In this feature interview, we explore the dynamic world of James Davis, Co-founder of The
Midlife Mentors.
With a rich background that spans psychology, media, and business development at
prestigious companies such as Warner Bros and MTV, James has harnessed his diverse
experiences to carve a niche in health, wellness, and personal development.
Our conversation with James unveils the personal motivations and professional strategies
behind The Midlife Mentors. This organization, a beacon for those navigating the challenges
of midlife, stands out for its integrated approach to health and wellness, emphasizing mind-
body synergy.
In this interview, James discusses the transformative power of holistic lifestyle changes, his
transition into the wellness industry, and the innovative strategies he applied to propel his
company forward.
His insights provide a roadmap for managing midlife transitions with vitality and purpose,
reflecting his deep commitment to empowering others to thrive during this pivotal life stage.
Following are James’s thoughts and words:
Give a brief overview of your professional journey. What made you choose your current
industry?
Great question, my professional journey has been diverse. I trained as a psychologist getting
my Master’s degree before switching to a career in media creating content initially, but as I
got older moved more into the business development and strategy space with roles at Warner
Bros, MTV and The Times, I loved it and along the way picked up my MBA, but I felt a
calling to shift my focus towards health, wellness, and personal development.
The decision to enter the health and wellness industry was deeply personal for me. In a sense
it took me full circle back to my psychology foundations. I got upskilled in getting
qualifications in coaching, NLP, personal training, hormones, gut health, nutrition because I
wanted to offer a truly integrated approach to the challenges and transformations that come
with navigating midlife.
From managing stress and hormonal changes to prioritizing self-care and overall well-being,
I realized the profound impact that truly holistic and integrated lifestyle changes can have on
our health and happiness.
Through The Midlife Mentors, Claire and I aim to really empower individuals by providing
guidance, support, and resources so people can navigate midlife with confidence and vitality.
My mission is to empower others to reclaim control of their health, unlock their full potential,
and thrive during this transformative stage of life.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it
and what did you learn from it?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career was transitioning from my previous industry to
the health and wellness sector. Making this shift required me to step out of my comfort zone,
acquire new skills, and establish myself in a completely different field.
I was in a foreign country, running premises, a team and responsible for all the aspects of the
business: marketing, sales, PR, finance…
At points I questioned whether I had made the right decision and whether I had the
knowledge and expertise to succeed at what I was doing.
By leveraging the skills and experience I already had, along with committing myself to
continuous learning and self-improvement, I found a way through. I also sought out mentors,
pursued additional certifications and training, and immersed myself in the latest research and
developments in the health and wellness industry.
Persistence, resilience, and a willingness to adapt were crucial during this period of transition.
It’s important to stay focused on the bigger picture and be deterred by setbacks or obstacles
along the way.
Through perseverance and dedication, I gradually built a thriving coaching practice and
established The Midlife Mentors as a trusted resource in the field of midlife health and
wellness that it is today.
Looking back, I realize that this challenge was not only an opportunity for personal and
professional growth but also a valuable lesson in resilience, determination, flexibility, and the
power of believing in yourself and your goals.
What do you plan next to accelerate growth at your organization?
We have several strategic initiatives planned to accelerate The Midlife Mentors’ reach and
impact.
Firstly, we are focused on expanding our reach and visibility through targeted marketing
efforts and strategic partnerships. This includes enhancing our online presence through digital
marketing campaigns, social media engagement, and content creation to connect with a wider
audience of midlifers seeking support and guidance.
Additionally, we are investing in the development of new products and services that address
the evolving needs and preferences of our clients. This includes the introduction of new
specialized longer term coaching programs, online courses, and digital resources tailored to
specific midlife health and wellness challenges.
One of the most exciting things we’re working on is committing to fostering a thriving
community of like-minded individuals through our platform. We plan to host more events,
workshops, and networking opportunities to facilitate connection, collaboration, and mutual
support among midlifers on their wellness journey.
Our goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that empowers midlifers to thrive in
every aspect of their lives and provides them with the tools, resources and support they need
in one place. We will continue to accelerate growth and make a meaningful difference in the
lives of those we serve.
How feasible is leading a holistic life considering today’s fast-paced lifestyle and societal
construct?
In today’s fast-paced world, leading a holistic life may seem challenging, but it is entirely
achievable with the right mindset, strategies, and support systems in place. While societal
constructs and external pressures may create obstacles, prioritizing well-being pays such
dividends for overall health, happiness and performance, that it’s a necessity to prioritize it,
and is exactly what we coach our clients on.
It’s not always about looking for that big one thing that makes a change, it rarely works like
that. Rather by adopting an integrated approach, individuals can make big transformations in
their life by a series of small adjustments, making it easier to live a balanced life while
getting the results you’re looking for.
Just understanding how to prioritize self-care activities such as regular exercise, nutritious
eating, mindfulness practices, and adequate rest and relaxation can have a huge impact and
can be easily incorporated into your life once you know how.
Also, being part of community as well as having trusted mentors to lean on, really does
provide invaluable emotional and social support.
Ultimately, leading a holistic life is not about achieving perfection but rather embracing a
mindset and making intentional choices that align with one’s values and priorities, and it is
totally do-able in the modern world.
In the dynamic business world where things can change in a snap, how does one keep a
steady head and focus on one’s goals?
First and foremost, establishing clear and actionable goals is essential. By defining specific
objectives and breaking them down into manageable tasks, we can maintain clarity and
direction even amidst uncertainty. Additionally, regularly reviewing and revising our goals as
needed allows for adaptability and flexibility in response to changing circumstances.
Another key aspect of staying focused on goals is cultivating a resilient mindset. This
involves embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, maintaining a positive outlook,
and reframing setbacks as valuable learning experiences. Practicing positive psychology and
effective stress management techniques can also help us stay grounded and centered.
Alongside that goes effective time management and fostering a supportive network of
colleagues, mentors, and peers can provide invaluable guidance, perspective, and
encouragement.
Really, it’s a combination of strategic planning, emotional resilience, time management, and
collaboration to stay focused and get results.
What awards and accolades has your organization received so far?
We’ve been fortunate enough to have won 16 awards since 2019, including for our coaching
and some for our retreats. We’ve also reached the shortlist for more awards including Men’s
Health Advocate for James for the work he’s been doing with midlife men.
Where do you see yourself and your organization in the years to come?
I see us continuing to evolve and make a positive impact on the lives of our clients and the
broader community. As a leader in the field of midlife coaching and wellness, we’re
committed to expanding our reach and enhancing our offerings to meet the evolving needs of
our audience.
There will be continued expansion and diversification of our services to cater to a wider
audience and address a broader range of needs. This may involve scaling our existing
programs, launching new initiatives, or forming strategic partnerships to amplify our impact
and reach.
We also want to better connect and foster community within our audience and continue to
deliver personalized, high-quality experiences that empower individuals to thrive in midlife
and beyond.
As for personally, I continue to explore new avenues for innovation and creativity. I am
passionate about lifelong learning and am dedicated to staying abreast of the latest
developments in my industry to better serve my clients and community.
Ultimately, my vision for the future is one of growth, innovation, and impact. I am excited
about the opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to realizing our shared vision of
helping individuals lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives as they navigate the
challenges and opportunities of midlife.
What is that one quote you absolutely live by or find helpful?
“Nothing in the 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
