Reimagining later life
with purpose, joy, and reflection.
About Dr. Denise Taylor
I’m a Chartered Psychologist, author, and later-life strategist. After 52 years in full-time work, I chose a new rhythm – one that blends insight, reflection, and purpose.
I created ThriveSpan, a model that charts a conscious path through later life where wellbeing, purpose, and reflection meet. My work now spans consultancy with organisations, transformative experiences in nature, and one-to-one sessions with individuals – from short, focused conversations online to longer, deeper days at the Wood.
Whether advising leaders, mentoring individuals, or guiding Vision Quests, I help people and organisations reimagine what later life can be.
Trusted to provide expertise to
Dr. Denise received the 2024 UK Career Development Awards’ Research by a Career Development Professional Award for her study on post-retirement life. Her work explored how individuals find meaning after full-time employment and identified psychological factors contributing to a fulfilling retirement.
I thought the Highlands Ability Battery was amazing. It tested just about everything there was to test, and it is impossible to be happy in your career until you understand yourself. This brought out aspects of myself that I had ignored, were latent or were well known to me, making me laugh when I recognised myself. Well worth it and the whole programme of careers analysis really gets you thinking.
Jacqui
,
It was a delight to work alongside Dr Denise Taylor on our recent national Friendship Month campaign to promote the benefits of friendship groups in later life. Her professional knowledge enabled us to provide expert advice and support to those who may be struggling with social confidence as they move through significant life stages. I also really enjoyed our joint broadcast interviews.
Jane Nelson
,
Chief Executive Officer, The Oddfellows Friendly Society
The transformation that you have achieved for me is remarkable. With your help I have learned how to prepare myself, focus on the interviewers’ questions and ensure that I communicate all the important facts concisely and effectively. You have also provided the all-important boost to my self-confidence, by building upon what I did well.
Debbie
,
Unlike other assessments which are largely about self-assessment I “believe” this one. I really feel that I can make a difference based on what I have learned. I value the results highly and am very pleased that I took it; however, a large part of this was your excellent approach in the feedback.
Marie W
,
I now know what I am naturally good at! Having a scientific base to the results has made it very easy for me to accept the results and have confidence in them. It is a great feeling to finally have a reason for falling short of my expectations. This will allow me to create more sustainable goals I the future to my abilities.
Natalie
,
Shaping later-life strategy
I work with organisations and media to reframe ageing and later life as a time of value and possibility. My consultancy helps leaders support senior staff, while my commentary and talks bring trusted insight on ageing, careers, and thriving in later life.
Organisational strategy
Guiding leaders to design thoughtful later-life and retirement strategies that go beyond standard workshops.
Media and PR expertise
Trusted voice on ageing, careers, and later life for press, podcasts, and campaigns.
Speaking and thought leadership
Engaging talks and contributions on ageing, purpose, and thriving in later life.
Personal guidance for later life
I work with individuals navigating life’s turning points – from planning for retirement to reimagining purpose and meaning in later life. Using my ThriveSpan model, I help you move beyond old labels and explore new directions with clarity and confidence.
Retirement and later-life coaching (ThriveSpan)
Navigate retirement transitions and design your next chapter with purpose, wellbeing, and conscious choices.
Mentoring and teaching
Support for coaches and professionals who want to deepen their expertise in midlife and later-life transitions.
Deep Imagery
Journey inward through imagery to connect with your unconscious wisdom and gain clarity for the path ahead.
Transformation in nature
Stepping into nature creates space for reflection and renewal. From a single day in the woods to a 10-day Vision Quest, these experiences invite you to pause, listen deeply, and return with new clarity.
Woodland days
Reconnect with yourself through guided reflection in a woodland setting.
Nature retreats
Spend longer immersed in nature for insight, renewal, and lasting personal growth.
Vision quest
A deep rite of passage in wild nature — the most profound step in self-discovery.
Books by Dr Denise Taylor on careers, ageing, and navigating life transitions
Dr. Denise Taylor is a renowned career expert and published author, offering invaluable guidance on job searching at any age, acing interviews, finding dream jobs, and thriving during economic downturns. Her works also explore positive ageing and retirement planning, making her a trusted resource for career and life transitions.
Media
Featured in the media
Denise’s expertise regularly sees her contribute to newspapers, articles, magazines, and radio interviews, providing insight on a range of topics.
Ready to begin your journey?
Book a 30-minute session to explore how I can support you.
Whether you’re navigating a transition, seeking deeper purpose, or drawn to nature for renewal, this is a space to begin. Together we’ll look at what matters now and how to shape the next stage of your life with clarity and intention.