Re-think Retirement - a Next-Up Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Rethink Retirement podcast, we sit down with Megan Rowland-Mitchell, a true testament to the idea that it's never too late to learn something new and reinvent yourself. Born on the Isle of Wight, Megan was eager to explore beyond her small island community. After training as a teacher in Exeter, she pursued a vibrant career in London, only to find her true passion teaching English abroad in the stunning Alps. Megan's journey took an unexpected turn when her father's illness brought her back to the Isle of Wight. Balancing a part-time job with caring for her parents, she faced the difficult realities of life and loss. Her father's passing left her with not just memories, but a box of broken jewellery—pieces that would spark her next great adventure. Tune in to hear Megan's transformative story: how she turned a box of broken heirlooms into a thriving jewellery business, and the lessons she learned along the way. From classroom to craftsmanship, Megan's story is a powerful reminder that unretirement can be a time of renewal and new beginnings.

After a diverse career encompassing teaching, lecturing, demonstrations, and television work, 74-year-old Annie Stirk has embarked on an exciting new journey as a model. For 35 years, Annie worked as a food stylist for television programs, spending five years each on "This Morning" and "Open House." She later established her own PR agency, Absolutely Food, where she delighted in telling incredible stories for her clients. While her husband retired, Annie's passion for work persisted, leading her to edit for Yorkshire Life and launch the "Time of Your Life" initiative. One morning, a Facebook advert seeking models caught her eye. Responding to it led to numerous photo shoots, propelling her into the modeling world. Annie's new career quickly gained momentum, landing her appearances on the BBC series "Take a Hike" and on billboards nationwide for meatless sausages. She also organized events like Silver and Sassie at Yorkshire Fashion Week and "Find Your Midlife Magic," empowering women to achieve great things. Embracing the freelance lifestyle, Annie's philosophy is simple: opportunities arise when you meet new people and say yes to new experiences.

Embark on an extraordinary voyage with us as we delve into the captivating life story of Amelia Dalton, a true maritime maverick. In this podcast episode, we uncover the twists and turns that shaped Amelia's remarkable odyssey and led her to become a trailblazer in the world of seafaring. Amelia's adventure began with a chance encounter in the Western Isles and the acquisition of a Danish boat, setting her on a path that would lead to unexpected destinations and profound transformations.  Against the backdrop of a male-dominated industry, Amelia defied expectations and carved out her place as a commercial skipper, becoming the first female to do so in her sector. Her journey was fraught with challenges, yet through it all, Amelia remained undaunted, fuelled by a fierce determination to seize every opportunity that came her way. As she reflects on her experiences, she shares invaluable insights into the power of resilience, the importance of perseverance, and the transformative nature of adversity. Amelia's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and the enduring power of the sea to heal and inspire. From the rugged beauty of Scotland's islands to the far-flung corners of the globe, she has journeyed fearlessly, embracing life's challenges with courage and grace. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever faced adversity and emerged stronger on the other side. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be inspired by Amelia's incredible journey, and discover the endless possibilities that await when you refuse to let life's storms define you.

Frances Harper, a former secretary, embarked on a remarkable journey into filmmaking at the age of 60, inspired by a BBC Radio Suffolk story. Intrigued by Louise, a young sex worker, Frances felt compelled to share her story properly. Despite having no prior experience with a video camera, Frances purchased one and learned the ropes quickly. Motivated by a newfound purpose, Frances reached out to Louise and proposed making a documentary to shed light on her life. The two formed an unexpected bond, with Frances not only documenting Louise's struggles but also actively supporting her by securing better living conditions. The resulting film caught the attention of the local BBC News office, leading to Frances being commissioned for a half-hour special that aired in February 2008. Get ready to be inspired by Frances' unlikely journey of empathy and impact. Her journey from secretary to filmmaker not only showcased her adaptability and determination but also brought attention to the plight of a young woman facing adversity. The experience left a lasting impact on Frances, reshaping her perspective and prompting positive changes in Louise's life.  

In this uplifting episode of Rethink Retirement, we are thrilled to be joined by Jane Waring, the creative force behind Happy Dance, as our special guest. With over 30 years of experience in teaching dance, Jane is not only a qualified ballet dancer and choreographer but also a compassionate advocate for promoting joy and well-being through movement, especially among those aged over 55. Join us as we dive into Jane's inspiring journey and the heart-warming story behind Happy Dance. Discover how she combines her extensive dance expertise with a passion for fostering connections and creating memories. Jane has a unique talent for bringing older individuals together to relive the magic of music and dance from various decades. Jane firmly believes that age is just a number, and there's no such thing as being too old to enjoy the freedom of dance. With carefully choreographed routines catering to all fitness levels, Happy Dance ensures that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate and revel in the joy of movement. Not only does Jane share her insights into the physical benefits of dance, but she also discusses the emotional and social impact it has - making it an inclusive and empowering community for all. As we chat with Jane, she opens up about her personal philosophy—that life is meant to be embraced fully, and it's never too late to start. She reflects on the importance of taking oneself seriously and encourages everyone to seize every opportunity for self-expression and connection. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as we explore the power of dance, the beauty of shared memories, and the ageless spirit that Jane Waring and Happy Dance bring to people's lives. Tune in for a dose of positivity, laughter, and a celebration of the timeless joy found in movement and music.

Paul Owen not only believes in the skills of 50+ generations but he reckons these are the people who are the best sales people – yet seriously overlooked. Paul dispels the negative stereotypes around sales and says anyone older has been selling all their lives – from convincing a child to go to bed on time to persuading a friend to join you at a particular pub or restaurant.  These are all forms of selling! Paul is a seasoned expert in sales coaching and is now applying his skills in new ways. He has learned from his parents who declined mentally when they gave up teaching and believes this period is no longer a time to stop and slow down the way it used to be. He argues individuals over 50 have huge untapped potential in sales, emphasising their life experiences are what qualify them.

Listen to how Michael Skapinker planned his future and created a wonderful mix of life after work at the Financial Times. Were there challenges?  Yes.  Michael says the biggest was transitioning from a fact-based career to one that was more emotionally focused. His journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating similar shifts in their post-career life If you want to be inspired and get practical tips and ideas for your own journey after full time work (or that of a loved one) this podcast is a must for you.  Michael's story shows that unretirement can be a dynamic phase of life where you can continue to grow, learn, and contribute to society in meaningful ways. But you have to plan for it.  Is his journey a blueprint for a successful unretirement?

In this episode, Victoria and Trevor are joined by Elton Mouna; former hospitality MD who has run three pubs; has been Head of Retail Marketing and Head of PR and Corporate Communications at Fuller's and the MD of London Pub Co Remarkable Pubs. Metaphorically speaking, Elton has walked the hospitality industry walk and this has given him the knowledge and experience to talk the hospitality industry talk. He now has what he calls a wobby for a living (that's a work and hobby combo)! Elton talks about, writes about, broadcasts about and podcasts about the hospitality sector. In this episode of the Rethink Retirement podcast, Elton explains how you can benefit from your years of hard work in 'unretirement', by getting out there and using your contacts. He redefines the perspective that most people have on how to network.  "Work hard to get yourself noticed by people because they will then promote you" he says. He also shares his thoughts on striving for happiness. 

Victoria Tomlinson is joined by Avivah Wittenberg Cox in this latest podcast episode, as they discuss the future of retirement, the value of intergenerational collaboration, and the business case for embracing the aging workforce. Avivah is a thought leader renowned for her expertise in gender and generational balance. With over 20 years of consulting, coaching, and writing on these topics, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation. “We need good, educated talent and a lot of that is over 50 and nearing what was traditionally retirement. Using the word retirement is staying in an old paradigm – which is that we had this 3-stage life of education, then work, then retirement. This model is obsolete and no longer entirely relevant. Now it's about the 4-quarter life, and different ages and different stages require different things.” Why should corporates, professional firms and public sector organisations care about how people retire? Listen now to find out and prepare to reshape your perspective on retirement and the potential of an age-diverse workforce.

Podcast Description: In this episode, we speak with Layla Painter, a former BBC Radio producer who made the decision to take voluntary redundancy and transition into teaching media students at university level. Layla shares her journey of discovering new opportunities and utilizing her skills in a different way. She talks about the challenges and rewards of switching careers and offers advice for those looking to make a similar transition. Join us as we dive into Layla's inspiring story of taking a leap of faith and finding a fulfilling career path.

During a career in investment banking Neelie Verlinden was more and more thinking “Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?” It wasn't so she resigned and started her search for the perfect work/life balance. The future of work is constantly evolving, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how it will look like. However, some trends are becoming increasingly evident. For example, there is a growing emphasis on remote work and flexible work arrangements, as well as a shift towards more meaningful work. The concept of ikigai, a Japanese way of life that translates to "a reason for being," is becoming more popular as people seek greater meaning and purpose in their lives. The idea is to find a sweet spot where what you're good at, what you enjoy doing, what you can get paid for, and what society needs all intersect. This can lead to a fulfilling career that feels less like work and more like a calling. The traditional notion of retirement is also being challenged. Instead of retiring, more people are choosing to stay active and engaged in their work and communities, even as they age. This can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, as well as greater financial stability. Ultimately, the future of work is likely to be more flexible, more meaningful, and more focused on personal fulfillment and purpose. By finding your ikigai and staying engaged throughout your life, you can create a career that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

In this podcast episode, we speak with Matthew Edwards, a former partner at Accenture who found fulfilment in doing volunteer work while still maintaining his full-time job. Matthew shares how his employer supported him in his early forties to start doing projects in the voluntary sector, like working with nurses in Kenya by designing a training app, and how he continued to pursue this passion on the side of his full-time job. Matthew also discusses the importance of asking within the organization if there are other ways to do work that are outside of the norm, and how employers can inspire their alumni to volunteer. He shares his unique journey of taking a pay cut to work in the corporate social responsibility function within his company for the last three years of his career at Accenture, and how he now helps start-ups and created a walking and cycling path App to help people explore the battlefields of the First World War. If you're looking for inspiration on how to use your skills and experience to make a positive impact on society and create a fulfilling and meaningful career in the voluntary sector, then this podcast episode is for you. Join us as we explore the journey of Matthew Edwards and learn how you too can find fulfilment in volunteering.

In this episode, we speak with Christina Patterson, a former columnist for The Independent who faced a difficult crossroads when she was made redundant from her dream job. Christina shares her story of grappling with fear, rejection, and failure, and how she ultimately found balance and fulfillment in her life. We discuss the importance of purpose and meaning in life, and how to find joy in unexpected places. Christina also offers practical advice for approaching work and life with resilience and determination. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of perseverance and discovering purpose after loss.   Christina Patterson - writer, broadcaster, coach, consultant New book - Outside, the sky is blue - A family memoir https://christinapatterson.co.uk/  

When Eleanor Mills left the Sunday Times she'd worked for for 23 years, she felt like she'd been pushed off a roof. Who was she without the big job that had given her a cloak of power? It was only when someone said “Change is difficult, but you'll be alright” that she started to relax.  She says, “It's like the tide going out, sometimes there will be a big wave which knocks you over but the general direction will be better.” This gave her permission to find it tough. To endure. It was such a relief. After a lot of thinking and talking she decided to be the change she wanted to see in the world. Noon was born out of her desire to help women find a new path through midlife and beyond, to change the narrative.  Midlife is when those dreams we had when we were young – but put aside to earn a living or raise a family – can finally be revisited. It's never too late to be what you wanted to be. Eleanor Mills is an award-winning editor, writer and broadcaster. She worked for The Sunday Times for 23 years as Editorial Director, Editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, and as a columnist and interviewer (interrogating everyone from Mikhail Gorbachev to Sheryl Sandberg and Theresa May). As Chair of Women in Journalism (2014 – 2021) she argued that the media must be a true mirror, not a distorting lens, which is what happens if decision makers are not diverse. She is a trustee of the Society of Editors, a board member of Reporters Sans Frontiers and her publications include Cupcakes and Kalashnikovs: 100 Years of the Best Journalism by Women, published by Hachette. She is working on her first novel and lives in London with her husband and two teenage daughters. www.noon.org.uk

Strap in for the roller coaster career and life of Ande Lyons! Ande is the epitome of tenacity, a life-long entrepreneur, learner and problem solver. Here we discover more about Ande's career path, in particular after turning 50+. How she learnt to create an online presence and the importance of being visible at all stages in life. With 200+ episodes of her livestream show under her belt, what could possibly be next on Ande's radar?

Michelle was prompted to make a life changing decision at the peak of her corporate career - albeit unintentionally. Join us as she talks about her story, 5 years into this new journey. Michelle weathered through Covid by involving herself with a charity for the elderly in her community; only to come through the other side as one of the youngest trustees on the board! Still only in her early fifties, Michelle believes in life-long learning and doesn't see herself retiring. Michelle acknowledges she is highly motivated and unafraid of change, which has helped her navigate her own path, fuelled by a desire to be driven by her values and priorities.  

Former lawyer Lord Tim Clement Jones now chairs big tech debates in House of Lords; chairs a university Council and is active on autism and cancer issues. In his 70s, he believes unretirement is a mix of strategy and opportunities. “You have to stay involved across generations. It's what keeps you young and with a lively interest – it prevents you becoming mouldy in retirement!”

A series of bereavements inspired Amanda Wheal to become a celebrant after 30 years of teaching After a long teaching career, Amanda Wheal took what her friends called a ‘brave' step and trained as a celebrant. She had to learn about the business side too, which was challenging. But she has never enjoyed life so much. If you are looking for ideas after retirement, Amanda could inspire you too. The former secondary school teacher, from Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, says: ‘I was getting a bit disen­chanted with teaching and was thinking about retiring when my brother died unexpectedly. ‘I was very involved in the funeral and we had an incredible celebrant. I just thought that was something l'll really like to do.' After completing her training while continuing to work as a teacher, Amanda estab­lished her business in 2020 and has now won awards for her work. 'I didn't plan to retire as early as I did but, once I had completed my training, I was so keen to get started that I just went for it,' she says. ‘I've had the most wonderful two years, it's just been incredible.'  

International journalist Peter Davenport met Hollywood icons Fred Astaire to John Wayne and Omar Sharif; flew to the Falklands on HMS Illustrious and was at Bloody Sunday in Londonderry. Moving to the ‘dark side' of PR he started and built PR consultancies and now shares his experiences as a speaker. Author of two books and manager of a teenage rock band, Peter is still young at heart and enjoying life. Always a stylish dresser, he didn't resort to meeting in pyjamas in Covid! Instead he started sharing his love of clothes on Instagram: @peterd67. Peter is a great example to us all – joyous and positive, trying new things and living life to the full!

Dr Angela Herbert MBE began a career in the Criminal Justice System over 37 years ago; first volunteering for 13 years in a young offenders' institution and then working at a senior level in a London Prison before transferring to Prison Service policy in the Ministry of Justice. Education and skills in prison and institutions is a key area of interest for Angela since people of African Heritage are consistently and disproportionately represented. In April 2021, Angela marked her 61st birthday by launching Made on Purpose with a focus on girls and women. Her extensive career in criminal justice focused predominantly on men. Having survived and successfully navigated exceptional challenges as a woman of African Heritage, personally and professionally, she uses art to convey messages of hope. She defiantly, fist-pumps the sky with grit and determination to 'be'. Made on Purpose aids others to consider their lived experiences as resources and stepping-stones to fulfil their unique life purpose. This is achieved through coaching, mentoring, training, public motivational speaking, written materials, webinars, podcasts, philanthropic activities, and charitable giving. She published a book of 100 re-affirmations Another day to be... 100 re-affirmations to inspire (2021). 100% of profits from this range will be gifted to women's charities in the UK, Africa and Barbados, making positive use of the triangular trade route! Lend your support by visiting Madeonpurpose.org  

Andy Briggs, group chief executive of the Phoenix Group and the UK Government's Business Champion for the Ageing Society, describes his role as helping people secure a life of possibilities.  Very much in line with how Next-Up thinks!  We wanted to get an employer perspective on the issues of retirement to understand wider thinking.  

Genny Jones wears many hats. She is a qualified account, accountancy teacher, life coach and qualified as a teacher of African dance, shortly after her 60th birthday. She also runs her own group with Gingerbread, the charity for single parents, to help herself and others.

When Dr Julie Wilson's mother-in-law died, she and her daughter realised something had to be done about end-of-life administration. She had been planning a packed retirement, travelling the world in a camper van.  But instead she agreed to start Settld with her daughter, Vicky Wilson. Together they have created a simple, secure online service that notifies all companies of a loved one's death in one go and keeps users updated on account progress in a central place. 

Dorthy Miller Shore launched Prime Women – an online magazine for women over 50 to fill a market gap. Why didn't she just put her feet up?  Hear her lessons and inspiring story.    She says that to be successful in unretirement you need to be willing to learn new things and be curious.

Hear how she created a completely new role and now making a real difference to entrepreneurs

What's the secret to reinventing yourself after a long corporate career? For Les Bayne dog walks, a few bottles of wine and spreadsheets, got him started. Now he is focused on helping Scottish companies grow, and Scotland reach its full potential, working with eight start-ups and chairing The Data Lab, innovation centre. Listen to hear about getting the balance right work and pleasure.

As the country faced the COVID crisis, Ian McCubbin abandoned his unretirement life to develop supply chains for the Oxford University and Imperial College vaccines. What was it like taking on that responsibility again?  And who helped him to do this?  

A great example of reinventing yourself, Maxine Room CBE used her career in further education and diversity expertise to create a business, mentor individuals and find roles. Find out how you can use one aspect of your experience to create a new personal brand – and new opportunities.

Pat has had an interesting career, spanning from starting, building and selling tech businesses to having a non-exec portfolio career to creating a new business called Defy Expectations. Like many things in Pat's life, things just happened, she didn't plan much. The pandemic has made us aware that we need to do things differently. With Defy Expectations she wants to disrupt the world of coaching and to encourage more great leaders through every level of any organisation.

Six years ago Corporate Faculty was founded by Julie Gray to help companies develop their leaders – to deliver business results. This is mostly through bespoke executive education programmes for senior management.  Julie couldn't see herself as completely retired and playing golf every day, she wanted to use her experience, skills and wide network and so Corporate Faculty was born.  Jullie says "Helping people in their development makes me feel useful and alive"

Jonathan built Straight plc to the UK's leading supplier of recycling containers.  He floated the company and then sold it – but what next? Listen to Jonathan's extraordinary story – from trying to build a portfolio NED career to photographing vegans in Iceland (and turning the photos into a beautiful book) and becoming a TV presenter. 

Pierre Bosche, former Accenture partner, turned his lifelong passion for art and antiques into a business.  Realising he wanted to engage more with his local community, he entered politics – with considerable success for a newcomer

First British female chef to be awarded a Michelin star, Frances Atkins on her latest venture and plans for the future – and why she thinks retirement is a bad idea

Rob Toguri discusses how he loves working with social mobility charity, Envision and how his skills have really added value. The big shock was facing up to looking at finances with his wife, something he had never really done. And he shares tips for others going through this journey

Victoria Tomlinson and Trevor Hatton have helped hundreds of people to shape their unretirement – here they share their insights