About this episode
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 Podcast00:56 Introducing Michelle Pughe-Parry de Klerk02:18 Michelle's Career Journey03:52 The Birth of The Women's Chapter06:23 Challenges and Inspirations12:37 Building a Digital Home15:26 Navigating Personal and Professional Changes20:32 Expanding the Community21:34 Managing Growth and Team Dynamics25:45 Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities28:24 Balancing Ambition and Realism29:13 The Entrepreneurial Mindset29:43 Building a Supportive Community30:19 Diverse Inspirations and Success Stories30:57 Aligning Passion with Purpose31:23 Reinventing Career Paths34:59 The Value of Midlife Experience42:44 Future-Proofing Your Life and Business45:56 Investments Worth Every Penny48:45 Reflections and Gratitude50:51 Looking Forward to 2026Support the showEdited and produced by Jo Glynn-Smith 2025. Recorded at Eight Works Podcast Studios, 1 Dysart Street, London, EC2A 2BXFor 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 @themidlifeentrepreneurContact: enquiries@joglynnsmith.comwww.joglynnsmith.comMUSIC CREDIT Easy Money by REX BANNER licensed by Artlist.ioPHOTOGRAPHY by JONATHAN GLYNN-SMITH
