We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. April Darley. Check out our conversation below.
Hi April, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Great question! I would say that what I see most often from clients is that they feel completely overwhelmed but don’t want anyone to know. Between a combination of hyper-independence and a fear of being viewed as vulnerable, many people keep going even if they’re struggling. Asking for help feels like failure and they don’t want to take the chance of being judged by others or to burden others with their struggles. Instead, they quietly struggle. It doesn’t have to be that way!
I encourage my clients to be brave and allow themselves to receive help instead of always being the ones to give it. Building resilience isn’t about denying that problems exist but being strategic in finding solutions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a retired physician turned neuroscience coach specializing in high-level brain coaching for professionals and leaders who are feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in patterns of stress and self-doubt. My primary focus is on helping clients understand themselves and work with the natural functions of their brain to achieve personal growth and professional success.
I offer a bespoke 1:1 coaching program that blends emotional intelligence, practical strategy, and neuroscience to help clients break through limiting beliefs, manage stress more effectively, build confidence, and succeed without sacrificing their well-being.
Currently, I’m developing a group coaching program on the neuroscience of stress. By helping clients understand how stress affects both their brain and body, they can make better choices, build resilience, and create a life that energizes instead of exhausts them.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
My earliest childhood memories involved fear. I grew up in a home where there was alcoholism and domestic violence. As a child, I was powerless to improve my circumstances and that kind of early childhood trauma affects your belief system in many ways. As an adult, I had to learn how to connect and trust others, build my self-esteem, and become courageous.
Since fear has a way of making you believe that you’re powerless and stuck, it’s important to embrace both forgiveness and growth. Your mindset, emotions, and beliefs are powerful. The stories that you tell yourself help shape your future. So, why not make them helpful instead of harmful?
I had to learn how to release stored trauma from my mind and body, recognize harmful patterns of thinking and behavior, then choose a different path for myself. The power of that journey is why I do the work I do today. Those experiences may have created trauma, but they also provided me with incredible fuel for growth.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
In addition to the challenges in my home, I also grew up in a very rural area. My options to self-soothe involved either going outside to play in nature or through reading books. Although I love nature, books were my real refuge.
I was able to experience a wonderful sense of connection with the characters and their adventures helped fuel my dreams. It was a form of escapism, but one I definitely needed in my life.
To this day, I read anywhere from 2-3 books per week. It keeps my brain sharp, gives a boost of natural dopamine, and is a healthy way to relax and unwind after a long day.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Smart people are often growth oriented, bold risk takers, visionaries, and lifelong learners. These high achievers aren’t afraid of a challenge. Therein lies a potential problem. Because they thrive on over-coming challenges, they may accidentally make things more challenging!
It’s a weird paradox, but the smarter you are, the more you’re looking for an advanced solution while completely ignoring the basics. Building strong foundations through easy, repeatable actions will set the tone for success. There’s a reason why plain vanilla is often the best-selling flavor at bakeries and ice-cream shops. Simple yet elegant steps are the base to truly amazing creations.
So before looking for complicated solutions, take a breath and make sure that you’ve taken care of the basics of life first. Stay hydrated, exercise, eat healthy foods, get 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and make time to connect with your friends and loved ones. Taking care of these basics solve a lot of very complicated problems.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly enjoy the work that I do. I often joke with my clients that if we totally abolished money or the need to work tomorrow, then I’d still hang out a shingle somewhere and give advice. I love helping people connect the dots, spot patterns, and create strategies for improvement. It’s important to me that people feel safe, balanced, and know that they truly matter in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aprildarley.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draprildarley/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildarley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/draprildarley
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB931u7PBq2o8eX-Ns7qhhQ
Image Credits
In-Focus Photography
