The Countrywoman’s Guide to Work, Life & You…

What happens when the life you built falls away? Emma talks to Eleanor Mills

May 24, 2026·59 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Eleanor Mills is a Founder, Speaker, Bestselling author, Award-winning journalist (ex Editorial Director of the Sunday Times and Editor of the Sunday Times Magazine) - and now the UK’s premier expert on all things midlife.After a 30-year career at the top of British journalism, including senior roles at the Sunday Times, Eleanor suddenly found herself out of the corporate world at 50 - a huge shift that forced her to rethink identity, purpose and what the next chapter might look like.As a result, Eleanor founded NOON.org.uk, a media platform and 50K+ community of midlifers to change the narrative around ageing; after all in the 100 year life, 50 is only halfway through. It’s Noon - lunchtime - and midlife isn’t a crisis but a chrysalis when we finally get to become the people we’ve always wanted to be.Together Emma and Eleanor talk honestly about:* the shock of losing a role you thought defined you* why experience should make us more valuable, not less* the freedom and fear that comes with entrepreneurship* intuition, vulnerability and learning to trust yourself again* building businesses rooted in purpose and values* the courage it takes to speak truthfully and live more honestly* why reinvention is becoming an essential modern life skillThe conversation moves from boardrooms to retreats, from journalism to entrepreneurship, and from external success to a more grounded and resonant way of living and working.This is a rich, thoughtful and very honest conversation about transition, identity and discovering that sometimes situations not of your choosing can lead you to a fulfilling and purposeful life that you never knew you needed.You can find Eleanor and NOON hereYou can find Eleanor’s best-selling book “Much more to come” here (this is an affiliate link which means that CWG will get a small commission if you buy a book)Join our growing Community of people who value building a business that fits your life, rather than a life that fits in round your business. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit countrywomansguide.substack.com

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