A quarter-life crisis is a period of intense soul searching that arrives when we are first confronted with the question of what to do with our lives.

That’s according to Chloë Garland, the founder of QuarterLife, a company that works with individuals and organisations to help people in their 20s and 30s not just survive, but thrive.

In this episode of The Coach’s Journey Podcast, Chloë sheds light on the generational shifts that have prolonged adolescence, and how many of us encounter our first truly meaningful life choices in our mid or late 20s.

Chloë tells host Alex Whitton how studying philosophy encouraged her to ponder life’s big questions, and how in her first coaching session – at age 22 – she was asked questions she had never considered before.

That session left Chloë feeling ignited, and she describes the unusual experience of being called into coaching at a young age, knowing she had a gift for conversations but perhaps unaware of the profound impact she would have on the lives of young people she would meet along the way.

In this episode, Chloë and Alex also talk about:

• Living emergently, holding goals lightly, and embracing opportunities as they arise


• The jam donut principle of purpose and presence


• The power of metaphors and fables to simplify complex ideas


• Psychodemographics, and how to find your niche


• The value of shared experience in coaching, and the importance of owning your story


Chloë also shares some hugely valuable lessons on growing a coaching business, reflecting on investments, outsourcing, and how the fear of success can be as much of a hindrance as the fear of failure.

The question of what makes a life well-lived is at the heart of Alex Whitton’s work, both as a coach and as the CEO of a charity that supports young people to realise their potential.

In this episode of the Coach’s Journey Podcast, Alex tells Robbie about the story of his career so far, from studying at Oxford University, to his volunteer work with young people, to running a social enterprise and then deciding to become a coach.

He describes how he emerged from a mindset of scarcity into one of abundance and opportunity as he came to recognise his strengths as a coach, which were cultivated through his work with Universify and the MOE Foundation.

Alex shares insights into how he has built his coaching business alongside his work with Universify, and also how he is fulfilling his childhood ambition of becoming an author.

He speaks about the fundamental importance of authenticity, vulnerability and creativity – principles that underpin his writing practice as well as his work as a coach and CEO.

In this episode, Alex and Robbie also talk about:

- Stories, memories and listening for insight

- How coaching skills can empower young people throughout their lives

- The power of someone taking your dreams seriously

- Taking a bigger-picture view, in order to see your own abundance

- A highly effective way to invite people to be coached and enhance your agency as a coach

Alex also offers a refreshing approach to framing conversations with prospective clients, capturing the spirit of co-creation in a way that has universal appeal.