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:
https://midlife-reset-audit.scoreapp.com
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
