Midlife isn’t the end of the story, it’s the chapter where something new wants to begin.In this episode of Midlife Chrysalis, Chip Conley sits down with Pam McLean, pioneering coach, co-founder of the Hudson Institute of Coaching, and a guiding voice on adult development and the “bonus years.”
Together, they explore why midlife isn’t about stepping back, but about letting go and moving forward with intention.
Pam shares:
- Why releasing old identities is essential for growth
- What the “bonus years” make possible at any age
- How Life Forward helps reframe change as opportunity
- Why discomfort, grief, and curiosity are part of becoming
- What truly makes a great coach — in life and in leadership
This is a warm, thoughtful conversation for anyone standing at a crossroads and wondering what comes next. Watch now and discover how midlife can become a powerful new beginning.
Timestamps:
03:32 Pam’s early life and background
04:17 From clinical psychology to coaching
07:06 How coaching has developed
09:31 Life Forward and Hudson Institute
11:46 The midlife happiness curve
14:53 Cancer as a life teacher16:06 Hudson Institute and MEA connection
18:08 Letting go of old identities
21:50 Navigating major life transitions
26:27 Why experimentation matters
27:39 Men vs women in midlife
31:01 What makes a great coach
33:47 Why people choose coaching
35:15 Gender balance in coaching35:51 Coaching in the age of AI
38:20 How to choose the right coach
40:38 Creativity later in life
42:41 Wisdom bumper sticker
Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/
