On this episode Bernie welcomes Joanie Musser—an accomplished instructional designer, educator, and the host of the “Mindset to Learn” podcast—for a vulnerable conversation.

🗝️ 3 key discussion points discussed:

1️⃣ Childhood Dreams & Unforeseen Change
Joanie takes us back to her middle school years and athletic dreams, particularly her passion for speed skating and her hopes to compete in the Olympics. Her story takes a turn when her mother suffers a cerebral hemorrhage, dramatically changing Joanie’s family dynamics. Joanie was faced with adult responsibilities at a young age, navigating emotional challenges, and ultimately having to give up her skating aspirations.

2️⃣ The Power of Connection & Letting Go
A poignant moment comes when Joanie discovers her former skating partner, Jennifer Rodriguez, featured as an Olympic athlete in a school library book. While Joanie cheered Jennifer on from afar, reading about her journey brought up complex emotions—gratitude, longing, and what-ifs.

3️⃣ Perspective, Growth, and Fulfillment
Joanie reflects on the lessons learned from carrying heavy family responsibilities as the eldest child. She speaks honestly about maturing quickly, making tough but necessary choices, and how these experiences gave her a deeper perspective on life.

Main Takeaway:
Life’s detours—sometimes outside our control—can lead us to unexpected forms of fulfillment and personal growth. Joanie’s story is a testament to resilience, the importance of perspective, and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection.

Connect with Joanie Musser
Website
Mindset to Learn Podcast
Email: joanie@mindsettolearn.com
LinkedIn

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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On this episode, Bernie Borges sits down with Joe Weaver, the operations manager and program director at Salem Media Group’s Tampa studio. Joe shares the fascinating story of how a 30-second radio commercial sparked a major career pivot from installing tile to running multiple radio stations and FM translators.

🗝️ 3 key points discussed:

1️⃣ Say Yes & Stay Curious: Joe attributes much of his growth to always saying yes when opportunities knock, even before the question is finished. It’s a powerful reminder that openness to new roles (even the menial ones!) can lay unexpected foundations for your career.

2️⃣ Understand the Impact of Your Work: Joe’s life changed because of a single radio commercial. He encourages us to never underestimate the power of what we create. Our work can change lives in unseen ways, whether it’s a 30-second ad or a meaningful project.

3️⃣ Fulfillment Beats Titles: Joe finds deep fulfillment not just from “big” wins like meeting famous people, but from positive relationships and knowing he’s made a difference. He stresses being grateful for our circumstances, not comparing ourselves to others, and striving to be a blessing to those around us.

Main takeaway: No matter where your career takes you, pursue what you’re good at, choose gratitude, and remember that real success is about the impact you leave on people’s lives and the fulfillment you find in doing meaningful work.

Connect with Joe Weaver
Salem Media Group website
Joe Weaver LinkedIn
Twitter/X

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Life Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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Get ready for a monumental episode as your host, Bernie Borges, unveils a deeply personal and transformative decision for the podcast! What started as the "Midlife Fulfilled" podcast is now stepping into an exciting new era: Life Fulfilled.

Bernie reveals the surprising truths that led to this pivotal change, a candid look at growth challenges, unexpected listener insights, and the often-misunderstood perception of the word "midlife." Discover why the focus is shifting from a specific demographic (midlifers) to the universal pursuit of "fulfillment" itself, a concept Bernie champions as one of humanity's most powerful emotions, second only to love.

In this revealing episode, you'll learn:

1️⃣ The pivotal reasons behind the significant name change, driven by the desire for the podcast to grow and inspire 3 billion people.

2️⃣ How the core theme of fulfillment remains central, aligned with Bernie's Fulfillment-Centric Leadership Framework and the Five-Pillar Fulfillment Strategy.

3️⃣ What to expect from future episodes, the classic formats you love, plus a new emphasis on the career pillar, an area where many seek more fulfillment.

4️⃣ A major reveal about Bernie's business name, tying directly into this new vision for a "Fulfilled@Work Academy."

This is more than just a name change; it's a recommitment to a powerful mission. Bernie shares his big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG) for the podcast's impact and asks for your support in this new chapter. Listen in to understand the full story and discover how you can be a part of this inspiring journey! Plus, there's another exciting announcement brewing for a future episode!

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

Music attribution:
Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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In this episode, host Bernie Borges is joined once again by visibility and branding expert Michelle B. Griffin, who last appeared on episode 106. Since then, Michelle has evolved her signature message—“visibility is not vanity, it’s value”—into a powerful new framework she calls “Own Your Lane.” Michelle breaks down the LANE framework, which guides individuals and organizations to gain clarity on their unique strengths, elevate their authority, and bring real value to others by confidently “putting yourself out there.”

🗝️ 3 Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Visibility is Value, NOT Vanity: Putting yourself out there (PYOT) isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about sharing your unique expertise and perspective so others can benefit. If you keep it hidden, someone else loses out.

2️⃣ OWN Your Unique Lane: Michelle's LANE model—Launch your vision, Articulate your edge, Nurture your brand, Elevate your authority—applies at any career stage, whether you’re in transition, leading a team, or building a legacy.

3️⃣ Mindset + Action = Impact: Developing a daily mindset practice (affirmations, prayer, reminders) strengthens confidence, but nothing replaces action. Document your vision, create a plan, and start sharing your story NOW—not "someday."

Main takeaway: You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or title. Your experience, skills, and story are needed today. Embrace visibility with intention and purpose because your voice brings value to the world.

Connect with Michelle B. Griffin
Website
Own Your Lane Podcast
Books
LinkedIn
Instagram

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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This week’s episode features an inspiring and vulnerable conversation with Chris Bjorling—business leader, Scout volunteer, church community member, and, above all, a legacy-builder in every part of his life.

Whether you missed our full conversation or want to soak up the key insights, here are three powerful discussion points and one big takeaway that will inspire you to serve, lead, and leave your own lasting legacy.

🔑 3 Key Discussion Points

1️⃣ Legacy Across Life’s Arenas
Chris shared how legacy isn't confined to career milestones. His work with Fidello, dedication to the Boy Scouts, and active role in his church are all connected. He emphasized how our experiences in one area of life can transfer meaningfully to others.

2️⃣ The Ripple Effect of Small Actions
From mentoring Scouts to creating frameworks at work, Chris showed how everyday actions can spark long-term impact, often beyond what we see. He recalled a college project that unexpectedly influenced an entire community years later, reminding us that our smallest contributions often reach further than we imagine.

3️⃣ The Fulfillment of Giving Back
For Chris, fulfillment comes from lifting others up. Whether it's nurturing future leaders, supporting a friend, or watching his children thrive, he finds joy in service.
He even jokes that service can feel “selfish”—because it fills you as you pour into others.

🧭 Main Takeaway

Our greatest impact is often invisible to us—but unforgettable to others.
By reflecting on your own legacy and choosing to serve—at work, at home, and in your community—you unlock a powerful and lasting sense of fulfillment. Legacy isn’t built through grand gestures alone. It’s shaped in everyday moments of kindness, mentorship, and quiet leadership.

Connect with Chris Bjorling
Website
LinkedIn

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring Bernie as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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Denis Beausejour joins Bernie Borges to discuss insights from O.C. Tanner’s research on how employee fulfillment directly impacts workplace culture, retention, and performance. Denis is Managing Director at the 98 year old company with a stellar reputation for employee recognition and engagement solutions.

Dennis shares insights from O.C. Tanner’s highly acclaimed Global Culture Reports, highlighting the latest trends around generative care, mental health, and the critical role of leadership in fostering employee well-being. From practical strategies like the "difference maker" campaign to real-world examples of companies excelling at employee fulfillment, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas for leaders at every level.

🗝️ 3 Key Points Discussed

1️⃣ The Six Magnets of Culture: We explored the six crucial factors that foster long-term employee retention and satisfaction—purpose, opportunity, success, appreciation, well-being, and leadership—and how they shape a truly great work culture.

2️⃣ Fulfillment vs. Engagement: The conversation clarified the nuance between simply engaging employees and actively creating fulfillment by providing growth, connection, appreciation, and ownership, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

3️⃣ The Role of Leadership: We discussed how leaders can drive fulfillment by supporting work-life balance, building community, recognizing individual contributions, and helping align personal and professional aspirations.

Main takeaway:

Focusing on genuine fulfillment, rather than just engagement metrics, leads to thriving individuals and organizations—fulfillment is at the heart of building purpose-driven teams that get good work done.

Connect with Denis Beausejour
Website
LinkedIn
Global Culture Reports

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore hiring Bernie as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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In a first of its kind on the Midlife Fulfilled podcast, Bernie is joined by nine (9) guests for a panel-style episode. The result was a 75-minute conversation that captured decades of wisdom, insights, and inspiration.

Bernie Sets the Stage for the Panel: Each guest shares insights based on a question they selected from a pre-shared list.

Transformations in Understanding Fulfillment Over Time: Lydia O’Malley discusses how marriage, parenthood, and career growth shifted her approach to fulfillment from individual achievements to impact, connection, and legacy.

Fulfillment and Legacy: Aimee Carlson explores how fulfillment shapes legacy from viewing it as something for “later” to realizing legacy is created in daily actions and energy now.

Health, Fitness, and Fulfillment: Heather Johll discusses how drastic weight loss and improved fitness impacted her confidence, leadership, and energy, along with the interplay of discipline, self-love, and ongoing self-improvement. John Ryan shares similar sentiments around fitness as foundational to life and work, and the power of discipline, confidence, and body language.

The Role of Mindset and Boundaries in Fulfillment: Chelly Conley explores the shift from a survival mindset to one grounded in boundaries and alignment. She realized that “getting ahead” without direction isn’t fulfilling, and the importance of saying “no” to protect one’s alignment with core values over external validations.

Advice to Your Younger Self About Fulfillment: Eldridge Bravo reflects on the difference between instant gratification and fulfillment, avoiding society’s definitions of success and focusing on building a life anchored in personal values, relationships, and contribution.

Evolving Definitions of Success: Elizabeth Rosner describes her journey linking success to fulfillment, particularly after retiring. Success previously tied to external achievement is now centered on personal alignment, agape love, and making a meaningful impact, along with the importance of creativity, interconnection, and personal values.

Supporting Fulfillment for People Over 40 in the Workplace: Rich Cruz discusses what leaders and organizations can do to foster fulfillment for mature employees. He emphasizes the value of generativity, mentorship, and knowledge transfer, the significance of psychological safety, social connection, and acknowledging physiological and emotional changes in midlife.

The Ongoing Fulfillment Journey: Sarah Hatfield shares her thoughts on striving for ongoing fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of alignment, staying curious, and viewing fulfillment as an evolving process without a finish line.

Closing Reflections:

This is a high-level summary of the collective wisdom of these nine inspiring individuals. A longer version of this summary, including links to each participant's LinkedIn profile, is on the website.

If you would like to participate in a future group podcast recording, join the waitlist below. 👇🏼

Group Podcast Recording Waitlist

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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Bernie welcomes Heather Johll for an open and deeply vulnerable conversation about healing and transformation in midlife. Heather, currently Vice President at Ascension Health with over twenty years of leadership experience, shares her remarkable journey of reinvention—from reaching a weight of 385 pounds and struggling with serious health issues, to making a life-changing career shift and reclaiming her physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Heather opens up about how she learned to embrace not just weight loss but a new sense of self. Through candid reflections on overcoming personal trauma and rediscovering joy, Heather exemplifies what it means to pursue not just an acceptable, but an exceptional version of yourself.

3 🗝️ Takeaways

1️⃣ Reinvention requires courage—and sacrifice. To step into your future, it costs you your current self. Being willing to “deconstruct” who you were is the only way to grow.

2️⃣ Lasting change is holistic. The external breakthroughs (like weight loss or career pivots) are only sustainable when you address the underlying mental and emotional challenges. Heather found that investing in counseling and mental health was as important as gym time or eating right.

3️⃣ Fulfillment comes from being exceptionally you.
After years of striving and self-improvement, Heather now finds joy in simple pleasures—morning routines, movement, and authentic connections. Her goal is no longer to be an “acceptable” version of herself but to be the exceptional version.

Main Takeaway:
Heather’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and intentional transformation. No matter where you are in your journey, becoming your most fulfilled self means embracing the courage to change, investing in your mental health, and showing up authentically.

Connect with Heather Johll
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram

Connect with Bernie Borges

LinkedIn
Instagram
Website

Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
Fulfilled@Work™ LinkedIn Newsletter

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore corporate hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

Music attribution:
Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Suno

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