Mature Preneurs Talk with Diana Todd-Banks

Not Carol, instead she became a victor with a determination to succeed.   In her early sixties, Carol had the opportunity to recoup serious financial losses. Life gave her a second chance. Carol wrote her memoir, Battered Hope, as a message of hope and never ever giving up. This pole-vaulted her career, despite the tough life experiences of being gang-raped and left for dead, losing a child, husband being falsely imprisoned, and a cancer diagnosis these could have driven Carol into victim mode, but she became a victor with a determination to succeed and she has.   During this podcast conversation Carol offers a lot of suggestions and advice for listeners certainly if they or others they know are suffering and ready to give up. Carol’s personal experiences are of enormous help. Today in her seventies, Carol is living her dream as an author, an international speaker, and a talk show host of Never Ever Give Up Hope. As owner of two jewellery stores, three online stores, a health coaching business, writing for numerous publications, caring for her disabled husband and rescuing dogs (over 30 to date), Carol says her life is just beginning. What’s her message? Carol chose to start over and has helped many others be encouraged and challenged to never ever give up hope. She had and has much to offer and found a way to give it away. Today she continues that mission.  To learn more go www.neverevergiveuphopenet.blogspot.com

Both host Diana Todd-Banks and guest Judythe cover some fascinating provocative topics about the current world climate and the Invisible Woman. Invisible women can best be described as those women who have always been really self-sufficient, the person that nobody needs to worry about, so they don’t.  But now you’ve turned 60 and have watched everyone else around you achieve amazing things, yet secretly you feel disappointed in yourself and your life.  You find yourself out there, invisible, - but that’s changing - you’re ready to be visible. Judythe knows, she was invisible once so was the host Diana. A natural born mystic and a scholar in Afterlife studies, she is a professional Intuitive Medium and Therapist for over 4 decades offering workshops throughout Australia and now the World; as well today Judythe is a highly respected speaker, author, entrepreneur, coach, mentor and consultant on all things Life, Death, Dying and the Afterlife. Judythe focuses much of her professional attention on the Invisible Woman of that generation that lived for everyone else, but themselves.  She says and asks, ‘Yet, only you can change being Invisible. You’ve been waiting for that magical journey to begin, the Journey of ‘Who am I?’ But how do you do that?’  As part of The Invisible Woman Generation herself, she is now teaching women around the world how to live an amazing life and be amazing, now they are free from the shackles of their upbringing. To connect with Judythe and learn more go here:  www.invisiblewoman.com.au

Sara noticed many of her 50- and 60-something year old contemporaries were spending a large amount of time and money ensuring that their 80- and 90-something year old parents were cared for and having a good life.  Then after a long phone call from a friend Sara turned to her husband and asked “who is going to do that for us? We don’t have kids! That revelation led to her research on single and child-free couples and how they can best prepare for life as an elder. Discovering that almost 20% of baby boomer women never had children, Sara knew this was an area that needed addressing. She also recognised people today don’t want to face 20-30 years of doing nothing. Sara’s earlier career formed a strong knowledge base when she focused on the challenges of the retirement transition, having had a 25-year career in leadership and organizational development.  Many of her boomer era executive coaching clients­­ became more interested in talking about their retirement plans than their strategic plans! They needed guidance in how to prepare for “life-after-work”, a term she prefers to use rather than retirement. Since then (2013) she has devoted her life to writing about and finding unique ways for Solo Agers to thrive and be safe and secure in their later years. Learn more about Sara here: www.sarazeffgeber.com

As the Relationship & Sensuality Sage, mother of 3, Foxxy worked as a professional exotic dancer for 17 years, gamely sticking with it until the age of 51, before quitting to pursue her new venture. She saw many women who were curious about their sensuality and have greater confidence in themselves, have a desire to have a voice. From this, she felt the calling to take her life experience and background of struggle overcoming abuse as a child, extreme shyness, a very strict religious up-bringing, and feeling guilt and shame over her controversial job, to help others. Foxxy understood from a young age, that movement is the quickest and most effective way to tap into your body’s wisdom and stay young.  She realised by not processing and integrating unfelt (hurts and traumas) emotions mean they stay in your body and show up as aches, pain and dis-ease. She found the book, ‘The Secret Language of Your Body’ by Inna Segal to be a great resource on her healing journey. Foxxy took her extensive research and study into personal development, spirituality, energy-work and how the mind works into creating her uniquely developed ‘Senserotic’ therapy.  She loves to create playful, experiential and powerfully transformational experiences, helping women to break the cycle of being shut-down, repressed and conditioned, so they give themselves total permission to reclaim their true essence and quickly create the life and relationships they deserve. Known for her signature program – The 9 Archetypes (Expressions) To Unmask Your True Essence Foxxy also facilitates online personal sessions, courses and runs live workshops and retreats. As an Intuitive Facilitator, Master Results Coach, NLP & Hypnosis Trainer, Energy Healer, Author, Speaker and Artistic Creator, does have a free offer for listeners. Webinar  - https://www.lovelifematters.com.au/wfw            

That one action we all need to take is to ... PAUSE!  THIS PODCAST TOPIC IS POWERFUL & IMPORTANT with profound information from which we can all benefit, given the current world chaos. We are being asked to stop and pause and while that action will look different to each of us, as with any piece of chaos, we have an opportunity as to how we to respond to it from fear, or from love? Selina is a teacher of practical spirituality and says clearly a pause is what our world needs.  How will you take the advice our planet is being granted?  Where do you need to pause in your life?  Think about that. Host Diana, says there are many who are not tuned into practical spirituality but who at this time are eager to do something, to take some action, but what, and asks what could they do to try and respond, even through love? We are creative and productive and have come from the perspective of striving to be independent rather than what is needed now - we need to work from the greater collective – that’s interdependence. We need to think differently, act differently but act consciously, and doing so that can open up many opportunities. In this podcast Selina Maitreya poses numerous profound questions and all are worth you answering them in your quiet time. Contact Selina via her website: www.practicalspiritualitywithselina.com

Books Books Books. Diana Todd-Banks host of Mature Preneurs Talk Podcast discusses the book by the podcast name with the sub-title “How To Have A Productive, Energised, Creative Life After 50.” in the book are 21 guests from this program – all over 50 60 70 plus, who have created new income producing ventures, some of which have not existed before. The amazing result is they feel more vital, younger, healthier, happier and financially more at peace. Each contributor can be contacted. During this new season sometimes specialists pertinent to this demographic and topic will also be guests. Get the MPT book on Amazon, Kindle and other online retailers.   Talking books the MPT Host Diana, says many people want to write a book and asks listeners the question – “do you want to write a book, but don’t know how, you can’t, don’t have time or, or... you have other reasons you can’t?” She says too many good books don’t see the light of day. To ease that Diana, the Mature Preneurs Host, discusses albeit briefly, the quick start program to get a book out of your head. The goal is to help YOU, write and publish your book in a faster, better, less expensive way than on your own. Go to this address to contact the Host to learn more:  www.dianatoddbanks.com/contact2/

Cathy said after retiring and somewhat spontaneously the couple showed a brilliant example of taking the bull by the horns purchasing some land with a house on it in rural northeast Georgia in the southeastern United States with the intention to grow their own food. But there was a catch! Neither had any farming experience, which meant there was a lot to learn.  What they did in their first year set the basis for deciding to focus on rare heritage livestock breeds. Cathy chose two breeds well adapted to the southern US climate - American Guinea Hogs and Gulf Coast Native sheep. As well they raised two American breeds of meat rabbits and sold meat, wool, and breeding stock. For Cathy, history and related stories are a favourite topic of hers, which is why she wanted to learn more about Guinea Hogs. She explored several websites that referenced The Livestock Conservancy, a group, that tracks 180 endangered livestock breeds in the United States. The Conservancy had published a two-page breed profile. Cathy wanted more than that she became so fascinated with the breed Cathy says she wanted to read a whole book about Guinea Hogs. There wasn’t one so she decided that if she wanted to read that book, she had better write it first! As with so much in life today, there is so much history that’s lost when an ‘old timer’ passes on particularly in rural areas. This thought taught her a lesson that is necessary at times so Cathy began interviewing old-timers who remembered the hogs before they almost became extinct around 1995. That led her on a twisting winding journey, which resulted in her first book being published in March of 2019 Saving the Guinea Hogs. Cathy now promotes Guinea Hogs and other heritage livestock, writes about them, and educates the public on the importance of biodiversity in farming to protect our food systems. To learn more and also about her book go to: http://www.guineahogbooks.com

Selina Maitreya’s recovery was miraculous but her earlier life of deep spiritual connection enabled that to occur. A powerful true-life story, it is longer than the usual MPT podcasts but is worth every second of your attention. Selina recounts her life at 58 prior to July 2013 and says after selling her home she was looking forward to the next phase of her life. The details she mentions are important. Two days before closing on her house she was driving to clean the house when a woman driving a van at 70 miles an hour ran a red light and plowed into the drivers car door, Selina’s side. After the jaws-of-life freed Selina from her car, her life took a big turn. No one was able to tell her when or how her recovery would progress except one medical doctor did say it will, ... ‘take a tincture of time’! That was the start of the most amazing 6 year odyssey. Unable to perform even the smallest tasks, Selina needed to surrendered to ‘her state’, and learned how to use that and this difficulty as a tool to go to peace.’ Today having made a complete recovery, Selina shares this: ‘How to transform any daily difficulty, even tragedy, into peace.  It’s a direct result of the last 6 years of learning how to respond to great difficulty from the grace we all have access to. Most over 50s, 60’s plus have or may have had physical and situational life delays and interruptions. In this podcast you’ll hear Selina describe difficulties or strong emotions as ‘alarm clocks’ and how to deal with them. Visit www.practicalspiritualitywithselina.com and on the landing page you will find your Gift From Selina: Your New Tools For A Peaceful Life! 

John has had a fascinating career, as a volunteer teaching in Tonga, 19 years training and working as a Catholic priest, psychodrama training and work in a drug and alcohol treatment hospital all of which lay the foundation for him to become a compassionate emotional intelligence expert once he hit 50. Getting married when nearly 40 added the icing to the cake of really learning about intimacy and relationships. Not long after his 50th birthday John decided to rebrand his training business to focus on this one topic – managing emotions. He’d been looking for a niche business idea to give him focus and one day woke up to the fact that his topic had been right in front of his nose for years. Thriving Under Fire (TUF) was launched as a face-to-face workshop; he wrote a book (2009) and developed an interactive online training version (2013). Having taught thousands of people in many parts of the world including Bangladesh, Malaysia, Tonga, Samoa and of course New Zealand he found he loved this work because it makes such a difference to people’s lives which he knows will lead to a greater world peace. The best tip when dealing with an emotional person is to first calm yourself down, don’t get involved with the other persons emotions, breathe deeply; name your feelings (to yourself); ask yourself a complex question, such as, what else might be going on in this person life? Then genuinely acknowledge the other person’s feelings. This is very simple to do and during this podcast John provides examples of what he means and how to do that in a meaningful lasting way. John offers a free weekly blog, short posts with tips on managing emotions, and for Mature Preneurs Talk listeners there’s a free eBook you can download: The Power Apology at www.tuf.co.nz/mature

For Sandi reinvention has become a way of life as it has for many people in their 50’s and above! By then we’ve triumphed and overcome numerous traumas – all just a part of life. Sandi said she is a former Miss America finalist, Breck Girl spokeswoman and television/film actress turned author/consultant/speaker: "The Art of Living - Feng Shui YOUR Way”.  As founder of "True You Makeovers” – a Feng Shui based protocol for midlife reinvention and “Creating your future beautifully from the inside-out” these approaches can produce some wonderful and beautiful results. Listen to this podcast for the discussion about keeping physically and most definitely mentally alert and fit along as this has tremendous benefits – many who do adopt this approach feel as though they’re just getting going in the best sense!  This podcast is full of wonderful tips and suggestions that are worth listening to.  By remaining a fit, motivated and inspired mid-sixties entrepreneur you never know what’s around the corner or what wonderful and unexpected doors may open with the passing days, weeks and months. To receive a free “True Color Assessment Guide” go to Sandi’s website sandirosemiller.com    

Michael said he arrived in USA in 1979 at 19 from USSR, graduated the University of Pittsburgh as a construction engineer, found a job in San Francisco then that’s where the mundane part of his life ended. Having always been fascinated by the spiritual after brief stints with Judaism, several brands of Christianity and Buddhism, he started in Scientology, first on staff in San Francisco then joined the Sea Organization, the para-military, elite management corps of the Church. Quickly advancing up the ranks, he became in charge of the worldwide Church translations network, at a secret desert Church headquarters, the infamous, International Base, his home until his dramatic escape in 2005. Do listen to this Podcast, to hear Michael’s description about his escape in jail uniform and what he does next, it’s hilarious. Ultimately back into a more normal life and using his construction skills, he worked as an estimator and project manager at first and then trained as a property and casualty insurance adjuster and have been doing that as an Independent adjuster ever since, as his business. The main perk in having a business Michael says is flexible scheduling, which allows him to concentrate on his research and writing. Having a side business is a good approach for others too. Having studied and applied 28 different religions and using Scientology as a springboard, of which he says he’s an expert, Michael developed some incredible extra-sensory abilities and laid the basis for his own psychic healing methodology. Psychic healing of anybody, whether he knows a person or not, nor knows their location, serves as side business for Michael and despite not charging clients, it’s the most important facet of his life. For more go to www.michaelpriv.com

WENDY said in her late 40s she remembers the exact defining moment she knew she needed to change from being at her heaviest 315 lbs. so she decided to go on a hike but became so tired after a mile, a stranger had to get down and tie her shoe. Then came the constant reprimands, self-put downs, which she mentions on this podcast ... ultimately asking herself, “Who am I hiding from; who am I kidding then realizing “I am hiding from myself.” Yes there was good that came out of Wendy’s experience and she says when facing a very difficult issue, no matter how bad things got for her or for others today, there is always a solution. When that solution comes from the point of view of ones true purpose in life, then it reflects growth and happiness, which means for her she is more fun, reliable and healthy to be around. Out of all those experiences Wendy has created an amazing brand designed to help you get healthy and importantly kill the mind drama! Whether your hiking, doing yoga or simply having a purposeful conversation, Wendy is sure to help you along your path to enlightenment and healthy living. Wendy is also a published Author most recently “thoughts Beneath the Stars” Poetry written in nature! Go here for more: Happyhikersfitness.com Wendy said she is definitely a Mature Preneur on a mission to help others get healthy not only with their bodies but with their minds also! It all starts on the inside! And says, “Not all who wander are lost!”

Linda has been through several different life transitions and triumphed, which is why this podcast is full of practical tips. Losing her husband, becoming a single parent to her granddaughter, suffering depression and PTSD took several years to heal. One of the biggest challenges was realizing how little you could control in life. Through daily meditation and a routine she learned to control that overwhelmed feeling. The universe loves to send wake up calls and that message came through loud and clear - Linda realized she had no income, was about to lose her home and had her 5 year old granddaughter to raise. She ‘woke’ up, asked for help got a job, moved to a different state and started her new chapter. These types of challenges are difficult but by taking any tough situation and breaking it into manageable steps, you can find the steps to move forward. Over the next 10 years, Linda made more moves and career shifts, started a brand new career at 61 but was laid off at 63. This time she made a list of her skills, trainings and knowledge and knew she could transfer them into an online business. But something still felt off that. Realizing she had lost touch with herself, she had to do something out of the norm. Selling everything Linda went on an adventure to Portugal where she reconnected to her purpose, created a framework with tools she developed from her years of working in the public and private sectors guiding working moms and corporate women who are ready to create their own life, reconnect with their spiritual self and find their purpose so they can create more time, income, and more impact while living life on their terms at any age.  Connect with Linda on social media and here www.Lindamclay.com          

Sandra had many pivot points at the age of 18 and often in turmoil some true wonders occur out of that turmoil. For Sandra she had an awakening experience when she almost died she discovered all things spiritual, which changed her life forever profoundly so … realizing she had a mission and purpose to help empower people to set themselves free via some unique processes which worked. That life turn around gave her many tools to enhance and develop beginning with her husband Daniel who together created a multi-global award-winning retreat in New Zealand, named the World’s Best Luxury Coastal Hotel in 2010. They went on to gain many incredible achievements that benefit others and profoundly so. This is an important Podcast to listen to as it will help you understand how you can identify your new path. Over time, using her unprecedented laser-like techniques, Sandra takes the brakes off your unconscious, freeing you to accelerate into the thrilling experience of a life without limits. Jack Canfield has expressed profound words about Sandra: “Known for solving unsolvable problems”, Jack Canfield said, “She is a profound healer, trainer, speaker and author who does some incredible transformational work. I’ve experienced her work and found it truly life changing. Sandra says she is 66 in August and looks and feels at least 15 years younger…I’m healthier and more balanced in every way and my level of awareness is so strong that its easy for me to help people know they are loved and supported. Her work clears unconscious programs that sabotage our health and vitality - people feel lighter and happier and that leads to better health and wellbeing …You can learn more about Sandra and her programs here:  https://CODEBREAKERbook.com and also here: www.thebiskinds.com 

KAYS asks all her clients to address this question: ‘What will you do if you lose all your assets tomorrow?’ Clearly the question must be asked what caused Kay to come to these conclusions and her answer is fascinating and a wonderful story of adventure. Originally from Leeds, Yorkshire, the UK in her early 20’s she jumped on board a private yacht leaving Hull marina for sunnier shores in Spain. She refused to swim back. Kay set up her own business looking after second homes for the rich and famous, became an eco landlady and mother to two boys. The family shared their three-acre organic farm with holidaymakers, workshop and retreat attendants. Leaving her 30-year dream life on the island of Mallorca, Kay and her husband decided than rather having an empty nest they preferred 'no nest.’ Leaving their two grown boys to fend for themselves. They de-cluttered and downsized their lifestyle to a two-roomed, tin roof house near to a pristine beach in Zanzibar.  Years passed and still more stories, Kay became an award-winning International speaker, enthusiastic author and Midlife Strategist, whose hundreds of clients love her straight talking and no-nonsense practical holistic help in dealing with wealth at midlife. Today with the majority of her business on-line Kay has combined work with her love of travelling, but now lives a simple life back near a beach in Mallorca and has never been happier.  One of Kay’s secrets is not being afraid to do something new. You can find Kay here: KayNewton.com along with her many practical books including ‘The Art of Midlife Stress Busting,’ ‘Tips and Tricks For Stress Free Downsizing – A Step By Step Guide To Moving On’

Gabriela Masala found by integrating multiple modalities into her facilitation practice to help people “heal”, she soon realized the greatest service she could give was to point people back to their own innate genius, intuition, wholeness and sovereignty.  Serving individuals and communities world wide through intuitive, energy medicine and expressive arts based consultations, events and retreats, she began to focus on building a relationship to the aspect of our human being that is already “healed”- already whole, infinite and divine. By doing so she stopped using the word “healing,” but began supporting others to live with this unlimited part of their nature as guide – that changed her life and those of her clients. At the end of inspiring events and retreats, she would often hear people say, “It is back to the real world.”  She felt so clearly, we have this all wrong.  The peak experience of meditations and retreats: feeling regenerated, creatively fulfilled, connected, and empowered, unlimited should not be the exception in a life, It can be the norm!  This inspired the creation of the interactive journal, and process, Everyday Magnificent.  The book is a guide to a lifestyle practice that integrates these peak states into the “real world” of daily life. As we practice living in gratitude, cultivating whole brain and heart coherence, and allowing the creative force of life to flow through us, we are able to reframe and rewire our inner and outer world.  We begin creating a magnificent life by our own design.  You can find her book, ‘Everyday Magnificent, Practices for Activating an Unlimited Life’, and learn more about Gabriela at www.gabrielamasala.com. Her book is on Amazon and Balboa Press. Follow Gabriela on Instagram and Facebook to hear her updates and inspirations.

Nancy said she needed to heal her son with a liver disorder since no-one else seemed to be able to but then she ended up starting her own practice in functional medicine. How did she do that? Studying Food Chemistry, Holistic Nutrition, and Functional Medicine a far cry from her corporate life. Nancy said you do not have to wear all the hats in a corporate life but when you start out as an entrepreneur, all the responsibilities are yours. You also need to have a financial plan since you will not be receiving a paycheck each week but have to create your income differently. Many will give up and may run back to a job but it’s the self-doubt and fear that you must battle and win with a positive mindset each day until it becomes second nature. This is the most important, your mindset and then working consistently on a daily basis to make your dream a reality.  And Nancy certainly has done that. Packed full of powerful important ‘healthy’ information, do listen to this podcast it’s full of tips and advice for everyone who is interested in maintaining a healthy body. Nancy also discusses some very significant information about Alzheimer’s and Dementia, heavy metal tests, helping special needs children, and some of the ‘ugly ingredients’ found in most food today and the damage they inflict.  Now 55, Nancy has reinvented herself as an author (2 books launching in May and June), a podcaster, and has an online wellness monthly membership & Raising Achievers. You can reach Nancy via her website in her name and also via totalwellnessempowerment.com/membership

Ani, said the solution was and is in the same place. Today she is the author of ‘Find Your Soul’s Agenda,’ and says her book is almost a story about her journey, one that others also experience. After a very public divorce, she felt completely lost and none of her therapist friends seemed to be able to help her. Her identity as a wife, mother and business owner had been crushed and she needed to rebuild. At first she had no idea how. After taking 3 purpose courses, Ani finally found her purpose in an unlikely place – listen where. Often we find ourselves feeling like something is wrong with our lives, when in fact, it’s perfect and always has been. In Ani’s book she describes when we understand life will both show up for us in ways we love and in ways we don’t love (but happen anyway), predictably we will be better able to navigate the challenges that will inevitably present themselves as we continue to grow and evolve. Ani has seen people dramatically change their money, business, health and family situations on a dime once they realize that what they are looking for exists right in front of them already. If you feel like you’re looking for something, Ani suggests you open your mind to your Soul’s Agenda to realize that the treasures you seek are always right under your nose. This is a powerful and informative podcast do listen. To learn more and to see what Ani offers go to her website: AniAnderson.com

BILL said her sage wisdom was that if you’re creating value for others, they will add value to you. This lead Bill to adopt a life philosophy and build a business based on this principle and which he has ultimately proven many times.  Of course there is more to this little story.  And you can hear it all on this fun podcast I had with Bill. After working for others — including international clients — he took his years of experience and began to work for his own clients.  “Self-employment” he likes to say, “is an oxymoron.  I can’t afford myself so I must get clients to live the lifestyle of my choice!”  A good sense of humour is characteristic of Bill.   As is a lot of common sense and practical wisdom gleaned from experiences over the course of his sixty plus years on the planet. Today, he helps coaches, consultants and other advisors to ‘get more clients and earn more money’.  He’s developed two online services — The Client Machine® and The Expert Directory™ that support his clients in realizing this goal.  Bill is a certified coach and created a unique program: “How To Get More (and, Better!) Clients, ... without losing your soul in the process”.  It’s designed for people who seek to convert their competence into compensation. An ardent supporter of Maturepreneurs, he’s offering you my listeners, the first Module of this program — without charge or obligation — to see if you like it.  If you do, he’s arranged for you to enjoy a 50% reduction in the fee Bill normally charges to take this program.  For more details — and to enjoy his many downloadable informational guides at no cost to you — visit: https://getnewclientsnow.com/resources and be sure to let him know “Diana Todd-Banks sent me!”

Neville says the question: ‘What can I do for the rest of my life,’ is a question he toyed with long ago, and knows that the dilemma is a common feeling for many midlifers. Having helped hundreds of businesses he knows if a person is good at something they can build a business and have a life too. The big starting tip is to list your skills, what you’re passionate about and somewhere in those two lists there’ll be a sweet spot.  Next step is to find a market where people will pay you.  All that sounds very easy, but listen to this podcast and you’ll hear Neville discuss the 6 questions for which you need to find answers, as well he suggests be sure to do something valuable and to also feel valued. Growing up in South Africa Neville trained as a software developer in the good old days when computers still had floppy drives. He spent time travelling running businesses for others, then, back in Canada he started consulting on his own and came to realise how difficult it still is to build a business. There’s lots of hype around but building a business it’s still too difficult and too many entrepreneurs struggle, often giving up their lives in the process. Helping entrepreneurs build a better business faster, Neville found that led to the development of the Tornado Method - a framework for building and growing a business, and uses that Method now as the central framework around which he builds more guides and courses to help entrepreneurs get more successful faster - and still have a life. Learn more about Neville and his ‘Tornado Method’ at his website britewrx.com where you can get a free download ‘Beginner’s Guide to the Tornado Method ‘.

Brian said he was uninspired and lacked motivation within his full-time job at a sporting goods store, and recalled a side business that his father worked years ago cleaning parking lots and decided to turn that idea into his side-hustle. After two months Brian was bringing in enough income with Cleanlots to leave his full-time job behind.  Brian tells the story of how he began, "My prospects were slim as all I had was a high school diploma and a small savings account. But what I had was the motivation to change my life for the better and a willingness to work for myself." Entrepreneur magazine says parking lot litter cleanup is “a simple, inexpensive and potentially lucrative business to get into, and the market is growing”. Brian’s $200 investment has grown into a $650,000+ per year business, although that took a few decades.  Brian never dreamt he could turn a litter cleanup business into such an enjoyable lifestyle, but he did, and has perfected the operation down to a science. In fact, later in his career he even wrote a book about how other entrepreneurs can follow in his footsteps and that book is available on Amazon and is called ‘CleanLots America’s Simplest Business.’

Suzie says Often when we reach the later stages of our lives, we hear the clock of our own mortality ticking and we wonder if it’s too late to create something new and better for ourselves.  The question is why wait.  Ask yourself if the old, familiar excuse, “it’s too late” is a way you keep yourself from pursuing your dreams rather than an actual limitation.  Do you have a lifelong pattern of getting in your own way?  Do you dream of having a new career now that the kids are launched, something you can reasonably do for the rest of your life? Be serious about that question for yourself, because its never too late to begin exploring what’s in the way of you creating more fulfilment, connection and joy for yourself. Using the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), I help people explore those old limiting patterns so that they experience more joy, better relationships and greater fulfilment.  NARM helps us truly realize that we are not stuck.  When we do our own inner work, we change our relationship to the past and put the past in its place. To learn more go to: suzie.gruber.com  Our society needs maturepreneurs now more than ever to help bring more connection, caring and stability to our families and communities.  You can be part of the solution.

Chris and Susan’s plans for their 50’s and beyond, took advantage of the property boom which ultimately became a millstone around their necks rather than the generous pension it was meant to be.  As self employed Accountants and Management Consultants in their fifties they worked 6 - 7 days a week, 10 - 12 hours a day, had a good income but no time ... no time for to do the things they wanted to do in life, a familiar cry of many in the traditional work force. Only two option appeared to exist, continue working for the rest of their lives under conditions they no longer wanted to tolerate, or live hand to mouth on a tiny pension, not a choice thought. They didn’t fancy either option...Chris and Susan felt they had to find a way out, another approach - a goal of many others in this position.  Researching the Internet the couple discovered they could leverage their skills and build a business online. How did they decide on that? Analysing the skills they possessed they also looked at what they really enjoyed doing. Nine years down the line, Chris and Susan have a global online business generating a six figure “retirement income.” In this podcast they tell how they have achieved that. The couple also share how to create a retirement income through online entrepreneurship by teaching, training and mentoring professional people all over the world, plus they’re written a number of books on creating retirement income and do public speaking.  We call this “retiring the new way,” learn more on their website: ChrisAndSusanBeesley.com The couple offer 3 profound tips for others: do something of service to others, then make a decision, then take a step and start!

Elizabeth had spent over twenty-five years in the international pharmaceutical industry helping companies make their drugs safely and built up a ‘store’ of anecdotes she intended to publish “one of these days.”  Then a major health scare reminded her if she left it too late, she may never reach, “one of these days,” and so began writing creative non-fiction putting real situations and locations into fictional settings, which worked. The millions of words written during Elizabeth’s first career were always true but now telling ‘lies’ for a living requires a different style of writing. Elizabeth had to learn to be opinionated and inventive. Her early heroines had no fun and did nothing wrong; she was too scared people would think it was autobiographical! Returning to campus for her MA after thirty-three years was nerve-wracking spending the weeks leading up to the start of term worrying about what she should wear. Even though Elizabeth was used to speaking to audiences of tens if not hundreds, in her first seminar this coy writer kept her head down, whispering ‘don’t pick me,’ every time the tutor asked someone a question. Having now developed her second career alongside the independent publishing industry this authorpreneur is much happier. She’s watched the independent publishing business move from being the route of last resort for authors unable to get a traditional publishing deal, to a legitimate option for people who prefer full control over their businesses.

Dan McCrory said for decades, he worked at a phone company as a telecommunications technician but he always had writing jobs on the side, but as he found out writing a book is different and has its own set of pitfalls. Some advice? Know your target audience. He never stopped to ask will millennials, (his audience) read this? While receptive, they want a book they can listen to while driving. At 63, Dan said he’s a driven person; many people don’t understand what motivates him and he would be hard-pressed to explain why he’s so driven. He said folks with Parkinson’s disease tend to withdraw, especially as symptoms become harder to ignore, but he refuses to hide. He’s always faced his fears and got on with living, and wants to forget he has PD and live a normal life.  One point Dan does know - he wants people to know he’s contributed value to the human race. And he’s certainly doing that now!  Throughout this podcast Dan offers numerous pieces of advice, sound wisdom and tips about living. Dan strongly believes Life is Too Short – So Get On With It! This vibrant chap offers a wise piece of advice and says of midlife, it’s imperative everyone in this demographic creates a new life chapter doing ‘ what fires them up.’ Do not be one of those retirees who watch TV then later die, with so much stored up yet unrealised potential. Dan wrote his first book at 63, and is working on two screenplays at the moment and has a lot more to do as well.  Dan doesn’t have a website, rather a Facebook page named: Capitalism Killed the Middle Class. Listeners can buy it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or on his Facebook page.

Listen how Suzie Gruber’s life took a circuitous route to be where she is today, helping you to improve your life and really come alive. She says many have an innate drive towards connection, aliveness, and success, an urge that gives you the courage to change, regardless of what you face along the way. But those desires may be submerged until Suzie starts working with a client. It seems more and more people working in jobs feel their heart isn’t in the work, they get uneasy, unhappy, but don't’ do anything about that, yet they can, you just need to begin listening to your heart.   Suzie did that. Despite working in the biotechnology industry, Suzie found her heart wasn’t in it, and said she had to honour her own ‘primal urge’ to do what she loves, helping others come alive and she’s doing that. After learning about the instabilities in our world, Suzie knew she had to listen to her own deeper voice and respond to those challenges by helping people heal, firstly by rebuilding her professional life in a different direction, getting a degree in Psychology and then training in the Neuro Affective Relational ModelTM(NARM), which she offers today because NARM changed her life. She went from feeling constantly anxious to experiencing each day with greater aliveness, ease and success while enjoying more satisfying relationships. Any life changes do have hurdles to overcome and for Suzie now it’s learning to market her work.  As a scientist, she wants to tell everyone how what she offers works inside us.  The truth is no one cares.  People just want results. Suzie enjoys telling her story so she can inspire you to follow your heart.  You can change.  It’s not too late. Contact Suzie via her website suziegruber.com

Listen how Mark Lyons creatively combined his earlier two careers in different fields, animal agriculture and strategic management consulting, with his long time passion to become a Garden Troubadour and Green Thumb At Your Service Coach. Searching ardently for his next career yet nothing happened, Mark said two years later it dawned on him why he wasn’t landing a job, he realized, he’d been lying to himself about what he wanted to do with his next career, his inner self was no longer willing to put up with his lies. What Mark did next is a lesson for anyone in a similar position. Spend a week in solitude to clear your head and figure out your next move. Mark went to the beautiful hills of Galena, Illinois and came home with a determination to strike out on his own and find a way to combine his passion for gardening with his love of entertaining and starting a business, Green Thumb at Your Service. Becoming a garden coach, working one-on-one with people to show them how to grow more and better vegetables, he also teaches classes and recently wrote his first book – Gardening with Confidence – Tips and Tactics for a Greener Thumb. People are concerned about the quality of food they eat, how it’s grown, what’s being sprayed on it. Many want to grow the food themselves but don’t know how: enter Mark. To flesh out his offerings, this Garden Troubadour also teaches classes on how to make cheese and grow mushrooms and makes the sessions LIVE infusing his presentations with his dry wit and occasionally off-the-wall sense of humor, even singing while accompanying himself on his ukulele. For more go to Mark’s website: greenthumbatyourservice.com

Kathleen said she found herself completely lost and heartbroken, after a family breakdown, her business fell apart, her sense of identity unraveled, and health challenges set in.  She faced fears she had never faced before, having always been so successful in her thriving psychotherapy practice. Despite always helping others Kathleen now needed help as her money began to run out, she struggled with shame, hopelessness, and a dark depression, facing ageism and a total lack of meaning, all emotions foreign to her. Listen to Kathleen’s raw account of her life then and what she did until something magical began to happen - a true blessing in disguise that allowed her to reconnect to her “original medicine,” the gifts she had always possessed, yet had not fully owned as being truly miraculous.   After getting fired for speaking truth to power and facing her biggest fears she returned to where she had started but as a totally different woman, more humble, and more confident of her true gifts.  Writing Loveseed: The Template For Birthing A New World, Kathleen shares how each person can find their soul and their ‘loveseed ‘within themselves to bring them back to who they truly are. How exciting is that? Dramatic life experiences can have a positive impact on each of our lives ultimately helping us to have more creativity and aliveness than ever before and with a great sense of purpose. Kathleen’s current project is creating a retreat centre where people can go to do the deeper work of transformation, and as a spiritual teacher, modern mystic, psychotherapist, and author, her transformation is now helping transform others.  To learn more go to kathleenhanagan.com/newbook

In 2010, Noreen Braman, who had already reinvented herself in 1997 after a contentious divorce, was reeling from a corporate downsizing, dealing with economic recession of historic proportions and facing her own midlife issues. Soon her skills as a strategic communications professional, humourist and performer sent her in a new direction. By the end of that year, she became a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, had her mind blown at a conference called “Can Humour Save the World” and studied the Psychology of Laughter at Rutgers University. In 2012 she added certification in Laughter Wellness, studied the Science of Happiness through Berkeley University in 2016 and ever since has been presenting laughter for the health through her Smile Side of Life Laughter & Happiness Club presentations. Taking her message about laughter to the world on a full time basis Noreen again “reinvented” herself. Dr Paul McGhee’s book “Humour as a Survival Tool “ helped her understand the importance of humour and laughter to all humans. With the physical and emotional health benefits that come with humour, laughter and mindfulness, Noreen deals with her fibromyalgia and thyroid disease with humour, reminding us all that yesterday’s problem can be today’s funny story.  Recently, she has started helping others with a workshop self-discovery through developing a vision, mission statement, and strategic plan for ones’ own life. Noreen’s own vision and mission statements can be found on her website at  njlaughter.com, along with more about enhancing wellbeing with laughter, and her helpful articles and videos. This is a powerful conversation from which everyone can learn more about the importance of laughter in each of our lives.

Pat Porrey and her sister Pam did that and have made a huge difference in the lives of new Mums and their newborn babies coming home from hospital. On reflection it was a huge difference after spending 30 years at a great job with a major corporation, but Pat decided she needed to try something new. Despite having great job, a safe pension and a great predictable life she knew there was more to life for her but what? She was told to create multiple streams of income and was doing that, then 2008-2009 hit. Nothing prepared her for that perfect storm of the financial, real estate and business world collapsing ... her world. Many wondered what next? Some wallowed in their woes while others were proactive like Pat and her sister Pam who created a much-needed new business - Sweet Dreams Infant Care - see their .com website in the same name. Pam, an RN, saw staff reductions and shorter hospital stays causing many new moms to not get the training or assistance they needed before leaving hospital with their newborn(s). Pam went home with the mums to help educate, support the parents, build their confidence and help them get the rest they needed. The two sisters created a Baby Nurse agency and along with ‘Sweet Dreams’ it just took five years to hit their first million-dollar year. Five years later they completed their dream of writing a book, due out in May, titled Raising Confident Parents - go to their .com website now to download the book. Listen to Pat provide some wise advice about what to do next in your life – she didn’t start the business until her mid 50’s and now she feels younger, more vibrant and says everyone needs to have a purpose in life.

Kelly said writing a book had been on her bucket list since she was 22, but she says it’s a ton of work! And it wasn’t surprising she spent the next 8-10 years finding excuses as family and business excuses kept her from writing her ‘special and unique’ book. Years later her excuses dissipated and the opportunity to finish her book came to be. Kelly’s book can best be described as biblical, historical, a thriller, fiction, a novel, encompassing the super natural called, ‘Over My Dead Body: A Super Natural Novel’. Little wonder it took so long to finish however what Kelly has achieved is proof that if you have a strong desire to do something it’s never to late to start. Going beyond that in two years she has brought four new products to market including an eBook, paperback, hardback, and audiobook all on ‘Over My Dead Body’. Now in her 50's, Kelly says calls herself a novelist. It's been a wild ride, but it's not over yet, as a biblical concepts companion guide for the novel is due out in May 2019; and later a screenplay plus a second novel in the series. Thrilled her book has achieved great success hitting #1 bestseller in Biblical Fiction in three categories on Amazon, her children’s book has hit #1 in 2 categories on Amazon.

Lana Nelson’s life traumas ultimately became gifts even despite being injured in a nasty car accident causing years of chronic pain. She knew she would be the sole financial supporter of her young children. Having previous experience in the field she started her own dental lab business and 4 years later bought a home, a new van and able took her children on vacation. Plus she had become a noted expert in the cutting-edge field of dental implants. But after 5 years of continued headaches and pain she saw a Chiropractor and continued trying new things - juicing, massage and yoga, all considered “weird” at the time.  She kept thinking and saying, “I should marry a Chiropractor. I’m seeing one 3 times a week!” Yes “The universe was listening.” Lana met her future husband on a blind date. He specialized in treating pain and with his treatments Lana was pain-free in 2 weeks!  He healed her body and her heart.  They married and combined two families and were called “The Brady Bunch times two!” Over the next several years Lana created a Food program that helped her husbands chronically ill patients heal with food, and also opened a health food store. Sadly her husband had a massive brain aneurysm, which changed their lives forever. Miraculously he survived and Lana became his caretaker and financial supporter. Over the last 4 years Lana has found her grit and experiences from her 30’s have kept her going. Having written and published a book, Lana teaches anyone how to eat what their body really wants and needs; as well, she teaches her method to clients from 6 of the 7 continents worldwide.  Go to her website for more: thefoodcodes.com/ “The Food Codes, Intuitive Eating for Every Body.” 

He’s a midlife divorced dad raising 2 kids but that hasn’t stopped Dom from becoming a health empowerment coach. Unlike most health coaches, Dom chose not to not focus on what people eat, or their exercise, rather, he focuses on helping to discover and transform the underlying root causes of old, destructive loops that prevent his clients from succeeding in their health, overall wellness & life!  Dom understands what it's like to be on both sides of the fence because he grew up as a heavy weight kid for the first half of his life along with his destructive loops.  Moving on from there to his early 50s Dom recognized his career of 30 years in Corporate IT sucked the spirit of life out of him. The best antidote to that was to follow his heart and passion earning his health & life coach certifications; as he felt that path was the key to his new future and it has been. Despite his numerous big life challenges in one year during his career transition Dom says he’s discovered a newfound freedom he never had before plus he feels like he’s finally now living life on his terms. This is why the question begs to be asked what were the keys that helped Dom to ‘live on his terms?” During this podcast you’ll hear Dom’s answers and others too and they’re not complex, costly or time consuming. Dom describes them as 3 principles he’s personally learned that are critical to your success. Sharing his personal experience, Dom talks about his passion to help elevate & empower people who feel stuck in a life or body they are not happy with. For more go to Dom’s website: CoachDomCampbell.com to take advantage of his special offer using this link: http//bit.ly/free55minutecall  

Else Didn’t fully realise it at the time, but what she read she came to learn was a totally and completely unique perspective on a topic which has plagued even the most powerful minds since early last century even before that. What was more puzzling was the author was born into a poor family in Denmark, had a very limited education yet he had a profound experience, that he later described as a Cosmic Consciousness and this became the inspiration to write prolifically until his passing, years later in 1981. His prolific works have been called ‘The Third Testament’ and have been translated into 20 languages. Since Else is Danish she felt compelled to write explanatory versions of Martinus’ work and to date has written 7 short books. In a previous interview on Mature Preneurs Talk Else said ‘Once you see the bigger picture, your whole outlook on life will change and you will become a much happier person when you realise that ‘Death Is An Illusion,’ the title of Else’s first book, based on the work of Martinus. Her next book: Reincarnation in a ‘Nutshell – Why Reincarnation Is Real,’ has received raving reviews on Amazon. Else suggests people who are ‘spiritually bankrupt’ can certainly benefit from reading her books about Martinus, and his books too. his literary works may well challenge many while others will find it makes total sense. The work of Martinus is for the person with a large spiritual hunger and Else’s website newspiritualscience.com will provide answers to life’s big questions. If you ever wanted to gain a deep understanding of what lies within you, her website will go along way to answering your questions.  Else suggests after reading Martinus’ work you will never look at the world in the same way again.

Some years ago, partners Maree Malouf and Jeff were enjoying a good lifestyle in their respective roles, but in the back of Jeff’s mind something was missing … though he never had a clue as to what. Unexpectedly Jeff and Maree were invited to be involved in an organisation that had, at its core, the i-Ching. As a trained psychologist and NLP Master he was intrigued. Never did they, for a second, imagine what was to follow. On a whim, they found themselves in Bali, studying under an amazing coach and mentor and quickly became immersed in a world of which they previously had no knowledge. The learning curve was steep, but rewarding.  A few years later, after going through their savings, the couple look back and realise the fantastic journey they had been on, and are still on today. Jeff said they added to the base they learned, and now have embarked on what they describe as their “dream job” … together, coaching and teaching people in all walks of life (and ages), and deliver presentations, writing a lot … while their book is in its own “incubation”. With wisdom Jeff and Maree said what that they thought was important … and the trappings of success they lost … but in reality, they have gained things money can’t buy - new knowledge, skills, and endless growth potential, much of that, you can hear throughout this podcast.  Importantly now they have friendships and connections that would never been accessible to them in their “previous world”. Was there life before 50 yes, but as they move into their 60’s, they experience new people, places and things. Jeff profoundly asks what lies ahead for them …then quickly replies certainly not retirement … that concept has no meaning for them. For more go here: website address is relationshipdynamics.global

Carol Graham says hers is a true story of beating insurmountable odds can seem stranger than fiction and that nothing about her story is conventional – yet it speaks to anyone who has ever experienced trauma. At 65, Carol wanted to fulfil her dream of sharing her story being an author, international speaker talk show host and survivor of major life challenges.  Goals and dreams can seem like pipe dreams but dreams certainly can come true which Carol certainly learned and experienced and because of that she now helps others, In a variety of profound ways.  Carol suggests learn to find something you love doing, do it, be tenacious, stay focused, create laughter in your life and you’ll be surprised what happens along the way.   You can learn more about Carol here: batteredhope.blogspot.com – and her book Battered Hope provides lots of insights about trauma and lessons for the reader. As Carol found out we all have the ability and the right to choose what we do with our retirement years - midlife and beyond.  It's a time in your life you do have choice, hers was to start over – doing what she wanted to do and helping and encouraging others to never ever give up hope. Making excuses why you can’t do anything you want to do, limiting yourself, are just that they’re excuses. Carol encourages anyone to take that step to do what you want to do - it will sustain your youth.  You have much to offer – start giving it away.

Kelly says In 2008 when the housing market imploded her husband’s livelihood as a general contractor went up in flames and suddenly she and her husband in their 50’s were facing some tough decisions.  Her husband had always been involved with cattle part-time but never as a sole source of income. Faced with few options they decided to start raising cattle full-time and training horses as their main source of income. For Kelly most of her life was spent in the food business; distribution and working with restaurants and chefs now she was coming full circle as an actual producer. While this was all old hat for her husband it was a radical shift for Kelly but she was in good shape and open-minded which is what everyone in their 50’s needs to do to create a new life.  Building a barbed wire fence was tough, even the full 30 miles of it, ride working cow horses, doctoring cattle and running the business were too but her quiet desire to write a book, her memoir came to fruition - ‘The Princess Rancher’, was picked up by a publisher and her dream of being an author came to fruition.  The story chronicles the tough reality of starting over in your 50’s and what it was like for her to go from a cushy, easy existence into the hardworking world of a rancher, typically a man’s world. As a result of her total change Kelly developed thesevenkeysystem.com “How to Change your Life” which you can find on her website kellygraywilliamsbooks.com During this podcast Kelly offers numerous excellent tips for anyone wanting to identify what they can do going forward and the most important being, ‘be kind to yourself’ during your period of change.

Patricia Mitchell says at the age of 24 she actually heard a voice say to her “Patricia you don’t have to be poor you can have wealth” despite being months late on rent. As years passed she talks how this power within her has allowed her to teach about creating wealth. During this podcast Patricia offers several practical tips how to identify steps to find your next life chapter.  Now in 2019 Patricia considers herself an expert in acumulating wealth, yet she sees many people needing money but which is the easiest thing to manifest.  Having written a course called “Tap the power within” Patricia is now completing a book on the same subject.  How did she get to this stage - listen to this podcast to find out more. Before starting on her current journey, Patricia owned a non-medical home care agency but went back to school in her fifties and is now completing her Doctoral in Organizational Leadership. This go-getter says we need to know the truth about who we really are to begin to live our best life. Soon Patricia will be 65 yet she has never focused on her age. Age, she said is just a number and the best asset we all have in this new life chapter is knowledge, which we can readily utilize as we are never too old to learn. This is a time when you can all truly feel empowered. There is an old saying the truth will set you free and Patricia feels since the truth has been revealed to her, now she shares how with others. You can learn more at Patricia’s website plus receive a Free download MP4. Go to globalelite.media - there’s a ½ off course until March 20, 2019 Use Code 2025.

Dawn James worked 72 hours a week, and had a soaring career yet her family life, and relationships were crumbling around her. As a former Finance/I.T. exec she missed many family dinners, sporting events and school plays - memories she can never recapture. But a life-changing event brought her career to a screeching halt!  After her wake-up call of not eating literally for 3 months, and the health results that ensued, she stopped living in her head and started living in her heart, advice that Dawn now offers others.  Quitting her corporate job, she spent 18 months of intense soul searching. But how did she do that what was she looking for? Listen to her answers during this podcast. They’re interesting. During the empty nest phase, Dawn and her husband began to travel to far away countries. One destination they both fell in love with was Costa Rica. They returned home and immediately set a plan in motion to do what they love and love what they do. They decided to combine their talents and passions to create Be Fit Be Well Retreats. This dynamic boomer duo, her husband a former 3x Canadian Olympian, and Dawn who became a wellness practitioner, host retreats related to fitness, and doing this in the breath-taking Pacific region of Costa Rica where the mountains kiss the Ocean. They found their joy! Today as an author and speaker, Dawn has enjoyed travelling to 4 continents, teaching others how to live more consciously and in harmony with the planet, themselves and each other. Learn more on their website:  raisethevibration.ca   Dawn says her "Raise the Vibration' Trilogy was released January 2019; her newest book ‘Raise the Vibration Between Us’ is translated in several languages.

Rob Palmer’s life collapsed as a result of the financial meltdown of 2008-9 it cost him his home and marriage, so when his children left home, he decided to start a whole new life as a digital nomad. Prior to that in his early 50’s he was running an online marketing consultancy so it was easy to leverage his skills to create a location-independent income while traveling the world. Blogging and affiliate marketing gave him the freedom to go anywhere, do anything and be anyone he wanted which anyone can also do. Since doing so one of the hardest things is explaining to others how he makes money … people think that if he is making money without a job he must be running some kind of criminal enterprise! He acknowledges the life of a digital nomad is certainly diverse. Rob offers three helpful tips for others: 1. You are not stuck in your current life…you can create a brand new and better one! 2. It’s never too late…you can change your life in your 50s, 60s and beyond. 3. This is the best time ever to be a mature person – you can look forward to decades of active life and adventure! Rob offers more on his website: gofreelance.com/career-change-after-50/ options anyone can explore for their future life. One of the keys he suggests is that people need to list what they like or enjoy doing, what their skills and strengths are. Rob loves his new life and wants to keep on enjoying it for decades to come and it’s the same for anyone, taking on this life it motivates you to get in shape. Now he feels healthier, fitter and more energetic than he did 10 years ago.

Anthony Hamilton at the age of ten had a dream, which affected him so much he spent over twenty years investigating how it could have happened. Over time, as various parts of the dream came true, Anthony developed a new model of the mind to explain and understand this dream. In 1980, he realized that the mind works as a time machine and began speaking and coaching others in using this new model of consciousness. His discovery, which has recently been proven by science, will prove to be as earth shaking if not more so than the discovery that the earth goes around the sun.  During this podcast Anthony offers several excellent suggestions including one for those who want to change their feelings about the past. We are so used to thinking that our present life is due to the events of our past, it seems laughable to suggest anything else. Yet it’s clear, different people experience different effects from similar events, so something else it at play. That ‘something else’ is the way we perceive the past event. Our attitude which influences the way any event will affect us, can be changed at any time, changing the effect of any past event at any time. This means the past is malleable. It can be changed; and we have the power to change it.  The past has not gone anywhere. It is not finished. It is still available to us and we can influence its contents.  Using our mind as a time machine allows us to revisit and change any aspect of our personal past. It is also the key to turning our dreams and goals into our actual, physical reality. To earn more go to the website mindtimeandpower.com

Stephen said that’s exactly what happened and explains how writing charted his life on a new course, an amazingly incredible journey. Since his computer work world afforded him the opportunity to travel as he began semi-retirement, he decided to write a book on his extensive worldwide travels. His ‘tome’ wasn’t published but the path took him down a road where he would self-publish three fictional novels – two aimed at the female reading audience.  That’s often how life happens you have a goal, work towards it yet you veer of course onto a new amazing one. Living in Las Vegas, the marriage capital of the world, Stephen’s first published novel was titled ‘The Chapel of Eternal Love – Wedding Stories from Las Vegas’. With 50 plus wedding chapels in Las Vegas and a Wedding Chamber of Commerce collectively bringing in over 2 billions dollars per year to the marriage capital, yet Stephen did not interview anyone for these books. As a bachelor he used his imagination and what imagination!  Not only did the novel win first prize in the mainstream fiction category in the Authors Talk About It book contest, it spawned a sequel, ‘Return to the Chapel of Eternal Love – Marriage Stories from Las Vegas’. The second novel revisits all the couples from the first novel five years later.  For his third novel, Stephen attempted something different - a murder mystery, ‘Murder Aboard the Queen Elizabeth II’ released in 2017.  Learn more at Stephen’s website: authorstephenmurray.com Stephen never dreamt he would pen novels for the female market – nor how writing charted a new life course. But that’s life!

Brian Connors had been in GM roles for a range on multinational medical device companies across Australia and Asia for three decades, which exposed him to a wide range of products. But in between roles an opportunity popped up, a door opened and being open to new products Brian decided to start a side business with a unique product that prevents Swimmers Ear and ear pain caused by water being trapped in the ear canal. In his midlife this side business has given him a new lease of life, greater energy and a sense of excitement about the future. Anyone who starts a new venture can realise similar benefits but it takes time and effort but, if you find the right opportunity then it can be a great way to help make the future more financially rewarding, secure and interesting.  For listeners looking to do doing something new in their midlife or beyond, Brian has some simple tips 1) be prepared to put in the time. If not don’t do it. 2) SEEK out people for advice and help. Ask! It is amazing how people are willing to give their advice over a cup of coffee –there’s a generous spirit of support out there if you ask. People want to see individuals giving it a go succeed! 3) Try new things, learn and improve or move on. No action will suffocate you as business trends swiftly move around and by you if you are not careful. To find out more about Brian and his product range go to his website swimseal.com.au and look for the special offer Brian has for you and type in the code: TODD30   

Dubbed the ‘Indiana Jones in High Heels’ Patty Civalleri journeyed with some of the best historical, archaeological, and scientific minds in the world. During 17 years on the Director’s Council of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA, as writer/photographer Patty travelled to extraordinary places including the newly discovered Mayan caves in Belize. In 2013 Patty got a 1-month photo assignment to these Mayan caves - a wonderful experience, but listen to this podcast and you’ll glimpse how hard it was. Nothing glamorous.  On her return to Long Beach, California, Patty says ‘she was kind of… messed up in the head. That trip was so excruciatingly difficult on me when I got back home, I couldn’t find my feet, my center.” Not knowing what to do she decided “I just needed to get away with my camera and walk unknown streets and shoot to my heart’s desire without an assignment to drive me.” Which she did! Returning home, Patty began a project to create a ‘ShutterFly’ photo book. Starting to review the nearly 5,000 photos she shot while in Florence, her ‘inner historian’ kicked in and began asking questions sending her online to find answers. Listen to hear Patty describe what she did for 8 months to get answers and the surprising result she discovered. As a high-tech forward-thinking entrepreneur at heart, Patty soon became disenchanted with the dying world of book publishing. So she and her husband started a new publishing company to create the books that were suddenly pouring forth from her fingers. Now at 59, Patty has won 9 awards for her work, both National and Global. She works closely with the Italian Tourism Bureau to find solutions for their ‘touristically’ over-crowded cities. Her ideas are gaining worldwide attention in the travel industry. Patty lives in California with her husband Roger, and enjoys being the Commodore of their local Duffy Boat Club.  To contact her and learn more go to italytravelbooks.com - her ‘unabashed’ renaissance art history website.

Marvin says although he’s been a lifelong entrepreneur he never envisioned starting a new venture at 69 which he has done. Traveling as an R&R musician during the hippie era of the 60s and 70s, he owned a home improvement company then engaged in several MLMs, then began writing to now being a multi-published author and professional editor. With a diversity of experiences behind him Marvin identified a gap in a very prolific industry, the publishing industry. As with so many industries, the big players make it hard in this case for quality, creative unknown artists, in any field, to be exposed and get noticed, unless they’re well connected. This is why Marvin started ‘Publishing 4 the People’! He says ‘it’s the best of all world’s to create a venture where it’s a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved: the artists, the audience, the new company P4tP and Charities win too as a small portion of revenues go to selected worthy charities. Marvin’s goal for artists in any field is to have a significant and positive impact on how struggling artists can gain notoriety and earn cash to further their careers because the life is such a roller coaster of emotions, he knows he’s been there. Go here to learn more: publishing4thepeople.com and for listeners of this podcast there’s a bonus waiting for you.  The startling outcome and unexpected bonus for Marvin is since the inception of his new venture where all involved win, he has a remarkable amount of new energy and life and, he even feels younger.  That certainly is a bonus!

Ross Keating experienced redundancy a few times in his corporate career, and that, in itself can hold you back from moving forward. But for Ross the saying “Age is only a number. Don’t let a number hold you back,” is a thought he lives by in fact, it has helped him move forward. At the age of 50, Ross and his family moved to Australia and he decided to establish a consulting practice, which he called The Client Orchardist. Having previously experienced redundancy a few times in his corporate career, Ross learnt the importance of identifying and clearly understanding what your transferable skills are.  That’s not easy when suffering from the effects of redundancy and neither is the next step deciding where you want to end up! To identify where your opportunities may lie, start by looking at your past work experiences and personal interests. Taking time on this step is important as it sets the tone for the next step, says Ross, which is learning simple ways to set goals.  Doing this, will help you focus on your new ventures so you can work towards your goals. Applying for jobs when you’re over 50 and not being successful is tough and demoralizing which Ross knows well, and is why he talks about how to overcome these challenges and start again in business, whatever your age. Using the analogy of growing an orchard of trees Ross highlights a key to this process, is in understanding what you want from life and how a business venture is a part of the “orchard” to make it happen, and how to tend to “your orchard” to bring your dreams and goals to fruition. You can learn more about Ross on his LinkedIn profile and through his blogs, workshops, webinars, mentoring and coaching programs.

Debbie Rivers felt she worked in one of the most disliked occupations, auditing! A safe, well-paid government job and one that she didn’t like, plus she dreaded going to work as it sucked the life out of her. Despite being a seriously risk adverse person, at 53 she took a huge step, and left her security behind, to work in dating! Debbie said it was time to do what she loved, making a difference rather than nit picking!  An Accidental Entrepreneur, she always had an aversion to business as her parents ran delis (delicatessens) while she was growing up and were never around. After 21 years of marriage, and single, Debbie explored the dating scene but was dismayed by it and its new language breadcrumbing, ghosting, orbiting, benching, terms for bad or poor behaviour. Despite that Debbie felt compelled to explore speed dating and loved the concept! She talked with others about the idea, until a bar owner convinced her to try running one herself and her first was Perth's Biggest Speed Dating Event. Crazy, is how Debbie describes herself then, with no events or business experience she didn’t wait for perfection but dived in thinking all she needed was a website and people! Debbie laughs because she now knows how hard that is to achieve! But she did it, it wasn't perfect but she started and it was a great success.  Over time Debbie has expanded to all things dating including coaching people to navigate the dating world and to maybe find the love they had longed for.  To learn more go to: mailchi.mp/f5b34c4cee27/debbieriversloveyourselffirst Despite now living the dream, Debbie says it’s never too late to live the life you have always imagined and is glad she made the choice to follow her passion. 

ANITA BENTATA said nearing 50 she needed to change her life story from trauma, being alone and hard work, but didn’t yet know how. Childhood neglect and abuse had shaped Anita into a powerless young adult unable to protect her from being stalked in her teens. Years later, she escaped domestic violence with her two young children and entered therapy to make sure it never happened again and also took a risk and entered university to change careers from accounts to psychotherapy which she did and began helping victims of DV and other trauma. After years of experience and practical knowledge Anita was ready to reach more people and to address ‘next level gaps’ and also remembered her promise to clients to write a book explaining why women stay. She did that and wrote The Wolf in a Suit. This led to reflecting deeply on what was missing in society. To address the gaps for survivors, community and professionals in prevention, intervention and healing Anita created Feminine Principle events and the Big Hearted Woman program. She answered what her parents, other parents and society didn’t teach about love, relationships, stress and trauma; then created the Women Starting Again group which has 765 members, plus educative online programs and national and international retreats, talks and workshops. Her next book is underway “Uncomfortable Conversations: how to talk to someone when they are in a toxic relationship;” as well Anita started an online membership program on her website anitabentata.com so healing is easier and affordable allowing woman to help another woman heal. Domestic violence is a scourge in society and clearly Anita’s book and groups can be of immense help and support. Learn more at her website anitabentata.com where you can also contact her.

Daniel Goodenough is the author of the recently published book, “The Caravan of Remembering, A Road Map for Experiencing the Awakening of Your Life Mission”. Although fiction, the reader is taken on a mystical journey to finding a life of meaning and purpose that is right for you. As a child, Daniel was disturbed seeing people around him doing work they hated, and wished he could help people find work they loved. Looking for that for himself, he worked as a research scientist, professional musician, and fine artist, and then started a business as a graphic designer so he could understand the life of an entrepreneur.  For the past 30 years he has taught thousands of students internationally through The Way of the Heart, a program of self-discovery and spiritual growth. Daniel consults with entrepreneurs and business people about doing business in a new way - with integrity, purpose, and heart. By listening to this podcast you’ll hear Daniel discuss the three important words – questions: Why? What? Who and what they can uncover. Also other important questions that help you to find your purpose, even uncover a passion and why it’s important for you to do that. He discusses, what is the best way to tap into your talents and desires to create a life of meaning and authenticity? Also what is life mission, and how can finding your life mission help you in your work life-it can even create it, and finally what are some ways to listen to your inner guidance and get in touch with your life mission?  For those not experienced with this topic those questions can seem strange, but by seriously addressing them there will be some pleasant outcomes. Available from Amazon.com in print and eBook format, go to caravanofremembering.com and thewayoftheheart.com to learn more.

Starting off on a fairly conventional career path Ingrid recognised to grow her career she needed to relocate from the country to Sydney. In her late 40s, she experienced terrible workplace bullying that rocked her to the core causing her to re-think her career choices, which at first was tough considering her experience. Wisely Ingrid reviewed her skills, which enabled her to set up a Virtual Assistant business, which she operated very successfully from her own home office in Taree in country NSW, Australia. Recognising the benefit and enormous satisfaction that the Virtual Assistant career and the lifestyle was bringing her, and countless other women throughout Australia (and the world), Ingrid saw there were many who were seeking help to get started but just had no idea where to begin.  This was the catalyst for Ingrid to set up the VA Institute, because importantly becoming a VA is a path anyone can do and certainly those who are retrenched can. Now in its 2nd year of operation the VA Institute provides one-on-one training and support to women far and wide, allowing them to launch and drive a successful career as a VA. You can learn more here: vainstitute.com.au Ingrid’s mission is to inspire and instil self-confidence and passion back into the women she works with, and to help women who step into the Virtual Assistant industry an opportunity to build a career based on the principles of excellence and authenticity.

Sara applied that question to her life and now is one of (if not the only) female coppersmith in America (or the world), working as a metal smith of vintage and modern cookware manufacturing pure metal kitchenware in tin, copper, and iron. It wasn’t easy at first she had to learn how to create cookware from scratch because in America, copper cookware, in particular, had not been made for decades. The knowledge was hidden or lost, it was hard to find as no one seemed to know what they were doing, including Sara. Making lots of phone calls starting with “Hi, I don’t know what I’m doing, but ... those endless calls, her research and tenacity bloomed into a great business. The most exciting part now Sara said she gets to jump into the bigger discussion about food. Not as one more chef or one more foodie, but as someone who wants us to ask the same questions about our cookware as we do about what we eat.  We should ask about our pots and pans, ‘Where is it from? What is it made of? Who made it? Is it sustainable? Is It Renewable? Is it Pure? For more see her website saradahmen.com and housecopper.com Sara’s love of historical research for her fiction writing, inspired ‘House Copper & Cookware’, the name for her American-made cookware created with pure and/or organic materials which has been featured in national and international publications. Publishing over 100 articles as a contributing editor for trade magazines, she recently spoke at TEDx Rapid City. Her debut novel, Widow 1881 {Sillan Pace Brown 2018}, won the Laramie Award grand prize for Western Historical Fiction, plus other awards and she’s now in talks for media development. With all this activity Sara has a wonderful supportive family.