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In a recent coaching session with a woman launching into retirement, the conversation focused on various options she is considering to re-engage, not merely “retire”.  As we explored her transferable skills and natural talents, I sensed she had a strong leadership edge that was seeking to come alive and put to good use. My client provided an example explaining that she had initiated an informal support/action group with former colleagues who were sharing the same goal of increasing their health/fitness and stamina.  It worked very well she said; the participants were supporting each other and had good success reaching the goals they had set.  Our coaching conversation then shifted to exploring her core values, and motivators that could be activated at the...

Having recently returned from leading seminars in 4 cities in 3 eastern provinces, I feel invigorated. During the seminars I was leading for boomers on the way to re-engagement, rather than retirement, I met and heard about remarkable people: an altruistic 40 something who works out 3 times a day and devotes himself to benevolent projects in his spare time, a 102 years old healthy and active woman living independently, an astute business owner who transformed his company away from “command and control” leadership style to growing a collaborative coaching culture that fosters even greater success.  In the process of inspiring others, I also got inspired.  And as the New Year brings wind in the sails or our aspirations, I invite you to cast some goals forward into...

Recently a new coaching client who is striving for career change returned from a 3- week vacation in Europe.  While her mind became increasingly calm and relaxed during her time away, she noticed how quickly that state of mind vanished once back at work. Within a few days, she found herself much more intolerant of the inordinate demands of work which had routinely forced her into 10 hour-days when she typically gets paid for 8.  During our coaching conversation, she realized that the trip had created a disruption in her routine while simultaneously immersing her in that much preferred state of mind.  With this expanded perspective, she was able to see that she really disliked having to live under the time pressure associated with doing work that has been rather...

In French, “printemps” meaning spring comes from the Latin roots “first” and “time”. Doing something for the first time helps us to experience a sense of renewal and spring forward beyond the edge of our comfort zone. As is discussed at some point in my What’s Next re-engagement seminar, when we push against the outer edge of our comfort zone, it expands. Simply put, when we expose ourselves to new experiences, place, people or learning opportunities, we grow new capabilities while at the same time sustaining our vitality and ability to engage with the world around us. In spring time, we are often reminded to clean up our environment, de-clutter, and the like. That is a good way to lighten up, simplify our lives and experience that freshness we associate with...

It occurred to me, while writing a recent book review for the PeopleTalk magazine, that so much of our lives are influenced by the contents and the dynamics of the conversations we have.  My book review was primarily focused on Conversational Intelligence: How Great Leaders Build Trust and Get Extraordinary Results by Judith E. Glaser. This book explains that we all have biases in our minds that shape our perceptions which in turn affect how we react, respond and interact with others.  When we are aware of those biases, we are more likely to be able to converse in the spirit of transparency, to be fully present and to uncover some of the unstated assumptions that sometimes block the truth from coming to light. The centerpiece of Glaser’s book – the Conversational...

It’s not uncommon for me to hear “I’ve never heard of retirement coaching” when I interact with a boomer. Some think that it is about getting advice on how one “should” retire. Having been a life transitions and certified retirement coach for several years, I can certainly say “it’s not about advice”. What is it then? It’s a structured process that includes focused, insight generating conversations, pertinent information about this major work/life transition, assessments and tools, all of which serve to foster a shift into expanded perspectives, to partner with potential, and to develop a clear, engaging, values-based vision of one’s life beyond “retirement”. It’s about supporting a leadership approach so that you lead your life from what matters most to you, not...