For many professionals, the idea of starting a new business venture later in life feels risky. Yet for Clare Cooke, a 51-year-old Chartered Civil Engineer, wife, and mother, it became an opportunity not just to create additional income, but to unlock freedom, community, and personal growth. What began as a simple desire to book her own travel evolved into a thriving journey — one that now inspires others to see new possibilities for themselves.
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship
Clare has always lived and worked with an entrepreneurial spirit. As co-director of Intrado Ltd, an engineering consultancy she runs with her Co Director Darren, leadership and innovation have long been part of her professional identity. But in May 2024, she decided to take a chance on something outside her field: a travel-based business model.
Initially hesitant, Clare was intrigued by how she could earn from booking her own holidays. What she quickly discovered was that the industry held much more. It offered a path to build community, create choice, and support others in achieving their own goals. Today, alongside family life and her engineering career, Clare leads a growing team of 36 people who are learning how to build their own businesses and gain more freedom.
The Blueprint
Like many who thrive in entrepreneurship, Clare credits her success to following a proven system rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. Under the guidance of Director Rachael Lalji, she has learned that consistency and simplicity are the cornerstones of growth.
Her daily strategy involves sharing her lifestyle and travel experiences, celebrating milestones, and creating spaces where people feel connected. “Relationships are at the heart of this business — people connect with you before they connect with a company,” Clare explains. Her background in engineering, where selling a service required trust and reliability, has carried seamlessly into her new venture.
Company events have also played a crucial role. Each one leaves Clare with a bigger vision, stronger belief, and renewed confidence to lead. For her, events are where true growth happens — both personally and professionally.
Core Values That Shape Her Journey
Clare’s work is guided by three values: authenticity, simplicity, and empowerment. She shows up as her true self, building trust and connection without pretense. She keeps the process simple so that others don’t feel overwhelmed but instead feel encouraged to take action. And above all, she empowers her team to see their own potential.
These values are not abstract ideals; they shape how Clare mentors others. Whether it’s helping someone gain confidence, achieve a personal milestone, or finally take that long-awaited trip, she measures her success by the ripple effect of empowerment she creates. Financial results matter, but for Clare, the true impact is in the lives transformed.
Shaping Success and Overcoming Challenges
Clare believes success goes far beyond financial freedom. For her, it’s about helping others step out of their comfort zones and realize they don’t have to choose between family, career, and passions. She points out that waiting until “the right time” is an illusion. “Ready will never arrive,” she says. “You just need to be willing, coachable, and hungry.”
Balancing her engineering career, family, and travel business has not always been easy. Clare admits her path hasn’t been straight — it’s required consistency, sacrifice, and discipline. She chooses to rise early to work her business before she goes to work and instead of spending hours watching television in the evening, she now invests that time into building her business. She also prioritizes health and fitness, often heading to the gym when not working on engineering projects or her travel business.
Her commitment to making the most of the same 24 hours everyone else has reflects her mentor’s advice: time is less about availability and more about choices.
The Power of Community
Among the greatest rewards of her journey has been the sense of community. Clare emphasizes the importance of being surrounded by like-minded people who encourage, inspire, and celebrate each other’s wins. For her, this community is more than a support system; it’s a source of strength and motivation that keeps her moving forward.
As her team continues to grow, Clare remains passionate about extending this same sense of belonging to others. She sees her business not only as a means to earn from travel, but as a platform for creating meaningful relationships and inspiring change.
Closing Thoughts
Clare Cooke’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing new opportunities at any stage of life. From her foundation in engineering to her leadership in a growing travel business, she demonstrates that authenticity, simplicity, and empowerment can create both personal freedom and collective impact.
Her story is not about overnight success but about consistent effort, intentional choices, and the courage to start even when “ready” never seems to arrive. By focusing on relationships, community, and values, Clare has built more than a business — she has built a platform that shows others what’s possible when they choose to believe in themselves.
Connect with Clare
- Facebook: facebook.com/clare.cooke.94
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clare-cooke-a31880326
- Instagram: @clare_cooke13
- TikTok: @cc00ke
Disclaimer: Testimonials in this article reflect personal experiences and aren’t guaranteed. Results vary based on effort, experience, and commitment.
