Are you feeling stuck in your corporate career, yearning for a change that aligns with your passions?

Karen Muldoon's journey from tech executive to functional nutrition practitioner might just be the inspiration you need!

In this episode, I sit down with Karen to explore her transition from a successful 30-year career in the corporate world to launching her own business focused on helping professional women navigate menopause.

We discuss the challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Embracing a new path

Karen shares insights on:

• The moment she realised it was time for a career change
• How her personal health journey sparked a new passion
• The importance of continuous learning and investing in yourself

Building a business from scratch

We delve into:

• The process of choosing the right educational program
• Strategies for launching an online business, including the use of social media advertising
• The power of community and creating a safe space for clients

Overcoming challenges and self-doubt

Karen offers advice on:

• Dealing with the fear of putting yourself 'out there' online
• The importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks
• How to leverage your existing skills in a new industry

Whether you're contemplating a career change or looking to start your own business, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical tips.

Karen's story demonstrates that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Key takeaways:

• The value of investing in coaching and education when starting a new venture
• How to build an online presence and attract clients through various platforms
• The importance of giving yourself time to grow and evolve in your new role

If you're ready to explore new possibilities and take control of your professional future, this episode is a must-listen.

Karen's journey proves that with passion, determination, and the right support, it's possible to create a fulfilling career change while in your 50s.

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn

Are you struggling to articulate your unique value proposition after decades of professional experience?

You're not alone. Many seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders find themselves grappling with the "curse of knowledge" - having so much expertise that it becomes challenging to communicate their core offering clearly.

In this episode, I sit down with global credibility expert and executive coach Mitchell Levy to explore the power of clarity and credibility for over-50 entrepreneurs and professionals.

We delve into the importance of honing your message and positioning yourself effectively in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Unlocking the Power of Clarity

Mitchell shares insights on:

• The concept of a Customer Point of Possibilities (CPOP) and how to craft one in under 10 words
• Why casting a wide net in business often backfires, and the benefits of "picking a lane"
• Strategies for aligning your business offerings with your personal brand

Building Credibility in the Digital Age

We also explore:

• The 10 core values of credibility and why integrity is the cornerstone
• How authenticity and vulnerability contribute to your professional reputation
• Practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn to showcase your expertise

Embracing Lifelong Learning

And finally, Mitchell emphasises the importance of continuous growth, sharing:

• His approach to running multiple businesses while staying professionally relevant and up to date
• The value of surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives, including younger generations
• Why attending conferences and pursuing certifications can spark new ideas and opportunities

Whether you're looking to refine your personal brand, boost your credibility, or navigate the next phase of your career, this conversation offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage.

Tune in to gain clarity on your unique value proposition and learn how to communicate it effectively in today's competitive marketplace.

CONNECT WITH MITCHELL - https://mitchelllevy.com/

Are you a seasoned professional feeling the pressure to stay relevant in today's rapidly changing business landscape?

You're not alone.

As someone with decades of experience under your belt, you've accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills, and wisdom.

But in a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and AI is reshaping industries, how do you leverage your expertise while staying current?

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This episode is a little different. The key message is the importance for business owners and professionals aged 50 and over to stay relevant by keeping up with technology, particularly AI.

To bring this idea to life, I've created a recap of a previous interview with Valerie Khoo, who I've dubbed the 'Queen of Reinvention'.

This recap, generated by Google NotebookLM, will really bring home to you the power of AI in action, as it pertains to content creation.

In addition, you get to listen to key take-outs from my chat with Valerie (episode 288 - What successful professional reinvention looks like in practice) - this has been Crank The 3rd's most popular episode thus far.

So, whether you're considering a career pivot, launching a new venture, or simply want to stay relevant in your field, this episode offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage.

Tune in to gain inspiration and practical tips for navigating the exciting road ahead in your business, career, and lifestyle design.

Oh, and don't forget to keep abreast of what's happening in the world of AI - use it to your advantage!

This episode is for anyone who's closing in on 50 years of age, or maybe you're older but your professional purpose still eludes you.

Perhaps you've been running a business for ages but you want to extend your entrepreneurial boundaries and pivot into doing something different, something that is more interesting and meaningful than what you're doing currently?

If so, you're going to love this conversation with Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media, as we discuss his journey of discovering purpose through continuous effort.

Mark's story is a testament to the power of persistence, as he shares how a side project evolved into a thriving community-driven business.

Mark takes us through his transformation from running a small but traditional marketing and advertising agency to building a fully sustainable marketing learning community called You Are The Media.

He emphasises the importance of finding your voice and choosing yourself, rather than waiting for opportunities to come knocking.

Evolution of a side project

We discuss how Mark's newsletter, which began in 2013, gradually grew into a multifaceted platform including:

• A paid membership space
• Live events across the UK
• Educational initiatives

Mark highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing a side project into a full-fledged business, stressing the value of patience and persistence.

Building a community-centric business

A key theme of our conversation is the shift from a "me-centric" to a "we-centric" approach in business.

Mark shares insights on:

• Creating opportunities for community members to step up and lead
• Fostering a culture of mutual support and learning
• The importance of trust in delegating responsibilities

Finding purpose and staying relevant

For professionals in their third decade of business, Mark offers valuable advice on:

• Aligning your values with your work
• The power of continuous learning and adaptation
• Embracing new challenges to maintain relevance

We also touch on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and how joining communities can combat isolation and fuel personal growth.

Key takeaways for aspiring community builders

Mark provides practical tips for those looking to start their own communities:

1. Choose a medium you're passionate about and can consistently produce
2. Align your project with your core values
3. Focus on participation and engagement, not just content creation
4. Be patient and prepared for the long haul
5. Join other communities to learn and grow

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to find their purpose, build a community-driven business, or stay relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM MARK

"I realized that the strength is when you feel a part of a community with everybody, with everyone else on your side. Community is central to what I do."

"I am an example of how a community became the business and that's really empowering."

"Side projects can be risky, but they can also create the most joy and reward that we've ever stepped into."

"I'm with my heroes now and that's a liberating place to be."

CONNECT WITH MARK

• Website
• LinkedIn

Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship can be daunting, especially when you're in your early 50s and have been handed a 'pink slip' from your employer of two decades.

But for Graham White, this leap became an opportunity to reinvent his professional life and create a thriving solo communications consulting practice..

In this episode, Graham shares his journey from being a seasoned PR executive to launching his own business at 53.

He offers valuable insights for professionals considering a similar path, emphasising the importance of self-belief, strategic planning, and leveraging decades of experience.

Key takeaways from Graham's entrepreneurial journey:

• Embrace change: Sometimes, unexpected career shifts can lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Leverage your network: Tap into professional relationships built over the years to find clients and collaborators.
• Start lean: Keep overheads low and focus on delivering value to clients from day one.
• Find your niche: Specialise in areas where you have deep expertise to differentiate yourself in the market.
• Maintain work-life balance: Structure your business to allow for personal time and pursuits outside of work.

Graham also discusses the emotional journey of leaving a long-term corporate role, the importance of having a supportive family, and how to navigate the initial challenges of solo entrepreneurship.

Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Assess market opportunities before making the leap
• Secure a good accountant for financial guidance
• Build a network of fellow entrepreneurs for support and advice
• Be prepared to handle all aspects of the business yourself
• Stay open to collaboration and new opportunities

Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply curious about the realities of starting a business later in life, Graham's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for navigating this exciting transition.

CONNECT WITH GRAHAM ON LINKEDIN

Thank you for listening to CRANK THE 3RD - in this quick solo edition, I recap the episodes published since relaunching the podcast, previously known as 'Reputation Revolution'.

Catch you in the next episode!

Look up the word 'eclectic' in the dictionary and there will be a picture there of this week's guest - her name is Valerie Khoo, and when it comes to professional evolution, Valerie is the Queen of Reinvention!

Valerie has who has successfully navigated careers in accounting, PR, journalism, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and the visual arts.

She’s a published author and the founder of the Australian Writers' Centre, which has trained over 100,000 students worldwide since opening its doors in 2005.

Valerie also hosts the popular podcast - So You Want to be a Writer - which has over three million downloads - and, if that wasn’t enough, she was for several years the curator of Sydney's Lunar Festival, which is one of the city's major arts and cultural events.

Valerie’s creative journey took an unexpected turn when she picked up a paintbrush and discovered her passion for visual art.

If you’re keen to better understand what it takes to reinvent yourself professionally - perhaps you’re keen to get out of corporate and do something new, or take on a different project outside of the business you run - if building a portfolio career is on your radar - then you will love this inspiring conversation with Valerie Khoo!

CONCLUSION:

Valerie's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability in forging a fulfilling and creative career. Her journey encourages us to explore new avenues, embrace lifelong learning, and challenge conventional career paths for personal and professional growth.

VALERIE'S QUOTABLE QUOTES:

“Always give in to your curiosity because for sure it’s leading you somewhere that you’re actually meant to go.”

“It’s never too late. It’s just never too late.”

“Embracing new things and learning new things is so important for your health.”

“I think mentors are really important, and that was something I discovered way too late in life.”

“You can leap. You don’t have to ladder climb.”

CONNECT WITH VALERIE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/valeriekhoo

Welcome to the belief and conviction episode of Crank The 3rd!

While many of us have, after three decades in the business trenches, experienced a decent amount of professional success, not everyone is fulfilled.

A lot of middle aged people remain stuck in their comfort zone, and are not playing as big a game as they could be.

Or, in the words of this week's guest, they're not living a "10 out of 10 life".

So I invited Richard Sauerman on to the show to deliver a 'kick in the pants', and he delivers!

Richard - aka 'The Brand Guy' - is a thinker and an humanist, with a massive interest in people and 'the human condition'. He has written two books and appears in the media on brand-related issues.

Richard has done the strategic thinking, brand planning and communications for over 200 brands in his career, but he's probably best known these days as a high-voltage motivational speaker (and reality TV contestant!).

Wow! We covered some ground in this episode, with lots of laughs, F-bombs, motivational nuggets and food for thought, all delivered at pace!

Across the course of the conversation, Richard:

• Discusses overcoming fears of mediocrity and societal pressures, urging listeners to challenge limiting beliefs and embrace risks for growth.
• Emphasises authenticity, particularly for those over 50.
• Explores the link between happiness and service to others, drawing on research in positive psychology.
• Shares insights from Ralph Kelly’s Stay Kind organisation, and James Clear’s “Atomic Habits,” emphasising daily acts of kindness and continuous improvement.
• Addresses the challenge of forming connections, particularly in workplace settings, and how small gestures can improve relationships.

As the oldest contestant on the TV's Married at First Sight (Australia), Richard reflects on his experience of being on the show and the personal growth it prompted, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD at 63.

This revelation, he says, reshaped his understanding of his life, marriage, and career, leading him to advocate for increased awareness of adult ADHD.

Richard plans to write a book to educate others about ADHD and its misconceptions, using writing as a therapeutic outlet.

Strap yourselves in folks, this conversation is high energy!

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QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM RICHARD:

“So if you like waiting for some day or one day to be a 10, you might not get the chance.”

“A lot of people are not fulfilled and happy and satisfied in the way they want to be, despite and in the face of their successes.”

“Don’t delay. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Don’t wait for the next day or next week.”

“Stop trying to be right ... just choose to be happy.”

“You can change the world in your way through those little small acts.”

“Tiny steps, small actions.”

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