Claire and James Davis are the dynamic co-founders of The Midlife Mentors, a coaching consultancy designed to help individuals and organizations thrive during midlife. Combining their professional expertise in coaching, psychology, and fitness with personal experiences, they have created a platform that challenges the traditional narrative of midlife as a period of decline. Instead, they present midlife as a time ripe with opportunities for growth, transformation, and fulfillment.
Claire and James Davis | Co-Founders | The Midlife Mentors
Through their podcast, corporate workshops, and personalized coaching programs, Claire and James empower individuals to embrace this pivotal life stage. Their work is anchored in a holistic approach, blending cutting-edge science, psychology, and practical strategies. With an ever-growing global audience, Claire and James continue to redefine what it means to flourish during midlife. At EliteX, we are proud to have Claire and James Davis as part of the edition: 10 Exceptional Business Leaders in 2024.
Claire and James didn’t set out to revolutionize the midlife experience by accident. Their individual journeys, both professional and personal, laid the foundation for The Midlife Mentors. Claire brings a wealth of experience from high-pressure industries such as operations, events, and PR, where she honed her skills in leadership, team-building, and strategy creation. She also established herself as a qualified coach with a deep understanding of personal growth and resilience. James, on the other hand, transitioned from the corporate world in 2011 to focus on his passion for psychology, fitness, and well-being. Armed with a master’s degree in psychology and certifications in NLP coaching, nutrition, and hormonal health, James has dedicated his career to helping people achieve holistic health and happiness.
“Leadership is about living your values and staying deeply connected to those you serve.”
Their combined expertise became the cornerstone of their coaching consultancy. Initially inspired by the challenges they observed in clients at their retreats, Claire and James realized midlife issues were often overlooked or misunderstood. This realization became the driving force behind their decision to create a specialized platform for midlife transformation. Building The Midlife Mentors was not without its challenges. From adapting their business during the pandemic to balancing their personal and professional lives, Claire and James faced obstacles that demanded resilience and adaptability. Their journey as business leaders has been deeply personal, driven by a commitment to empower others while staying true to their values.
For Claire, leadership meant drawing on her background in fast-paced industries to build a sustainable and impactful business model. For James, it meant using his expertise to design science-backed programs addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts of midlife. Together, they brought their complementary skills to the table, transforming their shared vision into a thriving global community. Initially focused on small group coaching and one-on-one mentorship, Claire and James have since expanded their offerings to include corporate workshops and keynote speaking. These initiatives address crucial topics such as andropause, menopause, and values-driven leadership, creating a ripple effect of positive change in workplaces and communities.
Midlife often brings a mix of challenges and opportunities. For Claire and James, these experiences became their inspiration. They observed the physical, emotional, and professional shifts that midlife entails, but rather than viewing these as obstacles, they saw them as opportunities for growth. Their personal journey through midlife sparked a desire to help others navigate this transformative stage. Witnessing the profound changes in the lives of their clients—people rediscovering their purpose, overcoming health issues, and achieving new levels of fulfillment—has been a constant source of motivation. Each success story reinforces their mission to change the narrative around midlife.
At its core, The Midlife Mentors aims to empower individuals and organizations to embrace midlife as a time of renewal. Their mission is to provide the tools, insights, and strategies needed to thrive during this transformative phase. By challenging outdated stigmas and fostering understanding, Claire and James hope to inspire a broader cultural shift in how midlife is perceived and experienced. A key aspect of their mission is addressing midlife challenges in the workplace. From tackling ageism to creating inclusive environments for employees navigating andropause or menopause, Claire and James are committed to fostering age positivity and intergenerational collaboration.
“Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about the impact you create.”
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Claire and James have encountered their fair share of challenges. The shift from in-person retreats to virtual offerings during the pandemic tested their adaptability and resilience. However, they embraced this transition as an opportunity to innovate, launching virtual programs that reached a wider audience. Balancing their growing business with personal well-being has also been a significant challenge. True to their philosophy, Claire and James prioritize self-care, mindfulness, and exercise, ensuring they lead by example. This commitment to alignment and balance has become a hallmark of their leadership style. For Claire and James, success is defined by the impact they create. Every client who regains their health, rebuilds their confidence, or achieves their professional goals represents a meaningful victory. Success also means challenging societal stigmas and sparking conversations that redefine midlife as a time of empowerment.
Motivation for Claire and James comes from their unwavering connection to their purpose and the people they serve. They are driven by the stories of transformation they witness—individuals overcoming obstacles and thriving during midlife. This sense of fulfillment fuels their dedication to their work. Continuous learning is another cornerstone of their growth. Staying at the forefront of developments in psychology, fitness, and leadership enables them to provide cutting-edge solutions to their clients. Collaboration and community engagement further inspire innovation, pushing Claire and James to expand their impact.
Among their many accomplishments, one stands out: James recently secured a book deal to address critical men’s midlife issues. While details remain under wraps, this milestone represents a significant step forward in their mission to bring midlife challenges into the spotlight. For Claire and James, the key to balance lies in intentionality. By aligning their professional goals with their personal values, they create harmony between work and life. They prioritize exercise, mindfulness, and downtime, knowing that these habits recharge their energy and creativity. Setting boundaries is another critical factor. Protecting time for their relationship and personal interests helps them stay grounded and connected. By integrating their personal experiences into their professional journey, Claire and James maintain a sense of alignment that benefits both aspects of their lives.
Claire and James offer several pieces of advice for aspiring business leaders:
- Define Your Purpose: Success starts with understanding your “why.” Let it guide your decisions and sustain you during challenges.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open to new ideas, investing in personal growth and professional development.
- Build Relationships: Strong networks of collaborators and mentors can accelerate your journey and help overcome obstacles.
- Cultivate Resilience: Challenges are inevitable but also opportunities for growth. Focus on solutions and long-term goals.
- Prioritize Well-Being: Effective leadership requires energy and clarity, so make self-care a priority.
The future for The Midlife Mentors is bright. Claire and James plan to expand their corporate workshops, speaking engagements, and thought leadership initiatives. They are passionate about addressing issues like ageism and advocating for intergenerational collaboration in the workplace. On a personal level, they remain committed to their own growth, continuously exploring new ways to support and inspire their community. With a clear mission and a proven track record, Claire and James Davis are redefining what it means to thrive during midlife, empowering countless individuals and organizations to embrace this transformative stage of life.
“Midlife is not a decline—it’s an opportunity for reinvention and growth.”
For further information, please contact at themidlifementors.com & team@themidlifementors.com