Midlife Murmurings

Authenticity, Resilience, and the Silver Ceiling with Liz Jewitt-Cross

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/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/lizjewittcross/] * Future HR website: www.future-hr.co.uk/ [http://www.future-hr.co.uk/] * The Coaching Solution: www.thecoachingsolution.co.uk/ [http://www.thecoachingsolution.co.uk/] Connect with Chris & Midlife Murmurings: * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgates14 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgates14] * Midlife Murmurings (all other resources including details of upcoming online Midlife Murmurings Gatherings: https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings [https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings]

Thinking Differently in Midlife — with Jonathan Salisbury, Co-Founder of Thinkfully

Episode Overview In 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 Thinkfully Thinkfully 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 & Collaborate Jonathan 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-salisbury-3021581/] * Thinkfully Website: https://www.thinkfully.co/ [https://www.thinkfully.co/] - for the sense-makers * 100% Cotton (Jonathan's Research House): https://www.onehundredpercentcotton.com/ [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

Rebirth, Balance & Authenticity in Midlife with Philippa Clifford-Davies

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippacd/]| [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgates11/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippacd/] Chris Gates (host) - Christopher Gates | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgates11/] Midlife Murmurings - https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings [https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings]

Navigating the Second Half & Beating Burnout with Jason Pooley

THE SECOND HALF: INTENTIONAL LIVING, JOY & PRESENCE In 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 Pooley * Website: www.jasonpooley.com [http://www.jasonpooley.com] * Social: Connect with Jason on Instagram and LinkedIn @JasonPooley

Row Your Own Boat - Purpose, Partnership & the Pivot to Retirement with Chris James

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 Covered * Midlife as mindset, not milestone * Leaving corporate life and learning to rest * Building a lifestyle business from scratch * Redefining retirement as purpose without pay * Marriage, identity, and recalibration in later life * The power of community and long-term friendships * Letting go of prestige and turning purpose outward 🔗 Links & Resources * Connect with Chris James: Chris James | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-james-117a829/] * Join the Midlife Murmurings Murmuration: Midlife Murmurings | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree [https://linktr.ee/midlife.murmurings] * Follow Chris Gates: Christopher Gates | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgates11/]