Ep.130 Equine-Assisted Coaching: Overcoming Limiting Fears and Embracing Midlife with Sue Willoughby

Asking for a Friend - Health, Fitness & Personal Growth Tips for Women in Midlife

As a podcast host, I receive countless pitches from PR agencies recommending guests for the show. While many of them sound great, sometimes the fit just isn’t right—whether the topic doesn’t resonate with our audience or the subject matter feels repetitive. My goal is to bring on women who are making a difference, breaking new ground, and sharing fresh perspectives. These are conversations we may not always have in our everyday circles, so when I received an email about today’s guest, I knew instantly it was a perfect fit.

Sue Willoughby is the founder of Willoughby Coaching, where she helps women over 40 face their personal obstacles and transform their lives through the power of Equus Coaching. This unique approach helps women tap into the profound insights that come from engaging with horses, offering a deeper understanding of leadership, communication, and self-awareness. It’s a powerful way to unlock personal growth and change the trajectory of one’s life.

Sue’s own life story is a testament to resilience. Raised by an alcoholic mother, and navigating her journey of coming out at 17, Sue’s experiences have deeply shaped her coaching philosophy. She is passionate about empowering women over 40 to embrace their authentic selves, drawing from her own journey of self-discovery and independence. Through Equus Coaching, Sue uses horses as a tool to help women gain clarity on their leadership and communication styles, fostering transformation and personal insight.

A pivotal moment in Sue’s life came when she confronted her relationship with alcohol. This decision opened the door to a new sense of clarity and emotional well-being, and ultimately, helped her reconnect with her true self. Her diverse career path—from bartending to stand-up comedy to becoming a pilot—underscores the importance of breaking free from self-imposed limitations and embracing the courage to reinvent yourself. Sue’s journey highlights the value of taking manageable steps when making life and career transitions, and we hope her story inspires listeners to challenge their own fears and pursue new ventures.

In this conversation, we invite women to redefine what midlife and beyond can look like, offering practical advice and personal stories that remind us: it’s never too late to change direction and embrace new possibilities with kindness, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.
You can find Sue Willoughby and her podcast at:
https://www.instagram.com/sue_willoughby/

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https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/?aid=MicheleFolan
Have questions about Faster Way? Feel free to reach out.
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*Transcripts are done with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.
**This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

Hoofdstukken

1. Midlife Women Empowerment Through Coaching (00:00:00)

2. Life Transitions and Personal Growth (00:10:36)

3. Equus Coaching for Personal Growth (00:22:25)

4. Morning Rituals and Self-Care Pillars (00:35:04)