Grace Clapham shares why she co-founded a school for personal and professional development – helping one align values and choices at every stage of their life and career.
We love entrepreneurs and small business owners at Honeycombers, which is why we’ve created Launchpad, a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It’s a privilege and pleasure to learn from so many talented and inspiring folks, so we’ve decided to share the love by interviewing some of the lovely Launchpad members. Looking for inspiration? Check out how Grace Clapham, co-founder of The Change School, a positivity institute for transformational learning, intersecting personal development, entrepreneurial grit and competence development, gets it done like a boss.
How I get it done: Grace Clapham
What is your backstory and why did you decide to launch your business?
For The Change School specifically, it was due to a personal crossroads I came to when my father passed away in 2011. I had a breakdown and then a breakthrough – I realised so many others were in a similar situation, looking for a career that was aligned with values.
The Change School was born from personal experiences of founders Grace Clapham and Solonia Teodros, who grew up as third culture kids, products of an all-encompassing global culture that never stops evolving; and citizens of a world where social disruptions and sea changes are the norms.
Grace and Solonia yearned for a space where transformation was encouraged; a space in which individuals could grow in this unique, shifting moment, and a space to connect themselves, their work, and a community.
This world cannot be neatly labelled. With that in mind, The Change School founders hope to connect the dots between learning, entrepreneurship and wellness in a way that truly embraces today’s global realities.
On a typical morning
These days it’s a little different as I’m on maternity leave but my typical morning right now are long morning walks with my newborn whilst listening to podcasts or a wellbeing challenge. Then picking up a coffee on the way home from my local coffee joint.
On a work day I’d get up, have breakfast with my little one, jump on calls and then at about 9am I’d take some time off to do a quick yoga session at home or some affirmations, tapping and stretches before getting back into the work day.
On dealing with self-doubt and criticism
Practice self-compassion, don’t worry about what other people say, and stop comparing yourself. Remind yourself of all the amazing wins big or small you’ve had… there’s always something to celebrate and see your worth.
Write yourself some affirmations to help you, stick them on your bathroom wall or by your toilet and remind yourself every day! Another way is to record your affirmations and listen to them every day on your walk or as you’re doing things around the house.
On keeping stress levels low
I’m still working on this… but for now, it’s tapping and using the Insight Timer (a medication app). If you’re a parent, listening to Janet Lansbury always helps me to calm down whilst also learning about respectful parenting tips and tricks.
On staying motivated and energised
Me treats and taking time for yourself to do nothing. You’ll be surprised at what creative thoughts come up. White space gives you the opportunity to think bigger, bolder and see things with a fresh approach and new lens.
On the advice you’d give your younger self
Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks… you do you.
On winding down in the evening
Having a glass of wine or prosecco where possible and using my Insight Timer for some calm and meditation or affirmations before bed.
Get in touch with Grace Clapham online.
Launchpad is a comprehensive digital networking platform (with IRL benefits, too) that encourages connection, business support and community. It is designed to make the entrepreneurial journey not only easier, and more successful, but also a whole lot more fun. We offer almost daily activities for members to connect, along with weekly masterclasses, member networking roulette, small-business mentoring and media profiles on Honeycombers. Check it out and join us!