In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, Jo introduces Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk, the founder of the Women's Chapter, a community fostering the growth of women in business. Since 2014, the Women's Chapter has reached over 30,000 women through events, thought leadership, mentoring, and initiatives, becoming the first women's network in the UK to achieve B Corp certification for its social and environmental impact. Michelle shares her journey from varied career roles to founding the Women's Chapter as a passion project driven by a need for meaningful business connections. Michelle also discusses the pivotal moments that led to the growth of the Women's Chapter, including personal challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasises the importance of building a community that promotes genuine collaboration over transactional networking. This insightful episode highlights Michelle's dedication to empowering women and fostering connections that drive positive change. The conversation also covers key aspects of managing and scaling a business, outsourcing, maintaining a work-life balance, and future goals focused on simplicity and core strengths.

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:56 Introducing Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk

02:18 Michelle's Career Journey

03:52 The Birth of The Women's Chapter

06:23 Challenges and Inspirations

12:37 Building a Digital Home

15:26 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes

20:32 Expanding the Community

21:34 Managing Growth and Team Dynamics

25:45 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

28:24 Balancing Ambition and Realism

29:13 The Entrepreneurial Mindset

29:43 Building a Supportive Community

30:19 Diverse Inspirations and Success Stories

30:57 Aligning Passion with Purpose

31:23 Reinventing Career Paths

34:59 The Value of Midlife Experience

42:44 Future-Proofing Your Life and Business

45:56 Investments Worth Every Penny

48:45 Reflections and Gratitude

50:51 Looking Forward to 2026

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast, hosted by Jo Glynn-Smith, the focus is on new plans for the upcoming year. Jo celebrates a successful first year of the podcast, expresses gratitude to listeners, and introduces exciting new features. These include the '15 Minute Masterclass' series, aiming to provide expert advice on various business topics. Jo emphasises the importance of building a community around the podcast and encourages listeners to follow and engage with the show. Additionally, Jo announces the launch of a dedicated Instagram account for 'The Midlife Entrepreneur.'

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur Podcast

00:47 Reflecting on a Year of Podcasting

01:35 Introducing the 15-Minute Masterclass Series

02:07 Building Our Community

02:29 Follow Us and Stay Connected

02:58 Join Us on Instagram

03:29 Final Thoughts and How to Get Involved

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com

In this special end-of-season and year-end episode of The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast, host Jo reflects on her journey of nearly a year in podcasting, emphasising the key theme of resilience learned from her conversations with various entrepreneurs. Jo then passes the microphone to her summer interns, Song and Issie, who interview her about her career pivot at the age of 47, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned. Jo shares insights on the importance of resilience, listening to experienced individuals, stepping out of your comfort zone, and self-belief. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about career transitions, personal growth, and resilience.

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Entrepreneur podcast

00:41 Reflecting on a Year of Resilience

01:32 Exciting Changes and Interns

02:06 Song and Issie Take Over

02:23 Jo's Career Pivot at 47

03:37 Discovering Purpose and Coaching

06:35 Building a Business from Scratch

09:07 Navigating Ups and Downs

10:37 Transitioning Careers and Overcoming Fear

12:51 Embracing the Geek Within

13:14 Navigating Post-University Uncertainty

14:24 Creating Your Own Opportunities

15:38 Measuring Success as a Self-Employed Professional

17:04 Learning from Inspirational Women

18:30 Advice for Young Women Entering the Job Market

22:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Support the show

Edited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025.
Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BX
For bookings: eightworks@eightclub.co.uk

Jo Glynn-Smith is an entrepreneur, professional coach, writer, and speaker from London, she is an expert in career transformation and change.

Instagram @jojoglynnsmith and @themidlifeentrepreneur

Contact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.com
www.joglynnsmith.com

MUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.io
PHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH www.jonathanglynnsmith.com