Jo Baldwin is a Mentor & Life Coach.
She tells us that, “My passion is sharing the knowing that each of us can change the world. Since I was born I recall asking, ‘Why am I here?’ Discovering my soul purpose has been my life’s mission and trusting my intuition at every crossroads, to make the best decision. Absorbing myself in nature is true joy, which I love to infuse into my work as a mentor and life coach – I hold my sessions on the coast in Sussex, UK or Santa Barbara, California. The power of words and the experience of writing drives my publishing and editing co-author books for the collective conscience. I have mentored and coached over 100 authors, many sharing their journey and wisdom for the very first time.”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
My early training gave me invaluable skills of sensing how people feel rather than relying on what they say. This helped me so much in my first career as a police officer, and then my second as a teacher. The trauma and lack of worth I developed as a child manifested intense dysfunction and abuse, until I sought help in all dimensions, to understand. My goal is to work with the wealthiest and most highly successful men around the world. Many of them are currently running on a programme based on fear of not being enough due to the lack of love and/or difficulties as a child, particularly with the paternal side. When these men open themselves to their true soul calling they will direct their capabilities into solving the biggest problems. We have more than enough of all that we desire in God’s Kingdom, we merely need to redirect resources to the right places for the right change. Scott Harrison is a remarkable example of this.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
I was at a colour party (when different drapes are placed around you) and was invited to be the one having ‘it done’. Looking at myself in a mirror for 40 minutes was torture. I didn’t know who the person was that was looking back at me, but I did know that she was living her life only to please others, and was desperately unhappy. From that moment on I chose to live life my way, no matter what. I left the abusive relationship, left my home town and spent the next 5 years learning who I truly was.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
Knowing and experiencing life lived for others. That way of living will never allow for true joy, fulfillment or true purpose. As a solo parent the journey of Lisa Nicholls inspires me to keep going, to know that all the challenges are part of the picture and wisdom that I am developing or rather remembering.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
The biggest challenges have been balance between family and business, flow of finances and motivation. To stay motivated I constantly allow myself time out, time to recalibrate and to relax, to exercise and read inspiring books. My morning routine of gratitude and prayer – yoga – conscience dumping/journaling – meditation, creates rhythm to my days which sets me into the spirit of productivity. I also work 4 days a week, volunteering on Wednesdays which is the day I tend to feel more tired. This break resets and refreshes me for my business for the second half of the week. I am also in a couple of business/networking groups, and the ones that I find uplift me and encourage me. Many were not right for me, it’s important to find the right ones. Monthly clients for long term programmes enable cash flow and flexibility, as well as also having a related corporate position which brings a team and sociable element to my life. 14 years working solo can be lonely. Balance is incorporating all the above and always, always, checking in with myself to see what really feels right. We are continuously emerging and evolving, and our businesses can do so, too.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
My experience of this time was a joy. I experienced many silver linings from staying still which included launching my own publishing company Proper Books. The second book I created was called Silver Linings as there were so many for people all around the world. The time gave me time to reconnect with myself, my children and slow down my lifestyle. I also found it incredibly challenging at times, as so many decisions were made which I did not agree with, political knee-jerking and glory seeking, which I protested. Children’s wellbeing was profoundly impacted by the sensationalism and suffocating media messages. Never before have I felt such an intense feeling of injustice. Our nations and our countries need equal gender representative governance for our societies to be safely led.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
It can feel easier to turn to what I haven’t achieved, rather than what I have, which I know is common for so many in our success-driven societies. I guess raising two remarkable spirited and grounded girls as a single parent, whilst managing a creative and purpose-led business. I’m still learning to acknowledge less obvious forms of success as true success, too.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
As mentioned above, gender and representative equality in all governance, when this occurs the most important decisions will be made differently and women will no longer be ignored or seen as less than men. And redistribution of resources to ensure every soul on Earth has access to clean running water and accommodation.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
I have a few mottos, but my biggest learning is to trust in my inner wisdom, the voice of my holy spirit/higher self. Starting each day reminding myself that this is the one true voice of divine love, and she will always guide me in the very best way.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
As mentioned above, I see an emerging face of leadership, and in my latest coauthor book ‘Women Leading in our New World’ you can read the impactful ways women are no longer seeing glass ceilings, they’re seeing men who have never known anything different and women who view nothing but potential and expansion. As my chapter is titled, the blame, shame game is coming to an end. It doesn’t serve us and only keeps us in the past.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Spend time daily discovering who you are today. Journaling your thoughts with no filtering, allowing all the emotion and uncertainty to flow out, allows space for the true divine you to come through. You may, like me, realise your true voice is energetically and also physically, different to the one you are used to. Celebrate this new voice, revel in it, and know that this voice has the backing of the creator within you.. Now everything is possible from the limitless field of potential and consciousness.
