanding into corporate coaching working with organizations like Microsoft. In my late thirties I qualified as a personal trainer and nutritional advisor, and for me suddenly the pieces fitted – it was about a mind and body approach.
I met my husband James, moved to Ibiza and together we set up The Midlife Mentors, a dynamic platform dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate the complexities of midlife and embrace the potential for growth and reinvention. Since then, my journey has been characterized by a relentless commitment to excellence, innovation, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
My decision to enter the field of midlife coaching and personal development was inspired by a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and growth. Like many individuals, I experienced the challenges and transitions that often accompany midlife, from questioning my purpose and identity to navigating changes in relationships and career paths.
I saw friends struggling and knew there was a way people could be living more optimized lives and improve their health and happiness at midlife. I saw an opportunity to fill a critical need for guidance, support, and resources tailored specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities of this stage of life.
I was drawn to the field by a genuine desire to make a difference and help others thrive during this pivotal stage. I believe that midlife is not a time of crisis, but rather a time of opportunity for growth, reinvention, and renewed purpose. By entering this industry, I am able to leverage my skills, expertise, and passion to empower individuals to embrace midlife as a time of possibility and fulfilment.
Brief us about your current role. What unique or fresh ideas have you introduced in your capacity?
As co-founder, together with James I am responsible for setting the strategic direction of The Midlife Mentors, overseeing day-to-day operations, and cultivating a culture of excellence, innovation, and impact. I’m very hands on with our social media and content, but for me the clients are always at the forefront of everything we do. In a typical week I’ll be running group coaching sessions, one to one sessions, recording podcasts, interviewing people, giving guidance in our community and interacting with clients, providing coaching and support, and ensuring that our services meet their needs and expectations.
I also work to represent The Midlife Mentors as a thought leader in the field of midlife empowerment, participating in speaking engagements, interviews, and other opportunities to share insights and expertise.
How does innovation guide your services and what importance does it hold?
We love to innovate! Innovation is at the core of everything we do at The Midlife Mentors, guiding our services and holding immense importance in our mission to empower individuals to thrive in midlife and beyond. Innovative approaches, such as interactive workshops, digital tools, and multimedia content, enhance engagement and foster deeper connections with our clients.
By incorporating novel techniques and platforms, we can create more immersive and impactful experiences that drive positive change. We can also reach a wider audience and break down barriers to accessing our services. Whether through digital platforms, online courses, or virtual coaching sessions, we can extend our reach beyond geographical boundaries meaning we have a global business. Right now, we have clients as far afield at Australia and the USA.
Overall, innovation is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a guiding principle that shapes our approach to serving our clients and fulfilling our mission. By embracing innovation, we can stay at the forefront of our industry, drive positive change, and empower individuals to thrive in midlife and beyond.
Technology is dynamic. How do you ensure that your solutions are scalable? How do you help clients undergo that transition?
Ensuring that our solutions are scalable is essential to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and accommodating growth. We have our own app that gives clients flexibility and accountability – everything is in there: nutrition, psychology modules, workouts, schedules, habit change, results tracking, so it’s a powerful tool for them and it’s like having coaches in their pocket.
We use tools like Zoom and leverage Facebook for our community, really, it’s about making sure clients have multiple touch points with us and can access the resources they need when they need them.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
I had lots of challenges in my PR days! Either products I didn’t really believe in or just trying to get exposure for things no one was interested in, but it was a great learning curve in being persistent. I’d say the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career was overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Like many people, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure, particularly when stepping into new roles or pursuing ambitious goals. I overcame this by acknowledging it, then working on it, I seek out mentors, coaches, and resources to support me along the way.
I learned to recognize and challenge my negative self-talk, replacing it with affirmations and empowering beliefs about my skills, talents, and potential. I also cultivated a growth mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.
What according to you, are the immediate challenges businesses need to address to facilitate applied emerging technologies?
Our primary work is working with people, so it’s relationships and that person to person contact we have means that tech is a conduit. I don’t see challenges for what we do in the sense of our coaching work, but social media and digital media are constantly changing so we stay alert to that so we can harness it in the best way to reach more people and have more impact.
What should the audience expect from your company and your team in the next few years?
Right now, we’ve just launched the world’s first Midlife Reset Audit, it’s an interactive scorecard that will help you identify where you’re getting stuck in life. So, it might be you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, unsure about your relationship with food, or lacking in body confidence. It’s common to face these challenges as we navigate through this stage of life, but it’s important to address them in order to live our best lives.
At The Midlife Mentors, we understand the complexities of midlife and offer a range of solutions to help clients reset and thrive. From group coaching to private sessions, we provide tailored support to improve your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier and happier midlife, take our Midlife Reset Audit to assess your current status and discover areas for growth. Click the link below to start your journey towards a more fulfilling midlife experience:
We’re working on a book, we’ve just launched a Mastermind course that includes in person events, we’ll be doing more events and retreats and of course the podcast continues to grow. So, a lot is going on but a lot more planned too.
What would you like to advise budding entrepreneurs through our magazine?
Start with Purpose: Define your mission and purpose early on. Understand why you’re starting your business and what impact you want to make in the world. It’s this passion and purpose that will drive you through the inevitable challenges and setbacks.
Don’t be afraid of failure: Failure is not the end; it’s a steppingstone to success. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes along the way. Each failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, and pivot towards a better outcome.
Focus on Value: Always prioritize delivering value to your customers. Understand their needs, pain points, and desires, and tailor your products or services to meet them. Building strong relationships with your customers will be the foundation of your success.
Stay Agile: Be adaptable and flexible in the face of change. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and the ability to pivot quickly in response to new opportunities or challenges is essential for survival. Stay agile and open-minded to new ideas and possibilities.
Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with talented and dedicated individuals who share your vision and complement your strengths. Your team is your greatest asset, and their passion and expertise will drive your business forward- outsource the stuff that you don’t want to do or that doesn’t light you up to someone that does love it.
Seek Mentorship: Don’t hesitate to seek guidance and advice from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors who have been through similar challenges. Their wisdom and insights can help you navigate obstacles and accelerate your growth.
Take Care of Yourself: Entrepreneurship can be demanding and stressful, so prioritize self-care and well-being. Make time for rest, relaxation, and activities that recharge your batteries. Your physical and mental health are critical for sustaining long-term success.
Stay Persistent: Building a successful business takes time, effort, and perseverance. Stay focused on your goals, stay persistent in the face of adversity, and never lose sight of your vision. Success may not come overnight, but with determination and resilience, you can achieve your dreams.
Finally, remember, entrepreneurship is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride, celebrate your successes, and learn from your failures. With passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you have the power to create something truly remarkable.
What is that one quote you absolutely live by or find helpful?
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” – Calvin Coolidge