Midlife Murmurings

In this episode of Midlife Murmurings, Chris Gates sits down with Liz Jewitt-Cross, founder of Future HR and advisory partner at The Coaching Solution. Liz brings over 20 years of experience as a fractional HR and business transformation director, now focused on portfolio consulting, executive coaching, and mentoring.Together, they explore:What midlife means to Liz — confidence, authenticity, and balance.The opportunities and challenges of building a business in midlife.How technology and transformation impact different generations in the workplace.The role of coaching and mentoring in planning transitions and creating legacy.Facing the “silver ceiling” and reframing value through fractional and flexible work.The power of networks, authenticity, and human connection in career and life.Personal reflections on health, family, and the importance of balance beyond the screen.WARNING: This episode contains reference to suicide & mental health.Connect with Liz:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lizjewittcross/Future HR website: www.future-hr.co.uk/The Coaching Solution: www.thecoachingsolution.co.uk/Connect with Chris & Midlife Murmurings:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgates14Midlife Murmurings (all other resources including details of upcoming online Midlife Murmurings Gatherings: https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings

Episode OverviewIn this conversation, Chris Gates sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Jonathan Salisbury, co-founder of Thinkfully. Jonathan’s work is not about what to think, but how to think — using four powerful strategies that unlock creativity, problem‑solving, and resilience.Together, we explore both Thinkfully's work, as well as Jonathan's own journey to Midlife, including:The four thinking styles — Expert, Link, Depth, and Click — and how they shape our decisions.How they help us be more human in the age of AI.The Midlife Perch — a vantage point to pause, recalibrate, and see life’s threads more clearly.Navigating corporate and entrepreneurial life, including work with Sainsburys & GlaxoSmithKline as well as his own ventures.Discovering how faith, friendships, and thinking practices have sustained him.The role of wilderness times in confronting limitation and discovering renewal, including during family illness.His reflections remind us that nothing is wasted — every experience can be formative if we lean into it with openness.About ThinkfullyThinkfully equips leaders and organisations to:Recognise and expand their thinking styles.Break free from over‑reliance on expertise.Unlock creativity and resilience in times of change.Embed new ways of thinking into culture and strategy.Jonathan has worked with organisations from the NHS to Fortune 500 companies, helping teams think more effectively and collaboratively.Connect & CollaborateJonathan is passionate about partnering with leaders, founders, and communities who want to think differently and lead more regeneratively.=> If you’d like to explore potential collaborations with Jonathan or learn more about Thinkfully, you can reach out directly:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-salisbury-3021581/Thinkfully Website: https://www.thinkfully.co/ - for the sense-makers100% Cotton (Jonathan's Research House): https://www.onehundredpercentcotton.com/Key Quote“Attention is the ignition key for the mind. Where we choose to put our thoughts, everything else flows from that.” — Jonathan Salisbury

In this conversation, tech leader Philippa Clifford-Davies reflects on how midlife is less a crisis and more a rebirth. She shares stories of balancing family and career, navigating curveballs, failure and confidence, embracing authenticity, and finding joy in connection. From redundancy to resilience, and from technology’s rapid pace to the wisdom of gut instinct, Philippa offers a candid look at how midlife leaders can shape culture with values, heart, and impact.Highlights:Midlife as Rebirth — not a crisis, but a chance to reset and reimagine.Family & Education — the gifts of storytelling, hospitality, and resilience passed down from her parents.Balancing Career & Family — lessons learned from negotiating part‑time work, valuing herself, and adapting at each stage of her children’s lives.Curveballs & Courage — navigating illness, aging parents, and perimenopause while leading in corporate life.Authenticity at Work — letting go of perfection, embracing “Ronseal leadership” (does what it says on the tin).Technology’s Speed — shifting from early adopter to wise user, staying comfortable with continuous change.Relationships & Networking — building trust, listening deeply, and creating joy in collaboration.Redundancies & Renewal — reframing reductions in force as opportunities for reinvention.Gut Instinct — intuition as a compass for decision‑making.Role Modeling — showing younger colleagues that authenticity and imperfection are part of real leadership.Corporate Culture & Support — founding WOW (Wonderful Oracle Women) to create ecosystems of support across organizations.Key Quote:“Midlife isn’t a slowing down—it’s a deepening.”Connect:Philippa Clifford-Davies - Philippa Clifford-Davies | LinkedInChris Gates (host) - Christopher Gates | LinkedInMidlife Murmurings - https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings

The Second Half: Intentional Living, Joy & PresenceIn this episode, host Chris Gates is joined by Jason Pooley, High Performance Coach and former professional athlete, to discuss the often-silent struggle of burnout during the midlife transition.Jason shares his journey from the intensity of high-level sport and business to deep healing and intentional community building. This conversation offers crucial insights for anyone feeling the "drift," the fatigue, or the quiet invitation to slow down and build a better second half of life.Key Takeaways You'll Learn:Reframing Midlife: Why the "second half" should be viewed as an invitation to focus on new possibilities and long-term health, not just a ticking clock.The Freedom Trap: How high performers and business owners create ventures for freedom but often become completely consumed by their work, leading to silent burnout.The Body Speaks: Recognizing the subtle, "murmurings" of early burnout, from irritability and lack of focus to physical fatigue.The Power of the Pit Stop: The necessity of building regular, conscious downtime (daily and weekly) into your rhythm to prevent a complete crash.The Internal Game: Focusing on the four realms of energy (Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual) as the foundation for recovery.Slowing Down: Why learning to be present leads to clearer thinking, better decision-making, and improved health.Don't Do It Alone: The safety, joy, and beauty of finding a support ecosystem—a "murmuration"—to navigate this phase of life together.Guest Details & Resources:Guest: Jason PooleyWebsite: www.jasonpooley.comSocial: Connect with Jason on Instagram and LinkedIn @JasonPooley

In this warm and reflective conversation, Chris James joins Chris Gates to explore midlife as a series of intentional pivots — from corporate leadership to startup joy, and into a purpose-driven retirement. With over 40 years in sales and software, Chris shares what it means to shed prestige, recalibrate identity, and stay true to relational integrity.From building Day 5 Consulting with Will O’Brien to navigating marriage in retirement, Chris offers practical wisdom and emotional depth. This episode is a masterclass in legacy, humility, and the quiet power of choosing your own rhythm.🧭 Topics CoveredMidlife as mindset, not milestoneLeaving corporate life and learning to restBuilding a lifestyle business from scratchRedefining retirement as purpose without payMarriage, identity, and recalibration in later lifeThe power of community and long-term friendshipsLetting go of prestige and turning purpose outward🔗 Links & ResourcesConnect with Chris James: Chris James | LinkedInJoin the Midlife Murmurings Murmuration: Midlife Murmurings | Instagram, Facebook | LinktreeFollow Chris Gates: Christopher Gates | LinkedIn

In this bold and brilliant conversation, Gini Holden joins Chris Gates to explore midlife as a portal to liberation. From hacking consumer behaviour with neuroscience to reclaiming irreverence after decades of fitting in, Gini blends science, soul, and storytelling with unapologetic clarity.She shares how she turned grief into grit, built startups from scratch, and developed a framework for rewiring the brain — not through mindset alone, but through nervous system mastery. This episode is a rallying cry for anyone shedding old identities and stepping into their next chapter with curiosity, courage, and community.🧠 Topics CoveredWhy midlife often feels “done to you” — and how to reclaim itThe neuroscience behind the “Bag for Life” revolutionHow cultural scripts shape our buying decisions and identitiesNeuro-tempering: a 7-pillar framework for rewiring behaviorThe power of group to embed lasting changeSaying no as a form of midlife powerReclaiming irreverence, curiosity, and the self you left behind🔗 Links & ResourcesLearn more about Gini’s work & the Neuro-tempering workshops @ the f0undry: www.f0undry.co.ukConnect with Gini: linkedin.com/in/virginia-holdenJoin the Midlife Murmurings: Midlife Murmurings | Instagram, Facebook | LinktreeFollow Chris Gates: Christopher Gates | LinkedIn

A midlife conversation with Martin Palethorpe on ego, embodiment, and the quiet revolution of presence.In this intimate episode, leadership coach Martin Palethorpe joins Christopher Gates to explore the art of living wisely. From ultra-marathons to meditation, divorce to community, Martin shares how tuning into inner wisdom—not ego—has shaped his journey. Together, they unpack the myths of ambition, the power of slowness, and the beauty of showing up authentically. This is a conversation for anyone yearning to live the one precious life with clarity, courage, and soul.Do like, share and subscribe - and join our Midlife Murmuration in the LinkedIn Group - links in bio!Connect with Martin via his website, www.be-unbounded.com, where you can find out more about his work, upcoming retreats and coaching opportunities.

In this episode, Chris Gates sits down with Emma Thomas—executive coach, menopause educator, and founder of Managing the Menopause—to explore how menopause can be a gateway to clarity, recalibration, and midlife power.Emma shares what perimenopause and menopause actually mean, how hormonal shifts impact identity, relationships, and careers, and why workplaces must move beyond policy to culture. This is a conversation about shedding what no longer serves us—and stepping into what’s next.🧭 Topics CoveredWhat perimenopause and menopause actually areThe emotional, cognitive, and relational impact of hormonal shiftsWhy menopause is often misunderstood—even by those experiencing itThe role of coaching in restoring confidence and resilienceHow organizations can support midlife employees with empathy and flexibilityMenopause as a catalyst for career pivots, relationship changes, and personal power💬 Key Quotes“I used to be all over this stuff. Now I’m forgetting things. I’m more anxious. I’m not feeling like myself.”“We find the inner strength to walk away from what no longer serves us.”“It’s not just a decline—it’s a gateway.”“One in ten women leave the workplace because they’re not getting the right support.”“The best organisations normalise the conversation. They build psychological safety.”📚 ResourcesEmma’s podcast: Middling AlongEmma’s community: Holding Up the SkyBook: The Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa MosconiInitiative: Managing the Menopause - including workplace resourcesCoaching practice: The Triple ShiftFollow Emma Thomas on LinkedIn🔗You're invited to join our joyous Midlife Murmuration!Join the Midlife Murmurings LinkedIn GroupCheck out all our Midlife Murmurings interviews & resources on Linktr.eeFollow Chris Gates on LinkedInShare your own murmurings—what’s shifting for you in midlife?

Welcome to Midlife Murmurings, where we explore the wisdom, wonder, and wildness of midlife. In this episode, Chris Gates is joined by Julian Burnett—creator, leader, investor, and mentor—for a rich, reflective conversation on what it means to live a legacy.🌀 Topics include:Midlife as a crescendo: the emotional, professional, and relational shifts that define this chapterThe gift of wise teachers and parents - investing in people as a lifestyleParenting through transitions—and being parented in returnThe impact of loss and the quiet wisdom it bringsPractices for staying well: swimming, walking, and the power of presenceLeadership, teamwork, and the art of growing othersRed zone living: how to spot burnout and build resilienceAngel investing with purpose: the 3 Cs Julian looks for in foundersRedefining success: from metrics to meaning, from money to cider🍏 Plus: Julian shares the story behind “Wasted”—a cider brewed in memory of a friend, and a metaphor for legacy, loss, and renewal.📌 Guest: Julian Burnett📌 Host: Chris Gates📌 Series: Midlife Murmurings📌 Recorded: September 2025🔗 Join the murmurationLeave a comment below with your reflections, questions, or your own midlife murmurings. We’d love to hear from you.👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for more episodesAnd join the Midlife Murmuration via this link#MidlifeMurmurings #JulianBurnett #ChrisGates #Leadership #Legacy #AngelInvesting #Parenting #Wellbeing #CrescendoLiving #Podcast

In this episode of Midlife Murmurings, host Chris Gates welcomes master coach Claire Pedrick for a rich, honest conversation about midlife as a season of choice, reflection, and quiet transformation.Claire shares how her own journey—through coaching, therapy, and walking the Camino—has shaped her understanding of purpose, partnership, and the invisible shifts that come with aging. From the tension between finance and flourishing to the renegotiation of roles in long-term relationships, this episode offers soulful insight and practical wisdom for anyone navigating the second half of life.🌿 Topics include:What midlife really means—and why it’s not a crisisCoaching as a space to say the unsayableThe tension between earning and flourishingNavigating midlife in relationships that feel out of syncThe power of pilgrimage and packing lightVisibility, legacy, and the courage to change🎧 Listen now and explore what it means to walk your own golden window—with curiosity, companionship, and a little less baggage.To connect with Claire, you can find her and the Coaching Inn podcast at:-https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairepedrick/www.youtube.com/@3DCoachingInsta @3d.coachingTo find more Midlife Murmurings, and to join our Linked In Midlife Murmuration, follow the links https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings