Business Talk Magazine

“Entrepreneurship starts with self-actualization, and as you expand your awareness and vitality in the world, it adds to your success.” Consider this: Would you start your own business if you weren’t meeting your most interesting objectives? Building an idea can be a gradual process for some people, while it can happen suddenly for others. The desire, though, is what can keep you going. It is that burst of enthusiasm and energy that propels you to that decisive moment and keeps you there even in times of crisis. Because of this, mindfulness in business is crucial. Entrepreneurship allows you to serve others, be free, and develop innovations that can make the world a better place. Having mindfulness enables you to broaden your horizons and channel your intentions into a strong and stable business.

However, the art of manifesting can be a tough nut to crack. While a few tenets like following your own ethics rather than rules, leading by example, and being conscious can help, it is always better to have a “coach” who guides you and provides you with the right tools to achieve your mindfulness. James Davis is one such influential guide. For nearly 1½ decades, this acclaimed master coach, psychologist, and performance expert has been transforming people’s lives through his wellness retreat, 38°N, and the midlife health coaching brand, The Midlife Mentors.

The following story explains his meteoric climb and how he is helping people in achieving wellness without having to make any sacrifices.

MANIFESTING INTO AN ENTREPRENEUR

“Visualisation is a way of befriending of ourselves and our experiences.”

This thought has been James’ goal at heart. Having spent years in the corporate world, James had all the ingredients to become an entrepreneur. He gained priceless expertise in areas like processes, marketing, sales, and budgeting, which are important in the realm of entrepreneurship. Even though it was a brand-new task, venturing out without the support of departments opened up new learning opportunities for him. Determined to branch out, he went to the charming island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. He wanted to help people live their best lives, so he set up his retreat brand, 38°N, which redefined the concept of wellness retreats. How though? “We partner with 5-Star hotels so that clients have a high quality of lodging and facilities, and we focus on not just introducing people to new types of exercise, but also educating them about nutrition, changing limiting attitudes, and everything they’d need for long-term change,” says James.

He still runs 38°N with his wife and partner Claire and has received numerous awards. And after a decade working with thousands of clients, the duo founded The Midlife Mentors. Over the years, they have seen midlifers and many friends experiencing low energy and feeling out of sync with their body, mind, and life. James wanted to shake all that up and show people that there’s a different way to embrace middle age to get more out of it. With this in mind, The Midlife Mentors has evolved into a multi-platform brand with the mission of providing midlifers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in their second act. They do that through their “8-Week Transformational Program” for mind and body, along with coaching and corporate wellness work. “We have a popular and well-rated podcast where Claire and I share knowledge and inspiration while having fun. This show served as the basis for the entire Midlife Mentors brand,” adds James.

TRAVERSING ROUGH PATCHES

📷: Constance Doyle

James’ journey to becoming a master coach hasn’t been easy. He was on an uncharted path, whether it was establishing 38°N or The Midlife Mentors. At that time, no one accepted the idea of fitness retreats because Ibiza was viewed as an esoteric party island. However, the concept is now pervasive in Ibiza and beyond! Growing The Midlife Mentors was tough as well. During the pandemic, James saw a rapid decline in retreat bookings and had to refund everyone. The upside of this situation was that it accelerated the development of The Midlife Mentors.

James attributes this growth to their ability to learn from challenges and look on the bright side. He believes in, “Whenever there’s an obstacle, look for the opportunity. “You may not see it there right away, but usually there is one.” His calm attitude and ability to assess has always been his cornerstones. Instead of acting out of fear and make wrong decisions, he believes in stepping back and observing what’s happening to get the full picture and taking action accordingly.

THE MIDLIFE MENTORS – ASK & YOU SHALL RECEIVE

A good coach provides support in all areas of success, beginning with enhancing well-being and assisting with goal achievement, improving focus, and relaxing more. This is what Midlife Mentors, as a brand, specializes in. It employs proven scientific practices rooted in a knowledge of hormones, psychology, nutrition, personal training, and stress management to ensure the health and happiness of people in their forties and fifties. The result-driven model supports a long-term healthy lifestyle, further inspiring change in nutrition and exercise. 

All their transformational routines come in a user-friendly app that includes real-time workout videos, training programs, nutrition workshops, meal plans, recipes, and coaching workshops addressing habit change, goal setting, motivation, and more. They work with senior corporate individuals, entrepreneurs, and HNIs. On the corporate end, they partner with multi-national corporations, providing workshops, executive coaching, and employee programs. In short, they work with both small and large audiences, changing lives and showing them that they’ve invested in success. While clients do feel cynical at first, they provide results that help boost confidence and cultivate a long-term relationship. It’s been two years since James has been on this journey, and he has clients who have been there since the beginning.

WELL-ENCASED IN RESEARCH & INNOVATION

As challenging as it is to achieve transformation without a mentor, the mentor must be inventive, too. As such, The Midlife Mentors invest significant resources in research and updating their inventiveness. This helps in keeping up with innovations and technology to improve the client’s experience. Instead of just adding technology for the sake of it, they focus on adaptability and how tech can foster a holistic experience. For instance, their entire program comes within the app. This means clients have the tools in the palm of their hands, and the data can integrate with technologies like Apple Health and the Apple Watch, improving the client experience.

Spending time in research brings out many insights from the fields of psychology, exercise, nutrition, and therapy that can be incorporated into sessions with clients. In a broad sense, it helps to coach mid-lifers in the most effective ways, enlightening them on their hormonal changes at this time and how they adapt to those changes. This not only brings out positive results but helps them carve a niche for employing a unique evidence-based approach with every client.

A RESULT-DRIVEN CULTURE

While helping others grow and succeed, James ensures that the resources at hand are feasible. To put it another way, there is a sense of security and a sense of belonging, and people have the chance to grow and contribute to something bigger than themselves. The Mindful Mentors is instilled with many lively tenets that not only keep the team educated about the market but also encourage them to use forward-thinking concepts. Here, people work with a “can-do mentality” that allows them to be innovative while remaining within the parameters of their operation. 

James, as a leader, also ensures an open communication channel across all levels. “If we’re taking a risk for growth, communicate it and explain the how and why; that way everyone – feels invested,” he says. This is an essential element of his leadership. He affirms that rather than being coerced into innovation, the team should always be aware and bring ideas that fit the business goals and what it strives to achieve. In the end, this keeps the business lucrative, keeps everyone working diligently, and encourages a long-term view of the business.

TRANSFORMERING LIVES DURING PANDEMIC

The Pandemic was a critical turning point for The Mindful Mentors. As mentioned, the period drastically cut the number of people interested in retreats. At the same time, it allowed people to embrace virtual coaching through calls and video calls, which helped the brand thrive.  “Technology has evolved how we do business.” It enables us to reach countless individuals each week via our podcast, which we record, produce, and distribute ourselves,” says James. On the other hand, a hybrid strategy allowed them to increase their presence in corporate settings, interact with influential people, and make an impact. Their app also contributes to fortifying integral relationships with clients while allowing them to expand their horizons. For a brand in its 2nd year, technology and teamwork have been influential keystones, helping it reach and strengthen meaningful relationships.

MANY FEATHERS ON THE CAP

The Midlife Mentors have gained significant recognition for their work, assisting people in embracing and enjoying their “second innings.” At an age that many people see as the beginning of the end, the brand has helped them look at the positive and be their guiding light. All of this is possible because of two people who want to help people enjoy life to the fullest throughout the world. James has been the innovative force, together with his wife who also brings an eye for detail for planning and execution. 

The amalgamation of their distinct qualities instilled within a similar goal has turned challenges into critical stepping stones. Needless to say, the endeavors have gotten them recognized by global media icons, such as ELLE, The Sunday Times, Grazia, National Geographic Traveler, and much more. In fact, their popularity allowed them to address issues like menopause, stress, andropause, emotional toughness, etc., at notable events.

However, as James points out, what truly brings them joy is hearing positive feedback from clients. “It is always wonderful and brightens us up,” he said, “when people tell us that we’ve changed lives, they’ve never felt so good, they’ve got good jobs, or they’ve launched businesses.” They are working with many blue-chip companies and are proud to make a difference for their people.

NEXT STEPS TO COVER

As proud as they are in helping people continuously achieve success, James says there are many horizons they’ll explore. While they’ve got many things in the pipeline, they’re currently working on an innovative immersive program for high achievers to reach their full potential and are soon publishing two books as well.

AN INSPIRING ENDNOTE

“There’s no easy way, success is down to consistency, persistence and ruthless application of your plan to achieve your vision.” – James Davis, Founder. 

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