To mark our March Book of the Month, we sat down with Charley Law to talk about the thinking behind 'It’s Not Just Mumbo Jumbo'. From burnout and scepticism to clarity and real change, he shares the journey that shaped the book and why so many people are searching for something more.
Charley Law is a former commodities trader turned personal development coach and entrepreneur, dedicated to transforming lives. His journey is one of remarkable highs and profound lows, from navigating high-risk markets across Africa and South America, playing polo with royalty, to the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley. However, after losing everything, Charley found himself empty and directionless. Through immense resilience and self-discovery, he rebuilt his life, embracing love, confidence and purpose. Today, Charley channels his extensive business and coaching experience into helping clients who are primarily business leaders and high-achievers looking for more life satisfaction, clarity and purpose. Drawing from a wealth of insights in wellness, psychology, philosophy, and coaching, Charley equips individuals with actionable tools for real change. He is committed to helping people break free from old habits, achieve their goals, and live happier, healthier lives.
What inspired you to write 'It’s Not Just Mumbo Jumbo', and what misconceptions were you most keen to challenge?
As I overcame many of my own challenges, I began noticing more and more people around me struggling with the same things. But I knew most of them would never do a lot of what I'd done - especially a lot of my mates. Too “mumbo jumbo!”
So I felt compelled to create something that demystified this world, distilled it, and acted as a bridge into it. Not just for people who are struggling, but for people who want to operate at their best. That's why it took seven years and three versions! It needed to draw you in from the first page and feel different, fast-paced, entertaining even. An invitation into a new way of thinking, new realisations, new possibilities.
The other big driver was seeing how many people are quietly sleepwalking through life - stuck, dissatisfied, exhausted, anxious but things aren’t bad enough to do anything about it or maybe they are on a trajectory towards a crisis. I wanted to create something that would touch people, resonate, and inspire action before it’s too late.
The book bridges science and spirituality, how did you approach balancing evidence-based research with more intuitive or experiential ideas?
Honestly, I was never trying to write an academically grounded book and I think that's actually its strength. I did read extensively (Freud, Jung, and a broad range of foundational thinking across psychology, philosophy etc), but I was more interested in what actually effects change.
The only test for me was what worked. On me, on the people I sat with in groups and retreats, and on the clients I've coached since. What actually shifts something in a person and in what sequence. That’s why this book is more of a memoir meets manual.
I think of my approach the way I'd think of a seasoned businessperson versus a professor. The professor knows the theory. The businessperson has lost money, made decisions under pressure, and refined their thinking through consequence. I've always trusted that kind of knowledge more and that's the kind of book I wanted to write.
Was there a particular concept or chapter that changed your own perspective while writing the book?
It was more the writing process as a whole - the multiple versions over such a long period of time resulted in me thinking about things and approaching them very differently. The first manuscript was like therapy for me - processing and understanding. The next was driven by revenge towards the people I felt had wronged me. Then came ego - look how great I am. But then, rightly so, eventually everything pointed towards service - the sole focus became the reader and having the greatest impact on them. It sounds cheesy, but it’s real - it took a lot of time, patience, and multiple perspective shifts to get to this point. It's incredible to see how much my mind has changed and I’m grateful that I waited so long to publish the book!
There’s a growing mainstream interest in topics once considered “alternative”, why do you think this shift is happening now, and what does it say about modern life?
A few things are converging. Firstly, visibility. People are experiencing real benefits and talking about it openly. What once felt fringe now feels normal.
People are starting to question how they’re living too. The traditional path isn’t necessarily delivering what it promised, and success doesn’t necessarily equal fulfilment. There’s a growing scepticism around conventional systems. Whether it’s healthcare, work, or lifestyle, more people feel they need to take responsibility for their own answers.
And lastly, people are struggling more. Chronic stress, poor health, disconnection. When things get uncomfortable enough, people start looking beyond conventional.
What is next for you?
The book is still very new, so right now the focus is on building momentum around it while continuing to grow my coaching business Phoenix Mind.
My work centres on helping executives, founders and high performers who’ve built success externally but find themselves stuck, burnt out or at a turning point. I’m also expanding into more corporate work, partnering with organisations that want to invest in their people in a more meaningful and structured way.
There are a number of events and podcast appearances lined up for later this year which I’m super excited about about!
You can find more on Charley's website and Instagram and buy 'It's Not Just Mumbo Jumbo' here.
March, 2026
