“You believe that it’s all about processes but your mindset is the most important key in your business.”
Three and a half years ago Jo Clark of Jo Clark Coaching left her former profession as a highly experienced educator.
Jo left burnt-out after over 30 years in the profession. This time also coincided with her children finishing school, her mother becoming very frail and passing away and a couple of health concerns due to long-term stress as well as the menopause transition. Many of these issues are very familiar to women in their 40’s and 50’s, yet Jo found that there is very little help for women.
Jo knew that her skills and experience in teaching, mentoring and programme development, combined with her studies and knowledge in the areas of wellness, neuropsychology and neuroscience could be used to help other women who were needing support during the middle of life.
Now at Jo Clark Coaching, Jo supports the 40+ woman to rediscover her purpose, health and passion in the second half of life through bespoke mentoring/coaching programmes, online membership, speaking and workshop events and podcasts.
Jo joined the HerBusiness Network in 2020 and says that the Network continues to provide ongoing support and education in the area of business “You believe that it’s all about processes but your mindset is the most important key in your business.”. Jo also loves that there is a community of women to network with and this means that there’s a huge collective knowledge base of female CEOs to access at any time.
When not mentoring clients, you’ll find Jo hosting the ‘Redefining Midlife’ Podcast which is now ranked in the top 10% of most popular shows globally.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Tracy Harris. Tracy came from a similar background in the education profession to me and has created an incredible business. She has been a fabulous mentor to me as I grow and evolve my own business. I love her ‘Life By Design’ as the guiding principle of designing business around what’s important in my life.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
Three and a half years ago I left my former profession as a highly experienced educator.
I left burnt-out after over 30 years in the profession. This time also coincided with my children finishing school, my mother becoming very frail and passing away and a couple of health concerns due to long-term stress as well as the menopause transition. Many of these issues are very familiar to women in their 40’s and 50’s, yet there is very little help for women.
I knew that my skills and experience in teaching, mentoring and programme development, combined with my studies and knowledge in the areas of wellness, neuropsychology and neuroscience could be used to help other women who were needing support during the middle of life.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I just love being able to support and empower other midlife women to design, create and live a more fulfilling second half of life. I love seeing their purpose, health and passion for life increase. The ripple effect is incredible and is ongoing.
I love creating bespoke programmes and offers for women.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- You believe that it’s all about processes but your mindset is the most important key in your business. You need to continually work on that.
- Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and don’t get sucked into programmes or the beliefs that it happens quickly.
- Know your numbers.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Don’t give up when things get difficult or challenging.
Receive support and learn from groups such as Her Business and seek out supportive mentors who can help you to grow.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Plan and create your business with what is truly important in your life – your key values.
- Surround yourself with mentors who can support and advise you in your journey.
- Know your ideal client well.
- Seek and receive feedback often.
- Don’t follow shiny objects – rather do one thing well – rinse and repeat.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
- I will have a skilled team to support me as my business continues to grow.
- My monthly membership has grown to 200 members.
- I have a limited number of high ticket mentoring places each month.
- I am sought after as a paid speaker and workshop presenter.
- My retreats are high end, always in beautiful places and they always have a waitlist.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
HerBusiness continues to provide ongoing support and education in the area of business. There are a large number of women to network with and this means that there’s a huge collective knowledge base to access at any time.
Learn more about Jo and Jo Clark Coaching.
