Shows
4-Quarter LivesImplementing the Longevity Future - Where the Rubber Hits the Demographic RoadWelcome to 4-Quarter Lives, a podcast exploring the profound impact of longer, healthier and more engaged lives, not only for ourselves and our couples, but also for companies and countries. I’m Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, and today, I’m doing a summary of our 9th season of this podcast.Each season of 4-Quarter Lives feels like a tapestry—woven from voices, visions, and lived experiments in the age of longevity. Season 9 may be the most practical yet: full of builders, architects, and reimagineers of how we live, age, and contribute across life’s 4 Quarters.Instead of summaris...
2025-07-3009 min
4-Quarter LivesJulianne Miles: The Power of Career BreaksThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox welcomes Julianne Miles, career psychologist and co-founder of Career Returners, to discuss her forthcoming book Return Journey: How to get back to work and thrive after a career break. A leading voice in the returner space, Julianne has spent over a decade supporting thousands of professionals - many in midlife - relaunch their careers after extended breaks.In this conversation, Julianne reveals her own return-to-work story and why writing Return Journey was both personal and timely. She outlines the book’s three-stage structure - from initial mindset shifts, to finding ‘work...
2025-07-2339 min
4-Quarter LivesMaria Clara Pinheiro: Social Entrepreneurship as a Lifelong ContributionIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Maria Clara Pinheiro, Co-lead of Ashoka’s New Longevity Initiative. Ashoka, the world’s largest network of social entrepreneurs, has identified longevity as a key emerging trend through a bottom-up approach, observing a growing number of its fellows tackling issues related to ageing populations. This led to a global mapping of 100 fellows’ work and the launch of Ashoka’s “New Longevity” initiative. Five key themes emerged: changing the narrative around ageing, lifelong learning and work, health and care, intergenerational relationships, and economic security and inclusion.Maria Clara emphasizes the...
2025-07-1638 min
4-Quarter LivesMileham Hayes: A Q4 Doctor on Longer Lives – Avoiding the Big KillersThis week, on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr Mileham Hayes, author of ‘Live Longer: Revealing Today’s Secrets of Longevity and Wellbeing’ and a specialist in preventative medicine. As he says, "preventive medicine has never realized its promise or potential...until now". Mileham, who launched the world’s first longevity clinic and has spent nearly six decades in coronary care, shares how much of heart disease—still the world’s top killer - is preventable, yet persistently neglected. He discusses key diagnostic tests such as ApoB, Lp(a), and coronary artery calcium scans, many of which he began using...
2025-07-0940 min
4-Quarter LivesSaher Mehdi: Ageing & Gender at a Cellular LevelIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox is joined by Dr. Saher Mehdi- molecular biologist, longevity researcher, and healthcare entrepreneur, to explore what it truly means to age well.Saher traces her journey “from molecules to meaning,” beginning with a childhood curiosity sparked by her grandmother’s ageing hands. That moment led to a lifelong inquiry into the biology of ageing, one that took her across continents and disciplines. With a PhD from Durham University and postdoctoral research at Oxford, Uppsala, and KU Leuven, her research has spanned cell fate, cardiac regeneration, epigenetics, and the stre...
2025-07-0237 min
4-Quarter LivesRichard Leider: The Power & Potential of PurposeThis week, on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Richard Leider, founder of Inventure – The Purpose Company, and one of America’s pre-eminent executive-life coaches. Ranked by Forbes as one of the “Top 5” most respected executive coaches, and by the Conference Board as a “legend in coaching”, he and Avivah explore a life devoted to helping others uncover meaning across the lifespan. Richard traces his journey back to his early days as a listener, when questions of “why” ignited his lifelong focus on purpose. A pivotal encounter with Viktor Frankl shaped his core philosophy: purpose is not something to see...
2025-06-2538 min
4-Quarter LivesMelinda Blau: Learning from our EldersIn this week’s episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with journalist and author Melinda Blau, about her latest book, The Wisdom Whisperers. Now in her own Q4, Melinda has written a very personal narrative about the nine much older friends who emboldened her to embrace ageing, instead of dreading it.Melinda Blau, is an award-winning journalist, a New York Times bestselling author, and a host/producer for the Crow’s Feet: Life As We Age podcast. She has spent a lifetime researching and writing about the importance of relationships: Consequential Strangers is an exploration of vital social...
2025-06-1832 min
4-Quarter LivesNeeraj Sagar: Wisdom At (Late) WorkOn 4-Quarter Lives this week Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Neeraj Sagar, founder and CEO of WisdomCircle.com, a platform connecting experienced professionals in Q3 with purposeful, flexible work across the globe. Targeting individuals typically over 50—termed the “Wisdom Generation” or “WisGen”—the platform facilitates engagements across sectors like IT, manufacturing, education, and social impact, allowing retirees to contribute as mentors, consultants, or part-time experts. WisdomCircle leverages AI-driven matching to align retirees’ expertise with organizational needs, ensuring roles are compensated to recognise their value. WisdomCircle emphasizes respect and purpose, avoiding unpaid roles and promoting initiatives like the “One Million Teachers”...
2025-06-1143 min
4-Quarter LivesFarah Baxter & Ignacio Moreno: Legacy is More Than Money, It’s Also MemoriesThis week on 4-Quarter-Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Ignacio Moreno and Farah Baxter, the Co-Founders of a pioneering digital platform that reimagines legacy planning by enabling individuals to create and share personalized emotional and practical legacies. Soalma was born from their personal experiences with loss and the realization of the importance of preserving memories and wisdom for future generations. The platform offers a secure, user-friendly space where users can compile multimedia content— videos, audio messages, photos, and documents—to capture life stories, advice, and heartfelt messages. These digital legacies can be shared with loved ones either during the us...
2025-06-0440 min
4-Quarter LivesLaurie Kilby and Katie Waldegrave: Now Foster – And Enrich Your LifeOn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Laurie Kilby and Katie Waldegrave, co-founders of Now Foster, a bold new initiative reimagining how we recruit and support foster carers. Laurie, a former social worker, and Katie, co-founder of Now Teach, have teamed up to tackle one of the most urgent and overlooked social issues of our time: the crisis in foster care. Building on the success of Now Teach, which helped hundreds transition into teaching in their 50s, Now Foster invites the same generation to consider a different kind of legacy: becoming part-time foster carers—Weekenders.They exp...
2025-05-2829 min
4-Quarter LivesLisa Goldsobel: Living Inter-generationally, By DesignIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Lisa Goldsobel, Head of Service Delivery for Two Generations, a UK-based social enterprise tackling two growing challenges: the loneliness of the older and the unaffordable housing for the younger. Founded in 2019, Two Generations scales the concept of Homesharing, where carefully matched housemates live together—typically an older homeowner and a younger sharer who provides companionship and light support in exchange for affordable accommodation.Companionship Not CaregivingLisa Goldsobel explains the thoughtful vetting, matching and support process that underpins successful and safe co-living arrangements. Ho...
2025-05-2129 min
4-Quarter LivesJacynth Bassett: Becoming Intentionally Inter-GenerationalIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox sits down with Jacynth Bassett, the founder of Ageism Is Never In Style, to discuss their collaborative campaign, Intentionally Intergenerational. Launched in conjunction with Global Intergenerational Week (April 24–30), this initiative challenges outdated age narratives and promotes age inclusivity across workplaces and society.Jacynth, recognized as the 'Anti-Ageist Activist of the Year 2023' and one of the Evening Standard's '22 Londoners Changing The World', shares insights into the campaign's mission to bridge generational divides intentionally. With a community of over 270,000 followers and a reach of 90+ million content views, Ageism Is Ne...
2025-04-2430 min
4-Quarter LivesDr Terri Apter: The Complexities of GrandparentingIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr Terri Apter, psychologist and author of the recently published Grandparenting: On Love and Relationships Across Generations. They discuss the evolving role of grandparents in modern family dynamics and how becoming a grandparent changes relationships with every family member, from adult children to in-laws. Terri categorizes grandmothers into three types: Feminists: Who provide childcare to support their daughters' careers; Radicals: Who prioritize their own independence; and Subversives: Who engage with grandchildren in unconventional ways. She also highlights the evolving role of grandfathers, who now offer hands-on support, sometimes more than the...
2025-04-0247 min
4-Quarter LivesDr. Debra Whitman: Getting Ready for the Next FiftyIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr. Debra Whitman, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer for the AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons). They talk about ageing, longevity, and her new book The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Whitman discusses her role at AARP, an organization supporting people over 50 but open to all ages, focusing on advocacy, research, and benefits. She shares her motivation for writing the book, realizing as she approached 50 that many aspects of aging were not well understood. The book addresses key questions li...
2025-03-2635 min
4-Quarter LivesAnuradha das Mathur: Strengthening the Next Generation in IndiaThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Anuradha Das Mathur, the founder of an original Management and Leadership programme in INDIA, dedicated to young women with ambition. Vedica Scholars is a pioneering leadership program that helps young women in India build sustainable, ‘break-free’ careers by refusing the cultural choice between work and family. This year, it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary and fast-growing alumnae group.In this conversation, Anuradha and Avivah explore how Vedica is transforming career trajectories for ambitious women, challenging traditional gender norms, identifying enlightened employers and companies, and fostering a new ge...
2025-03-1929 min
4-Quarter LivesJames R. (Bob) Hagerty: Tell Your Own Life Story – or Someone Else WillIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with James R. (Bob) Hagerty, longtime journalist and obituary writer for The Wall Street Journal. After a 40-year career covering business and markets across New York, London, Hong Kong, and Paris, James found an unexpected calling - writing obituaries that capture the richness of lives well-lived. Through more than a thousand obituaries, he’s uncovered what gets remembered, what gets lost, and why we should all take the time to write our own life stories. In this conversation, he and Avivah explore the power of memoir writing—not just for those...
2025-03-1230 min
4-Quarter LivesRuben Figueres: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Longevity – The MovieIn this week’s episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Ruben Figueres, co-Producer of the new film ‘Longevity Hackers’. The film follows Emmy Nominated Filmmaker Michal Siewierski (Food Choices, Diet Fiction, Takeout) on a journey to discover the latest research and science breakthroughs in the field of longevity and healthy life extension. Ruben talks about how an increasing number of experts, scientists, researchers and startup CEO’s believe that we are on the brink of being able to dramatically increase human health span and lifespan. He describes where the inspiration for the film originated, and the challenges of produ...
2025-03-0530 min
4-Quarter LivesMichael and Nancy Hodin: The Global Coalition on AgingIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Michael and Nancy Hodin. Michael is Chief Executive of the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA), while Nancy produces events for the Silver Economy Forum as part of the GCOA, while also running her own business as President of H&H Media.Together they discuss the significance of aging, longevity and the silver economy. Michael founded the GCOA 14 years ago, after a 30 year career at Pfizer, He explains its origins, arising from research showing how health and pension systems as well as society generally are increasingly st...
2025-02-2634 min
Leadership NOW with Dan PontefractAre Leaders Ready for an Aging Workforce? Featuring CEO and Author Avivah Wittenberg-CoxThe workforce is aging, but many leaders are still acting as if nothing has changed.
On this episode of Leadership NOW with Dan Pontefract, CEO and author Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, a global expert on gender, generational shifts, and longevity, unpacks what organizations must do to stay ahead.
She explains why age diversity is a leadership blind spot, how demographic shifts are reshaping talent strategies, and what wise leaders are doing to future-proof their organizations.
Avivah challenges outdated assumptions about work, career longevity, and leadership. She explores the opportunities that come with longer, multi-stage careers—and why companies that fail to adapt wi...
2025-02-2234 min
4-Quarter LivesBrian Clark: Entrepreneurship in the Longevity EconomyIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Brian Clark, Founder of the midlife personal growth newsletter Further, of the marketing services business Longevity Gains, and serial digital entrepreneur. They discuss how, after selling his hugely successful digital business Copyblogger in 2018, Brian took time out from his serial entrepreneurship to travel and reflect on his future direction. He recognised how often men struggle silently with midlife transitions, and how men’s voices were lacking in the longevity space. He describes his career to that point and how the content marketing principles he had developed during that time re...
2025-02-1937 min
4-Quarter LivesCéline Abecassis-Moedas: Longevity Leadership in LisbonThis week on 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Céline Abecassis-Moedas, Pro-Rector for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, Portugal, and Co-Director of the Longevity Leadership Program at Catolica. As becomes clear during their conversation, her fellow director on this program is Avivah Wittenberg-Cox!Not surprisingly their conversation focuses on the need for and value of a Longevity Leadership programme of this kind. Launched in June 2024, the week-long program addresses the growing impact of lengthening lives for individuals, businesses and society. Céline explains how it offers a unique, holistic approach that com...
2025-02-1432 min
4-Quarter LivesCéline Abecassis-Moedas: Longevity Leadership in LisbonThis week on 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Céline Abecassis-Moedas, Pro-Rector for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon, Portugal, and Co-Director of the Longevity Leadership Program at Catolica. As becomes clear during their conversation, her fellow director on this program is Avivah Wittenberg-Cox!Not surprisingly their conversation focuses on the need for and value of a Longevity Leadership programme of this kind. Launched in June 2024, the week-long program addresses the growing impact of lengthening lives for individuals, businesses and society. Céline explains how it offers a unique, holistic approach that com...
2025-02-1232 min
Stressed But Well Dressed hosted by Dahlia StroudSeason 7, Episode 6: Creating a Well Dressed Mindset (with guest Avivah Wittenberg-Cox)Dahlia is joined by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox to discuss what it means to create a 'Well Dressed Mindset'Avivah explains that as statistically people are living far longer we need to get clear on what our priorities look like for each quarter of our life and through this take control of what we want to achieve right now.The conservation centres on getting really clear on each person or family unit's priorities and worrying less about what you feel you 'should' do and more about what you choose to do...
2025-02-0735 min
4-Quarter LivesDr Niobe Way: Culture, Capitalism and The 'Boy' QuestionIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr Niobe Way, Professor of Developmental Psychology at NYU and author of Rebels with a Cause: Reimagining Boys, Ourselves and Our Culture. Her groundbreaking research has transformed how we understand boys, friendships, and the very human need for connection. In Rebels with a Cause she distils four decades of research to uncover the hidden emotional lives of boys and what their struggles teach us – not only about them, but also about ourselves.She and Avivah discuss her insights into how our culture’s rigid ‘boy’ culture no...
2025-02-0638 min
4-Quarter LivesKatja Meier: Can a TV Series have a 59-Year Old Heroine?In this first episode of Season 8 of 4 Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Katja Meier, writer and founder of Zenka Films.Katja is on a mission to build a media world where not only female-driven content is the norm, but where female heroes above the age of 50 are no longer the exception. She and Avivah discuss the TV series Katja has developed about a 59-year-old woman who inherits a successful mining company and sets about challenging the less than ethical business practices she discovers there. Katja describes the experiences that led her to this theme...
2025-01-2932 min
4-Quarter LivesCarl Honoré: Slowing Down to Age Boldly – and WellThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with author and journalist Carl Honoré about ageing, slowing down and life transitions. Carl is the author of the books Bolder: How to Age Better and Feel Better about Ageing, and In Praise of Slow. They discuss how slowing down at any stage of life involves self-reflection and the deepening of relationships, and how ageing well shares these same characteristics. Indeed, all transitions between stages of life benefit from slowing down to reflect and to chart one’s own path. They consider the growing cultural shift towards more positive portrayals of age...
2024-11-2741 min
4-Quarter LivesSuzanne Noble: Sex in Q3, The Intimate DetailsThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Suzanne Noble, host of the podcast Sex Advice for Seniors and co-creator of Startup School for Seniors. Suzanne has become a prominent voice on relationships for older adults through her podcast, TikTok and media appearances. She and Avivah discuss some of the key relationships and sexual issues older adults may face, from erectile dysfunction and vaginal atrophy to loss of libido and body confidence concerns. There may be shifts from spontaneous to more responsive arousal. They talk about the importance of communication, creativity and prioritising intimacy for maintaining he...
2024-11-2035 min
4-Quarter LivesAlan MacIntosh: The Rise of Age Tech InvestingThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Alan MacIntosh, Founding Partner in AgeTech Capital, a purpose-driven private market investment firm focused on innovative & affordable technology solutions for healthier and fulfilling ageing. They discuss the dramatic rise of the longevity economy which, in the USA alone, is projected to triple from $8.3 trillion to $26.8 trillion by 2050. As part of this, age technology is seeing increasing innovation and investment, with areas like connected living, new forms of caregiving, preventative health monitoring and interventions, and financial security all growing as services and investment opportunities. Alan describes examples of AgeTech Capital’s inve...
2024-11-1437 min
4-Quarter LivesShruti Singh: The OECD Explains the Economics of AgeingThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Shruti Singh, Senior Economist for Ageing and Employment Policies at the OECD. The OECD has been studying workforce ageing for over 30 years, with a shift from focusing on financial risks towards the opportunities this change offers. Shruti set out the business case for age diversity, the importance of flexibility, current barriers to mid-career job changes and persistent age discrimination in hiring. Both policy and mindset change are needed to adapt to longer working lives. She and Avivah discuss attitudes to work flexibility, the sharp decline in job changes after age 50...
2024-11-0634 min
4-Quarter LivesAmanda Philpott: Are Your Ears Longevity-Ready?This week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Amanda Philpott, the co-founder and CEO of eargym. They discuss hearing health and how hearing loss is strongly correlated with cognitive decline and risk of dementia, yet is often overlooked in preventative healthcare. Amanda explains how early intervention can significantly improve quality of life as we age, and in particular reduce the social isolation (and consequent cognitive decline) that hearing loss can cause. She describes her own experience of living with moderate hearing loss and how this led her to create eargym after a 30-year career in the UK’s Na...
2024-10-3034 min
4-Quarter LivesDeirdre Wafer: LinkedIn’s Focus on the 40+This week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Deirdre Wafer, Global Co-Chair of the Wisdom Employee Resource Group at LinkedIn. They discuss how to navigate the many intricacies of careers, the pivotal nature of transitions, particularly later in careers, and the role that the Wisdom ERG plays at LinkedIn. Deirdre Wafer is Global Co-Chair of the Wisdom Employee Resource Group at LinkedIn, which brings employees 40+ and their allies together with the aim of making LinkedIn an inclusive workplace for all ages. Additionally, she leads a Customer Insights team for LinkedIn Marketing Solutions within EMEA & LATAM, delivering i...
2024-10-2330 min
4-Quarter LivesMichael King: Talking Relevantly to Q3 CustomersIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox speaks with Michael King, Managing Director of Senior Response, one of the UK’s first and only client contact management services dedicated to the over-50s market. Established in 2001 Senior Response manages client contact communication, by phone, SMS, email, post, and webchat on behalf of clients. Michael shares his professional journey, starting from his early career with Capital One to his eventual role at Senior Response, a company he first encountered as a client. He explains how Senior Response sets itself apart by employing older agents who can relate to...
2024-10-1731 min
4-Quarter LivesTina Backhouse: Straight Talk on Women’s Health in Q3This week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Tina Backhouse, the General Manager in the UK of Theramex, a global speciality pharmaceutical company focused on supporting the health needs of women at all stages of life. They discuss the particular health needs of women, particularly as they age, the need for women to monitor key health metrics post menopause, the specific risks of cardiovascular disease, dementia and osteoporosis and the need for research to take better account of different ethnicities and age groups. Tina describes how Theramex addresses these and other health issues, the changing health concerns for...
2024-10-0937 min
4-Quarter LivesNick Viner: Creating Q3 CommunitiesThis week on 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Nick Viner, co-Founder and Director of Circle Square — a membership community for individuals over 50 focused on positive ageing, personal growth, and purpose in the third quarter of life. Nick shares his insights into creating a vibrant community for people moving into new life chapters, offering a rich programme of curated events, trusted services and a career transition programme. He talks about what motivated him to create Circle Square and who it is for. He emphasises the importance of building a gender-balanced community for social interaction, sharing of wisdom, and adding va...
2024-10-0234 min
4-Quarter LivesLindsey Beagley: From Lifelong Learning to Redesigning Higher Ed.This week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Lindsey Beagley, Senior Director of Lifelong University Engagement at Arizona State University. They discuss the growing interest of universities to re-design themselves for the new age of longevity, engaging with people throughout their lives rather than just as the outset. Lindsey describes how Arizona State University is doing so in its various programmes, and in particular their ground-breaking Mirabella University Retirement Community on the ASU Tempe campus – integrating a continuing care retirement community into a university campus. She talks about how older adults involved in the Mirabella program are eager to...
2024-09-2541 min
4-Quarter LivesGraham Heddle: Transforming Careers with AIIn the latest episode of 4-Quarter Lives Podcast, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with former private equity partner Graham Heddle about the opportunities to use AI as a tool for personal reinvention. They discuss Graham's own journey of career transition and how he harnessed the power of AI, particularly ChatGPT, for personal growth and exploration. Graham shares his insights on using AI as a co-intelligence tool, facilitating deep self-reflection, and finding new purpose after leaving a long-term career. Graham now divides his time between the charity and commercial sectors. He is Senior Advisor to recruitment firm ZRG, Chair of th...
2024-06-2637 min
4-Quarter LivesAnne Thevenet-Abitbol: Too Young to be OldIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Anne Thevenet-Abitbol of French food giant, Danone. Anne shares her insights on ageing, digital communication and the necessity of generational collaboration in today's workplace. She talks about the philosophy behind ageing without becoming 'old' and how personal and professional growth doesn't stop at any age. They discuss how she navigates the challenges of constant digital interaction and maintains authenticity and relatability in her communications. And Anne describes her journey from focusing on gender balance to advocating for generational balance, promoting a workplace where all ages are valued. Af...
2024-06-1930 min
4-Quarter LivesGeorge Ploubidis: The Rise of ‘Generational Health Drift’In the latest episode of 4-Quarter Lives Podcast, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox delves into the fascinating world of longitudinal studies with George Ploubidis, Professor of Population Health and Statistics at University College London. George offers invaluable insights into how these studies shape our understanding of health, economic circumstances, employment, family life and wellbeing across the life course. They discuss how large-scale, population-based surveys like the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohort studies provide crucial life course data across generations, informing social policies and public health interventions. George reveals surprising findings such as the deteriorating health of Generation X compared to baby boomers, despite...
2024-06-1241 min
4-Quarter LivesAdrita Bhattacharya-Craven: The Longevity Economy Through an Insurer’s LensThis week on 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Adrita Bhattacharya-Craven, the Director of Health and Demography at the Geneva Association. This association is a leading think-tank exploring the issues the insurance industry faces and researching how insurance can contribute to a better world. Not surprisingly the insurance sector is ever more aware of the implications of ageing societies and how insurance products must continually adapt to changing needs. Adrita Bhattacharya-Craven has been the Director of Health and Demography at the Geneva Association since 2020. Her work at the GA focuses on the strategic and long-term research priorities o...
2024-06-0529 min
4-Quarter LivesPeter Hinssen: Longevity Meets InnovationIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with serial entrepreneur, renowned speaker and prolific author Peter Hinssen about his ideas on innovation and longevity, and perspectives on reinventing oneself. Peter has a unique background combining technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and storytelling. He believes constant reinvention is key for both companies and individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing world. His "Phoenix" model for organizational reinvention can also be applied to personal reinvention, and he actively seeks out younger perspectives to keep learning and stay future-focused. As he argues, longevity will bring big changes with huge potential, but...
2024-05-2946 min
4-Quarter LivesTim Parr: Tapping the Q3 Consumer OpportunityIn this episode of "4 Quarter Lives," Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Tim Parr, CEO of Caddis, to explore his multifaceted journey from a serial entrepreneur in the action sports industry to revolutionizing how we perceive ageing through his innovative eyewear company focused on the Q3 demographic. Tim shares his insights on midlife reinvention, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and why embracing ageing can be your next great adventure. He talks about his own transitions, the significance of tone and understanding your audience in brand communication, and the potential of the longevity economy. Tim has both founded new c...
2024-05-2242 min
The Fiftyfaces PodcastBONUS: Avivah Wittenberg-Cox: Higher for Longer is not just for markets - Preparing for the 100 year and 4 Quarter lifeIn this bonus episode we meet with fellow INSEAD alumna Avivah Wittenberg-Cox advocates for new thinking in generational and gender balance. She is a consultant, coach and speaker on the rising impact of longevity on the people and on the workplace and provides advice to help businesses thrive. She is the author of seven books on gender, leadership and longevity and the host of the podcast 4-Quarter lives, where she applauds podcasts as a way to create “real conversations in a very noisy world”. In this very real conversation we talk about Avivah’s path to coach...
2024-05-1731 min
4-Quarter LivesMartin Frölander: Tech meets Midlife TransitionsIn the first episode of Season 6 of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Martin Frolander, the Founder and Chief Executive of Junoverse, a company with a mission to reimagine the future of seniors through the most comprehensive retirement platform yet built. Their conversation delves into Junoverse's three integrated platforms: Ready, Go, and Connect, each tailored to different stakeholders key to an individual's career and life. * Ready supports employers in managing mid to late career employees aged 50-80. It features assessments, personalized plans, algorithm-based recommendations, and mentoring. * Go assists individuals in retirement, helping them navigate post-work li...
2024-05-1538 min
4-Quarter Lives4-Quarter Lives: Lessons from Season 5 ConversationsIn this episode of 4 Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox summarises key points from the fascinating conversations she has had with a wide range of experts across the Season 5. Her aim this season was to dig deeper into the midlife transition issue, how to prepare people for longer careers, more change and the need for real longlife learning. She started with Richard Alderson of Careershifters and Victoria Tomlinson of NextUp, both of whom have launched businesses helping people with these momentous career moves. Richard described the 6 phases of career shifts that everyone goes through, while Victoria discussed evolving attitudes to late...
2024-04-0510 min
4-Quarter LivesAndrew Scott - The New Longevity ImperativeIn this final episode of Season 5 of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah talks with Professor Andrew Scott about his new book, The Longevity Imperative, and the profound implications of increased lifespan. Andrew distinguishes between the first and second longevity revolutions, highlighting the shift from surviving childhood to redefining the ageing process itself. He emphasizes the imperative for cultural and societal changes to enable individuals to age better and maximise the potential of their additional healthy years. He provides clarity on life expectancy data, explaining the nuances between period and cohort measures, and underscoring how gains in life expectancy now predominantly occur...
2024-03-2748 min
4-Quarter LivesBradley Schurman: Leveraging Age Diversity In BusinessIn this episode of 4 Quarter Lives we tackle the complexities of longevity, ageing populations, and the evolving business landscape that accompanies these global shifts. While longevity science progresses at a breakneck pace, societal norms and economic structures lag behind, posing significant challenges. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with demographic strategist Bradley Schuman. Together they take a deep dive into how businesses that leverage age diversity can outpace the competition and why addressing the unique challenges women face in midlife could be a game-changer for innovative companies. They also explore the critical skills that will define success in the future workforce, highlighting...
2024-03-1340 min
The Work AgendaIn Conversation with... Avivah Wittenberg-CoxIn the second episode of our “In Conversation with…” podcast series for 2024 Lucy is joined by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, CEO of 20-first, one of the world's leading global consultancies focused on balancing gender, generations and culture.Lucy and Avivah discuss some of the key demographic shifts impacting the labour market and explore why generational balance needs to be a business priority. Avivah explains the importance of longevity literacy amongst workforces and leadership teams, and how a deep understanding of people’s differences will be key to any diversity and inclusion strategy.
2024-03-1327 min
Future of Work Hub Podcast SeriesIn Conversation with... Avivah Wittenberg-CoxIn the second episode of our “In Conversation with…” podcast series for 2024 Lucy is joined by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, CEO of 20-first, one of the world's leading global consultancies focused on balancing gender, generations and culture.Lucy and Avivah discuss some of the key demographic shifts impacting the labour market and explore why generational balance needs to be a business priority. Avivah explains the importance of longevity literacy amongst workforces and leadership teams, and how a deep understanding of people’s differences will be key to any diversity and inclusion strategy. Key Takeaways:O...
2024-03-1327 min
4-Quarter LivesMichael Clinton : The Corporate Business Case for LongevityIn this episode, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Michael Clinton, a visionary leader and former President, Marketing and Publishing Director of Hearst Magazines. They discuss the evolving workplace, the benefits of age inclusivity, and the transformative power of media in shaping societal views on ageing. Michael shares his perspectives on how businesses and content creators can contribute to a more inclusive environment that values experience and longevity. Michael Clinton is a writer, photographer and former magazine publishing executive. He was publisher of GQ magazine from 1988 to 1994, senior vice president and executive VP of Condé Nast until 1997. He then join...
2024-03-0640 min
4-Quarter LivesAnn Francke: The Management Skill of Navigating Longer CareersIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Ann Francke, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, about the pivotal role of management skills in supporting and enhancing longer career spans. They uncover startling statistics, including that 82% of managers receiving no training upon promotion, resulting in what's known as "accidental managers", and the sobering reality that only 42% of managers are open to hiring workers over 50. Their conversation touches on the unique challenges women face as they enter the third quarter (Q3) of their careers and the huge importance of managers in shaping workplace culture and team member...
2024-02-2839 min
4-Quarter LivesPedro Pitella: Why and How Sanofi Launched an ERG for LongevityIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Pedro Pitella to explore the innovative work of global healthcare company Sanofi in fostering an inclusive work environment through Generations+, its intergenerational Employee Resource Group (ERG). Pedro is Head of People and Culture for Sanofi Brazil, and global lead for Generations+. The conversation explores the importance of age diversity in the workplace and the valuable insights Sanofi has gained in shaping the way for a diverse and inclusive future. From tackling age justice awareness to updating company policies to serve an ageing customer base, Avivah and Pedro discuss why...
2024-02-2136 min
4-Quarter LivesHelen Tupper: Democratising Career DevelopmentIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Helen Tupper, Chief Executive of Amazing If, a company redefining careers for individuals and companies. Together they explore the intricacies of career transitions during midlife and how organizations can support these changes. The conversation also delves into personal experience, highlighting the essential balance between work and life. Helen Tupper is co-founder and CEO of Amazing If, a company with an ambition to make careers better for everyone. Together with her business partner Sarah Ellis, she is the author of two Sunday Times bestsellers The Squiggly Career and You Coach You. ...
2024-02-1447 min
4-Quarter LivesProfessor Herminia Ibarra: What Got you Here, Won’t Get you ThereIn this episode of the 4-Quarter Lives podcast, we delve into the intricate world of career transitions and identity change with renowned expert Professor Herminia Ibarra of the London Business School. As we navigate the realities of career shifts, Herminia shares invaluable insights on why these transitions often take years, not months, and the importance of managing expectations during this journey. We confront the myth of discovering a "true self" and explore how identity is actually mutable, shaped through experimentation. Herminia guides us through the often "dark, messy middle" of career change — a period of confusion and un...
2024-02-0743 min
4-Quarter LivesVictoria Tomlinson : Companies: Innovate! Value Your 50+ TalentJoin Avivah Wittenberg-Cox in this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, as she sits down with Victoria Tomlinson, the innovative mind behind Next-Up. Next-Up is revolutionizing the way we think about retirement and the roles of older workers in today's workforce. We delve into the outdated concept of retirement, the challenges faced by older employees, and the importance of intergenerational working for successful companies. Victoria shares her expertise on how Next-Up assists employers in engaging with their seasoned staff through workshops and an online platform, turning apprehension about later life stages into excitement and motivation. We also explore the unique struggles...
2024-01-3131 min
4-Quarter LivesRichard Alderson: Want to Shift Careers? Talk to An ExpertWelcome to Season 5 of 4-Quarter Lives, a podcast exploring the profound impact of longer lives and careers … on everything: countries, companies, couples and careers. Thanks for all your support and listening over the past year, we love all the feedback and reactions. Please keep it coming! In this season Avivah Wittenberg-Cox will start by investigating the scary, exciting and urgent topic of career change. Why is it so terrifying, how can we do it better, and why (and how) can companies help their talent to transition more smoothly across our 60-year career spans?Introducing Richard Al...
2024-01-2439 min
Higgle: The B2B Sales ClubNavigating the Aging Population in Business with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox Avivah Wittenberg-Cox is CEO, writer, speaker, coach, consultant, change agent – depending on the call and the context. She is a global expert on 21st century leadership, gender and generational balance, longevity and the future of work and careers. She is a Harvard 2022 Advanced Leadership Fellow and is helping individuals and organisations manage the transitions and extensions of the 2nd and 3rd Quarters of 100-year lives. Themes summarised in her latest graphic book Thriving to 100 – Through Life’s 4 Quarters. She is an Ambassador for the Stanford Center on Longevity, and the Global Peter Drucker Forum, and sits on the Bo...
2024-01-1529 min
4-Quarter LivesAvivah Wittenberg-Cox: 4-Quarter Lives: 10 Lessons from Season 4In this wrap-up episode to the latest season of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox reviews the 10 fascinating conversations she has had over the last 10 weeks. Her discussions with Haleh Nazeri (World Economic Forum), Philip O’Keefe (Ageing Asia Research Hub) and Emi Kiyota (Singapore National University) explored the challenges presented by aging populations, at a regional and national level. She followed this with conversations about the implications of older workers and customers for companies. James Root (Bain & Co), Michael Fossat (Schneider Electric), Lisa Edgar (Saga), Sibylle Le Maire (Club Landoy) and Lyndsey Simpson (55 Redefined) discussed their research and organizational responses to...
2023-11-2914 min
4-Quarter LivesSibylle Le Maire: Getting Longevity on the CEO’s AgendaIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Sibylle Le Maire, Executive Director of the media group Bayard, based in France. She is the Founder and President of Club Landoy, which consists of 24 member companies and is focused on the impact of demographic transitions, aiming to bring out new approaches and innovative solutions for social progress. Today, a third of the French (and developed world’s) population will spend a third of their time in ‘retirement’. This is something that has never previously happened in the history of humanity. This raises many questions and will profoundly change social b...
2023-11-2341 min
4-Quarter LivesDr Mona Mourshed: Confronting Corporate AgeismThis week’s guest with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox on 4-Quarter Lives is Dr Mona Mourshed, the founder and CEO of Generation, a global non-profit organisation that prepares, places and supports adult learners of all ages into careers that are otherwise inaccessible, delivering sector-leading employment and income results consistently. Generation has recently worked with the OECD to publish a report on The MidCareer Opportunity. It recognises that the world of work is getting older, with profound implications for the labour market, government finances, healthcare and welfare systems, and millions of midcareer workers. The OECD and Generation teamed up to sur...
2023-11-1542 min
4-Quarter LivesLisa Edgar: Saga’s Window into Q3 CustomersIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Lisa Edgar from Saga, a British company which, since its creation over 70 years ago, has focused on services for the over 50s market. Its operations range from holidays, cruise ships and tours, to a wide range of insurance products, personal financial services and personal alarms. Its Saga Magazine has a monthly readership of over 1 million. In 2022 there were some 26.1 million people over 50, and this is expected to increase to 28.2 million by 2032. Currently this represents 39% of the UK population, which is estimated to spend some £292 billion on non-household expenditure. Saga is a...
2023-11-0841 min
4-Quarter LivesDr Emi Kiyota: The Older Want to Care For Us (not the other way around)In this week’s 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr Emi Kiyota, Founder and director of Ibasho, an organization that facilitates the co-creation with elders of socially integrated, sustainable communities that value their elders. In Japanese, Ibasho means ‘A place where you can feel like yourself’.Emi Kiyota was born and grew up in Japan in a 4-generation household. She thought living with grandparents and great-grandparents was both normal and essential - until she discovered the world thought otherwise. After a doctorate in the US, and living in American nursing homes, she thought there must be a bett...
2023-11-0130 min
4-Quarter LivesMichael Fossat: Getting Global Companies Future-ReadyIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Michael Fossat, head of Schneider Electric’s Future Ready program. With a 180-year history, Schneider is now focused on assisting and driving the energy transition to an electric and digital future. Yet this 150,000 strong company discovered that its 51+ employees (what Avivah calls Q3) weren’t as motivated and engaged as the rest. Schneider determined to fix that, especially given the talent wars they feel pressing on their business needs every day. The Future Ready Program is their response.Michael Fossat has worked at Schneider for much of his pr...
2023-10-2538 min
4-Quarter LivesJulie Miller: Women 50+: Drivers of the Global EconomyIn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr Julie Miller, Director of Thought Leadership, Financial Resilience, at the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Dr Miller seeks to propel new conversations and cultivate partnerships that will challenge the status quo of longevity and empower people to have the financial and economic stability to live longer, healthier lives.Prior to joining AARP, Julie Miller spent a decade as a social science researcher at the MIT AgeLab, where she led translational social science research across key topical areas of longevity planning, caregiving and wellbeing, housing and hom...
2023-10-1829 min
4-Quarter LivesHaleh Nazeri: World Economic Forum Building ‘Longevity Literacy’On this week’s 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Haleh Nazeri, Lead, Longevity Economy at the World Economic Forum. Earlier this year Haleh was responsible for the WEF’s report “Living Longer Better - Understanding Longevity Literacy.” Her work convenes senior executives from the financial services industry, key stakeholders from the public sector, and civil society leaders to promote financial innovations for a more resilient and equitable longer life.Before joining the World Economic Forum, Haleh Nazeri worked for a number of years for global insurance group AIG, as well as for the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundati...
2023-10-1126 min
4-Quarter LivesPhilip O’Keefe: Asia’s Challenge: Baby Busts, Ageing Populations & Male CulturesThis week on 4 Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Philip O’Keefe, Director of the Ageing Asia Research Hub at the Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), based in Sydney Australia. Asia is on an accelerated journey on so many dimensions. We’ve long watched its extraordinary economic growth. Now, we’re seeing it accelerating in other areas that in the past took far longer in the West: namely demographic transition, ageing populations and plummeting fertility levels. The speed at which the populations of this region are shifting, reshaping and in some cases already shrinking is remarkable. The rol...
2023-10-0436 min
4-Quarter LivesLyndsey Simpson: Redefining Life, Work & AgeThis week on 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Lyndsey Simpson, the founder and CEO of 55/Redefined, an organisation connecting the UK’s active over 50s with tailored products, services and advice spanning jobs, finance, and lifestyle.55/Redefined’s mission is to end ageism – in both workplaces and society – and add ten productive years to life, while supporting over-50s to get what they want out of life. Recognising a gap in the market, Lyndsey set up 55/Redefined to fly the flag for those who may be getting older - but have no intention of slowing down.The...
2023-09-2734 min
How to Live#046 Life in four quarters with Avivah Wittenberg-CoxWith advancements in healthcare, our lifespans are increasing to an additional 25 years. With this in mind, we must reshape our understanding of life, work, relationships, and how we choose to live.To help us navigate, we are joined by the remarkable Avivah Wittenberg Cox - a respected entrepreneur and advisor to global CEOs and leaders in over 40 countries. Avivah challenges us to view life through the lens of four quarters. She suggests that the third quarter, spanning from 50 to 75 years old, holds 25 new years with countless possibilities—an opportunity for us to become how we’re meant to be.
2023-07-1734 min
4-Quarter LivesBruno Palier: Breaking Our Stereotypes of France, Retirement & RebellionOn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Bruno Palier, Research Director at France’s elite Sciences Po University, Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics. The common government response to ageing societies around the world is to have people work longer. But ‘people’ aren’t always in agreement, nor are companies always willing to keep them. The French protests at raising the retirement age have been well covered by the international press, but not always well understood. Bruno Palier works on the comparative political economy of welfare state reforms. He has co-led a project on the differing...
2023-07-0526 min
4-Quarter LivesNic Palmarini: Preparing for the 2nd BillionOn this week’s 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Nic Palmarini, the Director of the UK National Innovation Centre on Ageing. NICA is based in Newcastle and was launched with £40 million investment from the UK Government and Newcastle University. The Centre's mission is to “add intelligence to ageing and longevity”, allowing the private and public sectors to tackle the opportunities of the longevity economies while reducing inequalities, by developing and bringing to market innovative ideas, business models, services and products which enhance and improve all aspects of life for our ageing societies. Prior to heading up NICA, Ni...
2023-06-2837 min
4-Quarter LivesTheo Kocken: Your Hundred Year LifeOn 4-Quarter Lives this week Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Professor Theo Kocken, about his fascinating new film ‘Your Hundred Year Life’. Theo comes to the issue of longevity with a business and academic background. He is professor of Risk Management at VU University Amsterdam, founder of the Anglo-Dutch pension investment & risk management firm Cardano and chairman of the Cardano Development Foundation. He is also an extraordinary professor at NWU University (South Africa). Before founding Cardano in 2000, he worked in the banking sector, including as head of Market Risk at ING and Rabobank.Theo is not, however, your averag...
2023-06-2132 min
4-Quarter LivesLuis Gallegos: Pushing to Protect Q4The guest on this week’s 4-Quarter Lives is Ambassador Luis Gallegos who, at 76, is as active and engaged as he has ever been in his long and extremely distinguished career. He is advocating for the adoption, by the United Nations, of an international Convention for the Rights of Older People. This follows his role as president of the U.N. committee that drafted the U.N.’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first human rights treaty of the 21st century. He was also an elected member on the U.N.’s Committee on the Conven...
2023-06-1430 min
4-Quarter LivesCharlotte Japp: Millennials Grow UpIn this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Charlotte Japp. Early in her career, Charlotte noticed a huge gap between the 20-somethings she worked with and baby boomers like her parents. Older workers had decades of experience, but were forced to retire or start secondary careers due to ageist hiring trends. Her friends and colleagues wanted career mentorship, while her parents and their friends were looking for new skills and trend reports to stay competitive in their careers.From this realisation Charlotte created CIRKEL, a platform connecting a community of professionals ages 20-70+ who connect...
2023-06-0732 min
4-Quarter LivesRoberta Katz: Gen Z, ExplainedRoberta Katz was involved in helping to establish the Distinguished Careers Institute program at Stanford University and has been a DCI advisor for many years. She is a Senior Research Scholar at Stanford’s Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) and co-author of the book Gen Z, Explained: The Art of Living in a Digital Age (University of Chicago Press, 2021). In this podcast she and Avivah Wittenberg-Cox discuss the book, which describes the findings from a multi-year, interdisciplinary study of the behaviors and values of American and British Gen Zers and analyses the historical, technological, and socia...
2023-05-3147 min
4-Quarter LivesVijeth Iyengar: Are Countries Longevity-Ready? Focus on Low and Middle Income CountriesDr Vijeth Iyengar is the guest in this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox. Dr Iyengar is Director of Global Aging at the International Office of AARP – the American Association of Retired People. He leads cutting-edge research on global aging issues, including financial resilience, health security, the human rights of older persons, and their social connections, and cultivates relationships and strategic alliances to promote AARP’s vision to serve older adults everywhere.A cognitive neuroscientist by training, before joining AARP, Vijeth served three US Government administrations in a variety of roles, including as Brain Health Lead and Te...
2023-05-2444 min
4-Quarter LivesCatherine Foot: Everything You Never Knew About Midlife TransitionsOn 4-Quarter Lives this week Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Catherine Foot, Director of Phoenix Insights. Catherine is a research and policy expert in ageing and longevity, with over 20 years of experience in the field. Phoenix Insights is a think tank set up by the Phoenix Group (one of the UK’s leading pensions and savings groups) in 2021, to conduct research and stimulate debate on how society should respond to the possibilities of longer lives. Its research examines issues of financial security, work, and learning and skills, as well as health and care, homes and communities.Before joining Ph...
2023-05-0332 min
4-Quarter LivesEleanor Mills: The Rise of Queenagers!In this week’s 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Eleanor Mills. Eleanor is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Noon, which she created in 2021 in the UK as a resource for women at the mid-point – the Noon – of their lives. an online media platform and community for women at the mid-point – the noon – of their lives. As she argues, "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." In this episode she te...
2023-03-2934 min
4-Quarter LivesTerri Harrington: A Super-Lawyer Goes Back to SchoolTerri Harrington is one of the members of the first cohort of a new program at the University of Colorado Denver, called Change-Makers. In this podcast series so far, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox has talked with people who have gone through equivalent programs at Harvard and Stanford, and she has been intrigued to see new options opening up at a number of other schools not only in the US but in other countries. In this conversation she was keen to understand what the Denver program is offering, what drew Terri to it, and what she is hoping to emerge from this...
2023-03-1535 min
4-Quarter LivesNobel Prize Winner Claudia Goldin: 100 Years of Women Combining (or not) Career & FamilyAvivah Wittenberg-Cox is delighted to have Professor Claudia Goldin, the newly crowned winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, join her on 4-Quarter Lives. Claudia is Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University and co-director of the National Bureau of Economic Research’s Gender in the Economy Study Group. Her research uses history to explore the origins of issues in the present, particularly with regard to women’s lives and careers. She has explored the history of women’s search for career and family, co-education in higher education, the impact of “The Pill” on career and family decisions, women’s su...
2023-03-0839 min
4-Quarter LivesBarbara Waxman: Leaning Into MiddlescenceThe guest this week in 4-Quarter Lives is Barbara Waxman, whose work Avivah Wittenberg-Cox came across early on in her exploration of the topic of how to manage our ever longer lives. Barbara is a gerontologist and coach and has combined both these areas in a career focused on helping people become both more effective professionally and at the same time truer to who they themselves are as individuals. With a background in gerontology, she found at the start of her own empty-nester years a chance to reconsider her own trajectory, and realised just how much more opportunity the...
2023-03-0127 min
4-Quarter LivesDawn Browne: FULLERS - A Company that Thrives on Generational BalanceIn this week’s episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dawn Browne. Dawn is the People & Talent Director of Fuller’s, a hospitality company that runs some 200 hundred pubs and restaurants in the UK, across London and Hampshire, and employs 5,000 people. In today’s talent-strapped Britain, Fuller’s has been running contrary to the ageism many people accuse companies of. They have been going out to recruit older workers, and wooing them with flexibility and benefits. Recently they announced a new partnership with Rest Less, a digital community and advocate for people aged over 50, with a view to attra...
2023-02-2232 min
4-Quarter LivesMary Pearl – Environmentalist, Educator and now - Fiction WriterThis week’s guest with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox on 4-Quarter Lives is environmentalist and educator Dr. Mary Pearl. Mary was born and raised to be a New York debutante but had other plans. Her mother wanted her to go to Wellesley College for Women, but Yale opened to women just in the nick of time (1972). She then flew the coop again, becoming a biologist and exploring the behaviours of primates in the wild. This led her to connect the dots between the health of humans, wildlife and eco systems – the concept of conservation medicine - well before this was on ever...
2023-02-0835 min
4-Quarter LivesUnilever Embraces the Future of WorkMorag Lynagh is Unilever’s Global Director of the Future of Work, with particular responsibility for new employment models, age and longevity. As as an employer of almost 150,000 people, Unilever is one of the first companies to recognise that people have different needs and expectations of work throughout their working lives. This has led to the creation of U-Work within Unilever, a new, internal ‘gig’ employment model that is redefining how people relate to the world of work.Morag is a graduate of Edinburgh University. She worked in the travel, property and conference industries before joining Unilever in 1994...
2023-02-0127 min
4-Quarter LivesCain Ullah and Kevin Maguire: This is Q2 - Men Rethink Work/Family Balance4-Quarter Lives initially focused on individuals role modelling the new 3rd Quarter. This episode, however, looks at the impact of longer lives on the one before - that normally insane phase of life from 25 to 50. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox speaks with two men who have consciously stepped back from their full-on and very successful tech careers to live more rounded lives.Cain Ullah is Founder and former CEO of UK-based digital transformation company Red Badger. Kevin Maguire was an executive with Google for almost a decade. Both were on stellar professional career trajectories. Yet as young fathers in Q2, t...
2023-01-2541 min
4-Quarter LivesSara Lawrence-Lightfoot – A Pioneer in Spotlighting the Third QuarterIn this last episode of 4-Quarter Lives’ first season, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot. A sociologist and Harvard Professor of Education, with a teaching and writing career spanning five decades, Sara was one of the first academics to examine and focus on the third quarter of life. Her book The Third Chapter: Risk, Passion, and Adventure in the Twenty-Five Years After 50 uses interviews and story-telling to explore how people respond to this time of new opportunity and activity – or not.Life Before & After 50Across her distinguished career, Sara has studied educational culture and ecology, and...
2022-12-1435 min
Emotional Balance Sheet with Paul FennerAvivah Wittenberg-Cox – The Hidden Secret: The Best Decades of Your Life For ParentsWhat if you woke up and suddenly realized you had more time? Not just hours, days, or weeks, but decades? Avivah Wittenberg-Cox thinks about time in not only decades but in 25-year increments. As someone who thought in her thirties she would be retired at age 60, she now finds herself starting anew again, refreshed by the ability to start something new because she may only be at the halfway point of her life. With this point of view, Avivah wrote a Harvard Business Review article that, instead of focusing on the challenges and stresses of be...
2022-12-0843 min
4-Quarter LivesThis is Q3: Fathering Kids and CommunitiesBernard Franklin is Avivah Wittenberg-Cox’s guest this week on 4-Quarter Lives. He is a great example of how programmes such as Harvard’s Advance Leadership Initiative give the opportunity to review where we are in life, reconsider how our skills and experience can best be used, and recharge batteries after an intense and at times bruising career and life.Fatherlessness & Its ImpactsBernard grew up poor and African American in Alabama. His community’s struggles with stable fatherhood – as well as his own - led him from the Carter White House to the National Center f...
2022-12-0729 min
4-Quarter LivesDr. Paula Rochon -The World's First Women's Age LabDr. Paula Rochon – Founding Director of the World’s First Women’s Age Lab.In this week’s edition of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Dr. Paula Rochon, Founding Director of the world’s first Women’s Age Lab, based in Toronto, Canada. If there is one thing most people intrinsically know about older people, it is that there are more women than men in the mix and that they tend to live longer. And yet beyond that simple fact, there has been astonishingly little attention paid to either the causes or the consequences of this reality.
2022-11-3035 min
4-Quarter LivesThis is Q3: Making Chile Win (Big) at WinemakingJoining Avivah Wittenberg-Cox for this episode of 4-Quarter Lives is Eduardo Chadwick. From Chile, Eduardo is President of his family’s vineyard which stretches back five generations. He took the vineyard from the brink of bankruptcy to world renowned winery and is now looking at how he will pass on the legacy he has created.A Family AffairBorn in Santiago, Chile in 1959, Eduardo shares how his unusual education shaped his view on standing alone. And how his youth ultimately moulded his fighting spirit. By 25, he had taken charge of his family’s faltering vineyard and...
2022-11-2328 min
4-Quarter LivesCoaching Midlifers Through Their 3rd Quarter TransitionsCarole Carlson joins Avivah Wittenberg-Cox for this episode of 4-Quarter Lives. Carole has been a coach with Harvard Business School for some 20 years, and has been accompanying participants in its Advanced Leadership Initiative since its founding. She is also the Director of the Heller MBA Program at Brandeis University – and a Senior Lecturer there. A busy portfolio of roles and impact.Unleashing Impact in Q3Author of a new book titled Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, her lifelong passion for purposeful impact is the red thread through Carlson’s coaching and teaching career. She is focused on u...
2022-11-1635 min
4-Quarter LivesThis is Q3: The First Female… Everything. A Surgeon’s Story‘Look Like a Lady, Sound Like a Truck Driver’Surgeon Dr Pat Roberts joins Avivah Wittenberg-Cox for this episode of 4-Quarter Lives. Pat had such an impressive first career, that deciding what to do afterwards was always going to be a challenge. She knew she wanted to be a surgeon from the age of five – and was one of the rare women of her generation to make it – not just through but all the way to the top of her profession. She credits competition with her three brothers, and sheer determination, and the ability to ‘look like a lady but...
2022-11-0922 min
4-Quarter LivesThis is Q3: Law, Success and Giving BackIn Conversation with Kevin Robinson, Harvard ALI Fellow ‘22Joining Avivah Wittenberg-Cox for this episode of 4-Quarter Lives is Kevin Robinson. Born into modest beginnings in a black American family in Detroit, Kevin was the first of his family to go to college. Through what he describes as ‘luck’ and ‘a few smarts’ he rose through the world of law, as a public prosecutor at local, regional and national levels, before joining the corporate world as General Counsel for asset managers Guggenheim Investments. Together with his wife, he also looked to what he could contribute through a range of volunta...
2022-10-2624 min
4-Quarter LivesCompanies, Ageing Workforces & the Longevity EconomyJoining Avivah Wittenberg-Cox for this episode of 4-Quarter Lives is Yvonne Sonsino. Yvonne is one of the pioneers in the longevity space, with a 40-year career focused on the financial, actuarial and corporate sides of the ageing equation. She is global co-Leader of consulting firm Mercer’s Next Stage consulting division, and works with companies across the global to develop longevity strategies around the future of work and seize the opportunities of the longevity economy. She’s also the author of The New Rules of Living Longer: How to Survive Your Longer Life. And she partners with the World Econ...
2022-10-1935 min
4-Quarter LivesThis is Q3: Isabel Saint Malo - Panama’s First Female Veep Pivots at MidlifeAvivah Wittenberg-Cox’s guest this week is Isabel Saint Malo. After two decades working as a Panamanian diplomat at the UN, on Latin American and Caribbean issues, she ran for office and became Panama’s first female Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Rejecting calls to run for the top job as President, she focused instead on the issues she cared most about – notably youth employment and advancement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. She also became known for the courageous – and sometimes unpopular - positions she took on issues such as LGBTQ rights. Most recently, however, during 202...
2022-10-1232 min
4-Quarter LivesPaul Irving - Our Longevity JourneysIn this first episode of 4-Quarter Lives, host Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Paul Irving. Paul is the archetype of the stories this podcast would like to share. First, he’s a role model of Third Quarter re-inventions. He went back to school in his late 50s, after a successful 30 plus-year career in the law. He moved from Los Angeles to Cambridge to go through Harvard’s Advanced Leadership (ALI) program in 2010, soon after it started. This program, which Avivah herself is taking part in, provides people in their third quarter of life opportunities to explore new directions, with a part...
2022-10-0543 min
Retire With Purpose - The Retirement PodcastReinvention, Relevance and Return on Life in Retirement with Avivah Wittenberg-CoxToday, I’m speaking with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox. Avivah is the CEO of 20-first, a global balance consultancy that works with C-suite teams to achieve gender and generational balance by focusing on leadership, culture, and systems. A regular contributor to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, she’s also the author of Seven Steps to Leading Gender-Balanced Businesses, Why Women Mean Business: Understanding the Emergency of Our Next Economic Revolution, and Late Love: Mating in Maturity. Avivah’s work caught my eye when I came across her Forbes article entitled “Retirement, Redundancy, Rejection: The Extreme Emotionality of Ending” a...
2021-11-221h 00
Future of Work Hub Podcast SeriesIn Conversation with (June 2021) - Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, CEO of 20-first (Female leadership)Our sixth episode of our ‘In Conversation with…’ series features Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, CEO of 20-first, one of the world's leading global consultancies focussed on gender balance. Avivah highlights the business opportunities of gender balance for organisations, the focus on female leadership traits as a result of the pandemic, the rise of “conscious capitalism” and the role government and policy have to play in shaping demographic change. We are encouraged to change the way we think about gender balance and think beyond the unsuccessful gender inclusion strategies of the past. Avivah also shares her thoughts on what companies can be doin...
2021-05-2821 min
Big Careers, Small ChildrenAvivah Wittenberg-Cox {Part 2} - How to Increase Your Impact Without Increasing Your Workload & Why Your 40s & 50s Might be Your Best Decades at WorkThis week we welcome back Avivah Wittenberg-Cox for Part 2 of her insightful discussion on gender balance and increasing your impact at work.Avivah is an author, speaker, and CEO of 20-first, a leading global gender-balance consultancy that works with multinational firms on modern leadership approaches, supporting them to be more gender-balanced.In this follow up episode Avivah shares how she deals with perfectionism and workload, why being lazy and having a high impact really aren’t mutually exclusive and why your 40's and 50's could just be your best years when it comes to...
2020-08-1123 minBig Careers, Small ChildrenAvivah Wittenberg-Cox {Part 1} – Gender Balance at Work: How to Convince Senior Leaders Who Don’t Care About Gender Equality to Take Action to Support ParentsThis week on Leaders With Babies, Verena is joined by the author and acclaimed speaker Avivah Wittenberg-Cox to discuss influencing senior leaders on gender equality at work.Avivah is the CEO of 20-first, a leading global gender-balance consultancy that works with multi-national firms on modern leadership approaches, supporting them to be more gender-balanced.With so many important discussion points it was impossible to cut the conversation and not lose any of the brilliant insight, so instead, we have split it into two parts. In part one, you'll hear Avivah's freshest thinking...
2020-08-0426 min
The 6% with NancyMDCreating a Gender-Balanced Business with Avivah Wittenberg-CoxWhen it comes to leadership roles, men are always the first ones that come to mind. People don’t normally think of women to sit in higher positions. But given a chance, women are as bold, tenacious, and competent, as their male counterpart. But does gender have anything to do with leadership? What difference does it make when women sit in leadership roles? Find out as Avivah Wittenberg-Cox joins us in The 6% to talk about how women in leadership are effectively dealing with the global crisis that’s happening now and how leaders in every organi...
2020-06-1736 min
CHQ&AAvivah Wittenberg-CoxOn today's episode guest interviewer John Merino speaks with Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, chief executive officer of 20-first, where she works with the CEOs, executive committees and top management teams of some of the world’s best-known companies to identify the business opportunities of gender balance and how best to achieve it. Avivah has written extensively on the subject and is the author of several books, including Why Women Mean Business: Understanding the Emergence of Our Next Economic Revolution, which won the prestigious Manpower Business Book of the Year award. Avivah has been recognized by ELLE Magazine as one of the To...
2018-08-1700 min