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Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.The Book Inside You: Writing as a Path to Purpose and LegacyToday’s guest is someone who knows exactly how powerful those chapters can be—because she’s helped hundreds of people write them. Dr. Ginger Moran is a novelist, essayist, and master book coach with a gift for helping others tell their stories with truth, clarity, and heart. With a Ph.D. in Literature and Creative Writing and a background that includes studying under literary icons like Donald Barthelme and Rosellen Brown, Ginger brings both academic rigor and soulful insight to the writing process.But this conversation isn’t just for aspiring authors—it’s for anyone wondering ho...2025-07-2941 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.How AI is Shaping the Future in the Medical Device IndustryIn this episode, we sit down with Alex Condon, Founder and COO of Galen Data recently acquired by Matrix One, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation on the cutting edge of medical innovation. From the promise of robotic surgery to the risks entrepreneurs must take to push healthcare forward, Alex shares his vision for data-driven solutions that not only transform patient care but create real opportunities for community prosperity.Whether you're a healthcare leader, startup founder, or curious about the future of MedTech, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.🧠💡 Listen now to explore the in...2025-07-0138 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Wellness, Wine and Wonder-: The Transformative Power of Group TravelIn the episode "Thriving with Travel" (Episode 70), listeners will learn about the journey of reinventing one's life through travel, particularly focusing on how it can empower women navigating various life transitions1.Key learning points from the episode include:Transitioning from Corporate Life to Passion-Driven Entrepreneurship Lori Zelko, the guest and founder of Wonderwell Travel, shares her path from a successful executive career at SAP to building her own travel businessThe "Wellness, Wine, and Wonder" Travel Experience Wonderwell Travel curates small group trips, typically for six or seven women, focusing on themes of "...2025-06-1841 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.The Science Behind Why Nature Makes Us Feel BetterIn our latest podcast, we dive deep into the science and soul of why plants do so much more than brighten a room. From reducing stress to improving memory, studies show that being around greenery literally changes our brains—and our bodies—for the better.💡 Did you know?Nature lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure.People who surround themselves with plants report fewer depressive symptoms.Forest therapy has higher remission rates for depression than hospital settings.Plants can recognize siblings, respond to sound, and even share resources underground.We also explore biophilia—the innate human tendency...2025-06-0332 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.The Psychology of Letting Go: Why Decluttering Sets You FreeIn this session, Muge and I ouch on why we hold on to physical items, how this impacts our brain in terms of clarity and cognitive load, and touch upon a few stories of release that we can learn from. Our listeners will be able to take quick quiz to reflect and assess on whether it’s time to declutter their space—and their mind.Upon listening here are a few mindful tips for getting started Start small: One drawer, one shelf, or 10 minutes a day.Ask 3 questions:Do I use it?Do I...2025-05-2934 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Mindfulness without the work - 4 Habits to Anchor into your everydayMindfulness for the Modern Mind: Mediation without the work. Today we’re talking about four overlooked ways to hack your presence—without needing a new calendar app, a yoga retreat, or an hour of mediation a day. In this episode you will find:A quick Mindfulness hack you can do from anywhere.Why most mindfulness rituals don’t stick—and how to make them work for your life.How mindful eating can heal your relationship with food and your body.And last—but absolutely not least—how a walk outside can reset your brain in 15 minutes flat.List...2025-04-2130 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.The 10 Myths around Nutrition and AgingAging Gracefully and Powerfully: Debunking 10 Health Myths Join Christine and Muge as they tackle common myths surrounding aging and health. From inflammation to gut health, strength training to gentle movements like Tai Chi, we touch upon science-backed insights to help you live your best life after 50. Discover practical tips on managing inflammation, the importance of protein, the benefits of walking, and the role of wearables in tracking fitness goals. With a fun and relatable discussions, we hope to inspire you to pursue sustainable lifestyle changes to promote vitality and well-being at any age.2025-04-1536 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.From the White House to Watts: Suzanne Malveaux on Truth, Resilience, and Legacy (Part 2)In this episode of the Retirement Life podcast, we sit down with Suzanne Malveaux—an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and mother—whose powerful career has spanned three decades at CNN and beyond. Suzanne shares what it was like to report from war zones, interview five U.S. Presidents, and tell stories that shaped a generation, including her unforgettable times with President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama.Now the CEO of Malveaux Global Media, Suzanne opens up about life after CNN, mentoring young journalists through her work as a board member at the International Wome...2025-03-2547 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.From the White House to Watts: Suzanne Malveaux on Truth, Resilience, and Legacy (Part 1)In this episode of the Retirement Life podcast, we sit down with Suzanne Malveaux—an award-winning journalist, storyteller, and mother—whose powerful career has spanned three decades at CNN and beyond. Suzanne shares what it was like to report from war zones, interview five U.S. Presidents, and tell stories that shaped a generation, including her unforgettable times with President Jimmy Carter, President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama.Now the CEO of Malveaux Global Media, Suzanne opens up about life after CNN, mentoring young journalists through her work as a board member at the International Wome...2025-03-2548 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Living a Bolder LifeMuge and I were excited to host Dr. Margie Warrell, a bestselling author, leadership advisor, keynote speaker and ‘courage catalyst’, Dr. Margie Warrell brings deep insight into human and organizational behavior to foster braver leadership and better outcomes.In this episode, expert Dr. Margie Warrell dives into her book "The Courage Gap" to delve into the hesitation that holds leaders back from making bold decisions. She shares how to transform fear into decisive action, reframe risk as opportunity, and lead with greater clarity, conviction, and courage. Margie’s insights help leaders navigate uncertainty, align values with vision, and em...2025-03-1332 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Creating Balance When You Create A BusinessIn this episode, we speak with Yusi Cheng, Founder and Entrepreneur. Yusi's company Magical Winter Lights (MWL), a holiday attraction and festival that showcases multicultural lantern displays, acrobatic performances, amusement rides, and live entertainment. MWL has become one of the leading holiday attractions in the U.S., winning the ABC network's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" in 2019 and attracting over 1.6 million visitors. Yusi is a graduate of the executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), In this episode Yusi providesinsight into her path of creating her own...2025-02-2739 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Living Authentically and Avoiding Approval TrapsIn this episode, we talk about one of the biggest contributors to living a happy life which is living authentically. We dive into the topic to cover the following:How do you know if you're living an authentic life? (Yep, there’s a quiz—don’t worry, it's fun!)Who are a few public figures we can learn from who seem to be living authentically?What the heck is the Approval Trap, and are you stuck in it?What Authenticity really means—spoiler alert: it’s not about quitting your job to travel the world for the next decade. Th...2025-02-1231 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Ten Radically Different Ways to Start Your New YearAre you tired of the same old resolutions that fizzle out by February? This year, let’s ditch the clichés and start the New Year in a radically different way. In today's episode, we are going to give you some unconventional approaches to self-improvement and goal-setting. Muge and I touch on health and wellness, exploration and creativity, and self discovery and growth. This episode has quite a few micro life hacks which may inspire you to try new things to boost your energy and gain new perspective.2025-01-2533 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Mastery of the MindWe visit today with Joe La Pietra, founder of a not-for-profit organization called Mastery of the Mind. The Mastery of the Mind Foundation is designed to foster students, athletes, and more recently adults in the areas of professional growth through education, coaching, and mentoring, Joe takes much of what he has learned as a Financial Services Industry Leader with a successful track record in leading levels of revenue, business development, recruiting, retention, profitability and compliance. Using this base level of experience and tried and true techniques, he provides a habit based and practical way to excel in life. 2024-12-1935 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Unusual Thanksgiving Traditions and PreferencesThanksgiving in the United States has long been associated with feasts and family gatherings, but throughout its history, people have developed traditions that seem unusual or surprising by today’s standards. Today, we are going to cover touch upon common preferences and then learn about a few of the more quirky and lesser-known Thanksgiving Traditions. We learn about the triumph and perseverance of Sarah Josepha Hale who wrote five presidents over time to have Thanksgiving officially made as a national holiday. We talk about regional and personal culinary preferences for this fantastic four-day weekend holiday. Muge and I also to...2024-11-2641 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving through Global Connections and NetworkingFrom the Balkans to Texas: A Global Educator’s Journey with RichardJoin us for a fascinating conversation with Richard Castleberry, a seasoned educator and administrator whose career spans continents and cultures. From teaching business courses in Kosovo, Croatia, and Albania to shaping global networks in Kazakhstan, Richard’s journey is a masterclass in adapting to diverse educational landscapes. As the former Director of Full-Time MBA and MS Business Programs at Texas A&M University, he shares his unique insights on the evolving needs of students, the future of business education, and the importance of a global pers...2024-11-2139 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Civic Engagement - How this Impacts us as Individuals and SocietyMuge and Christine reflect on the opportunity presented when we are engaged and support civic organizations. This was spurred on by the documentary "Join or DIe" by political scientist Robert D. Putnam, whose influential book Bowling Alone examined the decline of social capital and civic engagement in America. The film explores the implications of this societal shift, focusing on how the weakening of community bonds, voluntary organizations, and face-to-face social interactions has contributed to political polarization, social isolation, and a general decline in trust in public institutions. For our listeners:Watch the documentary - "Join or...2024-10-3136 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.On Being CompetitiveWhen is being competitive good and healthy and when is it detrimental? Muge and I dig into this topic. According to a recent Gallup survey, a significant portion of the population identifies as competitive. While exact numbers can vary, about 50-60% of people in the U.S. often consider themselves at least moderately competitive, with a smaller percentage, around 10-20%, identifying as highly competitive.Competitiveness is often associated with certain personality traits in the Big Five personality model, particularly high levels of extraversion and low levels of agreeableness. Studies have shown that individuals who score high in...2024-10-1435 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving as a Latina MadrinaIn this episode, we visit with Julissa S. Germosen, bestselling author of "Latina, Madrina: Stories, Lessons, and Hard Truths from a Brown Latina in Tech." Julissa is an accomplished technology and strategic operations leader with over 20 years of experience in global enterprise sales, consulting, strategic alliances, product development, strategy and operations. She currently serves as CEO of Mariposa Blanca a business strategy consulting firm. In this podcast:Julissa shares:her tips for accelerating the learning curve on how to navigate corporations as a female and as a Latina.Learnings about intergenerational trauma and how that shows...2024-09-2442 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with Inspiration from Commencement SpeechesThe kids are back to school again. This made us think of our own time in college and what we took away from our own Commencement speeches and more current examples of inspiration. For our listeners who want to get inspired further:Here are a few links to check out for three of the speeches referenced in our sessionRafael Nadal - "The most important thing is that you become good persons" Rafa Nadal at the Graduation of 2019 (youtube.com)Lou Holtz - Lou Holtz delivers the commencement address at the University of...2024-09-1232 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Perseverance, Humility, and Competition: Lessons from the OlympicsThe 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have not only showcased extraordinary athletic prowess but also highlighted remarkable stories of perseverance, a sense of humility in the face of adversity, and the spirit of competition. These elements intertwine to form the essence of the Olympic Games, and this year’s event has been no exception.. Muge and I touch on several stories that are sources of inspiration. If you've caught the Olympic Fever and want to do more than just spectate, here are some ideas to engage more actively. Decorate your face - use your country's color in glitter and fa...2024-09-0538 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Family Matters: Discovering Your RootsIn this episode, we broadcast live from the Long Hall Pub in Dublin. It's a thank you to our wonderful listeners in Dublin. In this session, we cover a bit about what to think about when you are researching your own ancestry. Fun facts - Over 40 million people worldwide have taken a DNA test from companies like Ancestry.com and 23andMe, making it one of the most popular consumer genetics services globally. Many users find surprises in their genetic makeup. It's estimated that 12-15% of users discover unexpected ethnicity results or previously unknown relatives. The discovery of...2024-08-2731 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Reigniting Hope: Bridging Educational Gaps in Rural CambodiaEver hear a voice in your head telling you that you can do more to serve others? Mona Nguonly heard that voice in a big way, dropped a successful career in HR, and started a family run not for profit. She is now the full-time executive director of Koun Khmer Foundation, a 501C-3 nonprofit that is providing much needed school supplies and improving the learning environment of underserved rural high school students in Southeast Asia. Our listeners can visit the website Koun Khmer Foundation – Making a difference in the lives of those who needs us most, the ch...2024-08-1836 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Finding Your PurposeIn this session, Christine visits with Nicole Carline, President of The Wellbeing Hacker and is a Co-Founder of The Legacy Builder Program. With over two decades of experience as a highly successful sales and global IT leader in Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Boston Scientific, she has a proven track record of exceeding customers' expectations. Now, Nicole is dedicated to empowering individuals to realize their greatest potential and align their careers with their strengths and core values. In this session, you will learnHow the Japanese concept of Ikigai can help you create a...2024-08-0143 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Maintaining Brain Health: Navigating the Aging, Feeling and Thinking BrainMaintaining Brain Health: Navigating the Aging, Feeling, and Thinking BrainAs we journey through life, our brains undergo various changes that can affect our cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and overall mental health. Understanding these changes and adopting proactive strategies can help maintain brain health and enhance quality of life. This podcast explores the aging brain, the feeling brain, and the thinking brain, offering practical tips and insights into brain science to support your mental fitness.For those who want to learn more:Read: - "Brain Rules for Aging Well," by John Medina presents ten...2024-07-2533 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet. The Eight Sources of Awe and What Bringing More Awe into Your Life can do for youUC Berkeley professor of psychology Dacher Keltner, Ph.D. presents a radical investigation and deeply personal inquiry into the 8 Sources of Awe and how awe transforms our brains and bodies, Muge and I discuss and reflect on Prof. Keltner findings. Tune in to learn how cultivating awe in our everyday life leads us to appreciate what is most humane in our human nature. Things you can do: Tune in to learn about the 8 sources of awe and how you can proactively cultivate more awe in your life. Read Keltner's books AWE: The...2024-07-1632 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Before the PitchMuge and I visit with tech executive and entrepreneur Lisa Dion for a thought-provoking discussion about how to prepare for a large pursuit in life or in business. Lisa has cracked the code on how to drive highly performant sales teams. The techniques she uses and discusses are very relevant for both business and your personal life. this episode, we dive into the critical elements of preparing for a successful pitch through the lenses of decision-making, emotional intelligence, and the power of language. For our listeners who want to learn more:Upon listening, we encourage our...2024-06-2637 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Keys to a Happy Retirement (or Refirement).Today we are talking about the Keys to Happy Retirement and sourcing some content from a Kiplinger Article - Key to a Happy Retirement? Finding Yourself | Kiplinger A few helpful guiding principles:Acknowledge the emotional mix: excitement and fear.Recognize that retirement is not just a change in routine but a shift in identity.Encourage self-reflection to understand one's sense of self beyond professional roles.Emphasize the importance of planning for personal goals and passions.Muge and I discuss the 5 core elements to identity. Listen in to see how you can best prepare and enjoy...2024-06-1333 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving for and through others one safari at a timeToday we meet with Sharon Warner, Entrepreneur and CEO of Moajaza Expeditions, a safari company in Tanzania. When most people are slowing down in their fifties, Sharon answered a calling to start a business on the other side of the world. The reason for starting this business was to positively impact the life of a man she had met while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. Learn about Sharon's story and hear about the beautiful sites to be found when on safari.Key Takeaways:Treating others the way Sharon would want to be treated was the precipice for starting...2024-05-2223 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with Sustainability Join Muge and I for a thought-provoking episode which covers practical tips for the Sustainability. We tap into Muge's expertise as a Sustainability Leader for Microsoft. Learn about how the Global Food Network fed an additional 32M people by getting creative about the food reprocessing and distribution. Listen to the Sustainability practices that any of us can do. Try and adopt 1 or 2 to do your part to make the planet a cleaner and healthier place. Review John Oliver's video on Fast Fashion and how this impacts our environment.Fashion: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) ora more...2024-05-1536 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.How to Speak So Others ListenWe review Julian Treasure's pointers on How to speak so that people want to listen." He discussed several key tools to improve communication and make speeches more engaging. It's not just how you say it but what you say. Julian shares his four-part analogy for speaking which he calls the HAIL Method. We'll provide a few examples of people who embody these characteristics for further reflection.For our listeners who want to go deeper on this topic:Julian Treasures Ted Talk which is just 10 minutes long can be seen here.Internalize some of the...2024-05-0137 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet. What Business Can Learn from Jazz and ImprovisationDrawing parallels between jazz improvisation and effective leadership, Frank Barnett has authored several influential books, including "Yes to the Mess: Surprising Leadership Lessons from Jazz" and "The Power of Improvisation: Exploring the Lessons of Jazz in Work and Life." Muge and I discuss what businesses can learn from how jazz music is created. Takeaways for our listeners Take a listen to the 20 min Harvard Business Review podcast discussion. Reflect on how you can be both a better follower and a better leader. Frank Barrett: "Yes to the Mess: Surprising Leadership Lessons from Jazz" (youtube...2024-04-1733 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet. Having Retirement Assets Doesn’t Mean You Have a Retirement StrategyIn this podcast, we welcome back the financial team of Jim and Lisa Burns come back to provide our listeners with helpful information on planning beyond the accumulation of assets. Thinking about:Diversification StrategiesKnowing your options on distributions and tax implications Creating, monitoring and communicating your strategy.There is much to think and act on in this informative discussion. You will want to listen and share this one!About Creative Financial Group: Jim and Lisa Burns, husband and wife team with CREATIVE Financial Group, help individuals, families, and business owners reach their financial...2024-04-0450 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.3 Secrets to Living Your Life with Greater Purpose. Christine and Muge reflect on the words of Dr. Cynthia Barnett who has a few secrets to living a more purposeful life.1. Secret #1 - Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life:· Definition and Understanding: Taking 100% responsibility mean acknowledging that you are the primary creator of your life experience. It involves accepting accountability for your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results. 2. Secret #2 - Leave a Legacy:· Imagining your 100th birthday party to envision your legacy. Picture the celebration and reflect on what you want to be remembered for.o What does the party look like? Is it s...2024-03-1233 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.How and Who We Spend Our Time with Might Just Surprise YouIn this podcast session, Muge and I speak and reflect on World Economic Forum's study "Who do Americans spend most of their time with each day? | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)"The findings may be surprise and encourage you to be more proactive with your time and relationships. We will touch on the reality of:Having Older Parents and what this means for time together.How your time with your children "flatlines" after the age of 18.The age at which most people find themselves missing friends.What life looks like with your life partner and what...2024-02-2037 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with New Year ResolutionsWhether you approach New Year Resolutions with a "Go Big or Go Home" attitude or you like to think of NY Resolutions as casual promises to yourself that I'm under no legal obligation to fulfill, I think you will get helpful tips and enjoyment out of this episode. Tune in to learn:The best way to make small changes and keep yourself improving each year.Differences between men and women and the resolutions they choose to go after. How intentions instead of resolutions may put you on the path to a happier and improved you.2024-01-1640 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with JusticeIn this podcast, we visit with Paul Zmuda, a practicing attorney in the State of Maryland and Christine's husband of 28 years. Paul shares his perspective from being both a prosecuting and defense attorney. Paul also shared what his dream job will be post retirement and it may surprise you. Muge also takes the opportunity to learn a bit about Paul's home and married life. Muge and I have had fun with these "husband" editions. Muge's husband Brad Wood was interviewed in episode 31 if you are curious to take in that session. 2023-12-2846 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving During the Holidays This is a very special holiday edition. Muge and I talk about some fun Christmas and holiday traditions around the world. Several of which may surprise you! We also talk about our favorite holiday memories, music, movies, and more. We invite you to explore the other holiday traditions that we didn't have a chance to cover here. Check it out - https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/christmas-travel/worlds-strangest-holiday-traditions2023-12-2036 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Making Life Your Canvas with Artist Robbie FrankelRobbie led a very successful career in homebuilding and real estate in the Windy city of Chicago. He had a yearning though to do more of what he always loved as a kid. Learn a bit about Robbie's journey and how his next chapter has been his best chapter as a professional artist. To learn about Robbie's art, please visit rfrankelart.com .2023-12-1336 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with Financial LiteracyIn this episode, we visit with Brad Wood, Founder of UTMA-All Stars, a not for profit focused on promoting financial literacy for disadvantaged youth. UTMA All Stars will provide young people not only the knowledge but a path to develop capital which will enable participants to benefit from compounding interest. At the age of 18, participants will have access to their funds and have a nice little start to help off set costs of some of lifes necessitees. Listen in to `Brad shares his learnings on settting up a not for profit structurally and strategically. Touch on the importance...2023-11-0954 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with Financial LiteracyIn this session, we visit with Brad Wood, Founder of UTMA All Stars, a program that strives to develop financial literacy for disadvantaged youth. UTMA All Stars is a not for profit which arms young people with both the financial knowledge and the capital to benefit from compounding interest. Listen in to learn how Brad and his team:Founded a Not For Profit and the learnings that they have gained so far. How it is important to intervene early between the ages of 7-13 to make an impact in children relative to their relationship with money. How saving...2023-11-0954 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Lavender Love, a Blooming Family BusinessWomen now make up 40 percent of new entrepreneurs in the United States — the highest percentage since 1996. women often say the No. 1 attribute of what they're looking for in their work is purpose. They want to feel compelled by the mission of the organization and understand that they're helping make the world a better place. Women are managing to try their hand at business while still balancing so much. In the U.S., 66% of primary caregivers are women. This means that the burden of household tasks largely fall largely on them. Women do on average six hours more a week in ho...2023-11-0224 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving Through CoachingIn this session, we visit with Andrew Schultz, High Performance Coach. Andrew Schultz is known for his ability to create life-changing experiences through coaching Andrew B. Schultz is a passionate and dedicated High Performance Coach based in the United States. With a profound commitment to helping individuals unlock their full potential, Andrew brings a unique blend of deep listening and thought-provoking questions to his coaching practice. Andrew's background in sales and business is an asset for anyone who is looking for coaching in those areas. Read the book the Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - Reclaim your Happy and Wild...2023-10-2544 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Making Your Third Chapter Your Best ChapterWhile many professionals might consider winding down their careers, Claire Markwardt is winding up. This is not however, without looking at life and work from a different lens than perhaps her first and second chapter of life. Claire was a successful partner at Accenture for 20 years (first chapter) and then ran her own professional services firm for another 12 years. This was also while raising her daughter and being in a successful and long-term marriage. In her third chapter, she is currently at Q5 as the Managing Partner of North America business. Learn about:How work life balance comes into play...2023-10-1841 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving Around the World - Vacation Edition Muge and I both had some time away. with individual European vacations. On this episode, we speak about the importance of unplugging and experiencing new things. We also share some interesting stats that might surprise you about the connection between taking your vacation and being more upwardly mobile professionally. This is a fun episode and welcome you to listen in. Key Takeaways: Take your vacation to position yourself for better professional performance and more enjoyment in life.If you cannot take a significant vacation this year, start planning one for next year - the mere act of planning has positive...2023-10-1138 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving to Make the World a Better PlaceThis is an incredible "must listen" episode which demonstrates the power of following your calling. I sit down with Karen Sherman. Karen L Sherman is the Co-founder and CEO of Virunga Mountain Spirits, a premium craft distillery based in Rwanda, where she has worked for close to two decades. The business will employ and upskill Rwandans at every level of operations, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for women. This alone would be impressive. However, the path itself has life lessons for us. You will learn about what led Karen down a path of international business development, how she became...2023-09-2234 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving with Human EnergyOur guest Dr. Tomika Greer talks to us about her career transitions from corporate life to the world of academia. In her current position as Professor of Human Resource Development at University of Houston and researcher, Tomika helps train the next generation of Human Resource Professionals. In this episode, you will learn about:How Dr. Greer tapped into sources of joy in her life and the doors that opened for her which included pursuing advanced degrees and a complete career transition.What Dr. Greer learned from her work at Accenture and Corporate America and how that has been...2023-09-1435 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Declutter Your LifeChristine Zmuda visits with entrepreneur and Professional Home Organizer Lisa Malone. (Lisa-malone.com). Lisa channeled her passion for living in organized spaces into a luxury, concierge-style organizing business, specializing in luxury closet organizing. In this episode, listeners will:Understand the social, mental and physical benefits of being better organized.Learn about how Lisa moved from a corporate role to not only running her own business but also lifting the visibility of other businesses. Great listen for anyone considering taking a step in a new direction. Hear about how the lives of Lisa's clients benefitted from pretty interesting ways as well...2023-09-0731 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Balance and Focus: Looking Through the LensWith a prolific career spanning over two decades, Michael Thomas has emerged as a luminary in the realms of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Social Media.. Beyond his professional pursuits, Michael a photographer, historian, educator, and visual storyteller based in Atlanta, GA. Through MWT Photography, Michael captures life's beautiful and sometimes trying moments. Michael has two sides to his body of work - mybackyardnature.com and thestoriesofus.photography. Furthermore, he's an ardent advocate for teaching African American History and serves on the Board of Directors at the Marietta Museum of History., In this episode, we touch on:How to be...2023-08-3142 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Living Your TruthIn this week's podcast we visit with Andre Leideheimer Ruiz Soler who is an expert in Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. Andre has the opportunity to explore these topics in the business world while working at Microsoft for more than 20 years and more recently in completing his master's degree at Harvard University. Andre's thesis at Harvard explored a simple idea with profound findings. Could we radically change the view of inclusion initiatives and the experience of inclusion at the interpersonal level if we started with and within ourselves instead of with others? In other words, could DEIB programs be more impactful...2023-08-2343 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.What Men and Women Can Learn from the Barbie MovieThe Barbie movie franchise, which has spanned multiple storylines, worlds, and characters, is often dismissed as mere child’s play. The recently released movie of Barbie has surpassed $1.03 billion globally, making Greta Gerwig the first solo woman director with a billion-dollar film.. Christine and Muge spend time discussing a bit about why the film has some controversy and what the embedded and real valuable life lessons there are for both men and women. who are open minded enough to watch the movie.Also tune in for a surprise announcement!2023-08-1733 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Living Your Ideal LifeOur guest Mark Congdon has studied the way the chemical reaction that our brains undergo when setting and achieving goals. He has studied people at the peak of their performance and coached many on how to live the life they were meant to be by asking a simple question "Who is the person you want to be at the end of your life?" His company "The Ideal Life" has been helping people achieve fulfilling happiness in their lives using the I GOT This Framework. We are going to dive into Mark's journey and tap into his advice in this...2023-08-1134 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Episode 19: Living Your Ideal LifeIn this episode, Muge and I visit with Mark Congdon, the founder of The Ideal Life, one of 10 ten distinct companies united towards a singular purpose of helping others achieve fulfilling happiness in their lives using the I GOT This Framework. We are going to dive into Mark's journey and tap into his advice. We learn about how shifting perspective and planning on the person you want to be in the future, can help you more effectively complete both short- and long-term goals. Mark does a phenomenal job of connecting how the brains reward system works to demystify and empower...2023-08-1034 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Finding Freedom and Purpose by Living a Portfolio LifePortfolio life is a term coined by the business guru Charles Handy in his book "The Age of Unreason" in 1989. Mr.Handy explained the concept as "a portfolio of activities - some we do for money, some for interest, some for pleasure, some for a cause. Living a Portfolio Life means you have multiple interests and can apply them in a variety of fields and contexts. When Charles Handy first coined the phrase “portfolio worker” in 1989, he predicted we’d have careers that would be made up of multiple jobs every 5 to 10 years in the future. In fact, Forbes has predic...2023-08-0241 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Health Hacks for Living Longer and BetterIn this week's podcast, we're going to touch upon Longevity Secrets from Intermittent Fasting to Laughing Therapy. In our endless quest for the proverbial fountain of youth, the answers might come from unexpected areas. The combination of intermittent fasting, Pilates, ice baths, and laughing therapy might seem unusual. Yet, these practices offer potential benefits that could contribute to longer, healthier lives. Tune into the discussion with Muge Wood and Christine Zmuda. If you are looking for more information following the session, we recommend these resources:Intermittent Fasting - Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston are all famous people who claim...2023-07-2630 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Friendship, A Study in Longevity and JoyLast month, the US surgeon general released a 85-page advisory declaring loneliness a new public health epidemic. The report stated that more than half of Americans are chronically lonely and noted that the health effects of social disconnection can be significant, including increased risks of anxiety, depression, heart disease, dementia, and stroke. Some blame the pandemic for the rise in isolation. Others point to technology and social media. So what can we do about it? This episode will explore perspectives on how to create and maintain healthy social connections.We explore together:Suggestions on how to maintain healthy social connections...2023-07-2040 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Reinventing Yourself through Career and Industry TransitionIn this week's podcast, we speak with Danielle Glosser, CEO of Clientraiser,com. Danielle shares her journey from working for the Golden State Warriors, to the Not for Profit world to do her part in driving social justice, which led here to an interesting career stop at the White House. She has owned her own business for the last 9 years. In this session, I believe you will find inspiration from:Staying "awake" to listen to what your soul and superpowers are calling you to do.Taking in experiences with a gratitude. Danielle has not forgotten her early mentors and shares...2023-07-1334 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Episode 14 - Can Big Tech Exhibit More Compassion? In this episode, we visit with M3 Sweatt, an Independent strategic advisor and accomplished Customer Experience executive.M3 touches on a first party research survey he conducted to answer two important questions. First, in how thoughtful and transparent Microsoft was during the layoffs, the reported benefits offered to impacted employees, and an initial look at the cons, focused on employee experiences. M3 also touches on some of the hidden costs of layoffs – personal and economic – and provides a few suggestions based on growth mindset and Microsoft's espoused “Model, Coach, Care” principles. For our listeners, we touch on:How to b...2023-07-0446 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Episode 13 - Perfecting the Art of Vacation with Chris OakesIn today's episode, we cover power tips for surviving and thriving on a family or solo vacation. Specifically, we cover:Interesting out of the box ideas for travel and how you can maximize your travel with travel hacks.Tips for Surviving a Family VacationWhat to look for to make a solo vacation even more funWe encourage our audience to explore the following for more insights Revisit the year in advance to maximize your Paid Time off - 46 straight days off is a great way to recharge while only using 18 vacation days! PTO Hack — How to Get 46 Days Off in 2023 (marketrealist.co...2023-06-2940 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Using your Brain and Activating your Intuition for Greater ImpactResearch indicates that in an average day, an individual may encounter around 34 gigabytes of information, including various sensory inputs, conversations, visual stimuli, media consumption, and more. The brain's ability to process vast amounts of information allows us to perceive and navigate the world around us, make decisions, and engage in various cognitive activities. In this episode, we visit with Bill Donius, Best Selling NY Time Author who penned the book "Thought Revolution: Unlocking Your Inner Genuius". In this discussion, we will explore:How to tap into your right brain for insightful information to help you make better...2023-06-2236 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving through BreakthroughsA breakthrough is an exponential jump in what’s possible. To be what you want to be, you have to first envision it. Then, you have to align your thoughts and actions with that vision. Typically, you have to tackle this in your own life before you can inspire others around you. Muge and Christine welcome Jeannie Gardner, a seasoned executive from the Oil and Gas Industry who like many of us had a "wake up call" post Covid. In this episode, we learn:What prompted Jeannie to take a "gap year" to recharge and reclaim her ne...2023-06-1545 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Retirement Perspectives and Attitudes In this session, we are going to touch on two enlightening resources to help you get a pulse on what people close to retirement and who have retired are thinking and feeling about this life event. The details may surprise you. Findings were taken from a publication called the "Refirement Manifesto" and the Retirement Perspectives and Attitudes Survey that was published by Fritz Gilbert and Eric Weigel. After listening, here are a few ways to stayyconnected: and get more info on what was discussed:Subscribe to our podcast.Review the Retirement Perspectives ant Attitudes Survey...2023-06-0740 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.How Long Should You be working?A 2016 study of about 3,000 people, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, suggested that working even one more year beyond retirement age was associated with a 9% to 11% lower risk of dying during the 18-year study period, regardless of health, In this podcast, we explore the reasons why you may want to work past retirement age either full time or part-time. as well as discuss when working may not be entirely great from your mental, spiritual, and physical well being. Upon listening, if you would like to follow up here are a few resources to get more details...2023-05-3132 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving in Retirement - Reflections One Year LaterIn this session, Muge and I visit with David McDonald, Technology Thought Leader and Consultant. Muge and I both had the pleasure of working with David in our careers at Microsoft. He has been retired for just about a year and has a few very interesting insights that we believe our listeners can benefit from. In this session, we cover:How the experience of retirement was different than he expected.Helpful tips for individuals contemplating retirement which can help this transition be even more socially and mentally rewarding.What role our parents and...2023-05-2538 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving FinanciallyMuge and Christine welcome Lisa and Jim Burns from Creative Financial Group who demystify three financial myths to help us likely think a little differently and be more informed about financial investments and planning.Estate Planning is not just for the uber-wealthyIf you have assets, no matter how big or small, you have an estate.Protecting your assets is especially important in estate planning.Beginning with a Will is the first step of Estate Planning.Your retirement plan does not have to look like your Grandpa’s...2023-05-1839 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving From Where You AreIn this episode, we visit with Laura Karbarz ,Client Relationship Executive at Deloitte, Laura provides a few powerful tips on how to recalibrate societal expectations to free yourself to live your best life. Specifically in this conversation, we will touch upon how to benefit by: Loosening your grip on control: To master how to live in the moment, you must stop insisting on full control over your life. Yes, you will be able to control events to a certain degree and shape your own present and future, but there is a whole host of things over which you will have...2023-05-1138 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Thriving With Kindness According to a new book, Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100 by Marta Zaraska, the secret to longevity isn't just diet and exercise—being connected and kind matters, as well.. In this episode, Muge and Christine explore health and social benefits of Random Acts of Kindness.What are simple random acts of kindness that you can do to boost your own wellbeing as well as others.Christine visits with Elle Erickson, aka "The Booth Fairy" to learn more about how Elle has made providing random acts of kindness at sc...2023-05-0152 minRefirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet."Operation Florence" and how to better manage Career Transition with Jeremy Epstein Muge and Christine visit with Jeremy Epstein , a highly energizing and successful marketing strategist and entrepreneur. Jeremy discusses what it takes to be naturally curious in life and how his method of managing a career transition is making an impact on him professionally and personally. Learn about what "Operation Florence" is. Hear about a few thought-provoking trends in the marketplace and the impact this may have on business and our planet at large.See if Jeremy passes the "Great Eight" question challenge. Get inspired to embark on your own discovery journey and learn how a temporary leave from the workforce...2023-04-2041 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.To Monetize or Not Monetize Your Hobby Or Passion?Christine and Muge explore the pros and cons of turning a hobby or passion into a business. We tackle these discussion points to help you think through the pros and cons of monetizing a business. Turning your passion or hobby into a business can sometimes take away the enjoyment you once had but can also open an amazing chapter for you.Not all hobbies or passions are profitable. While it's possible to monetize almost anything, some interests simply won't generate enough revenue to make it worthwhile. Muge and Christine discuss three businesses to stay away...2023-04-1736 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Using Creativity to Find Your Passion"Creativity is breaking through the inertia of no by seeking new possibilities and finding valuable solutions." This comes from the book "The Non Obvious Guide to being More Creative" by Kathyrn P. Hayden. The biggest mistake many people make when it comes to thinking creatively is moving too quickly from seeking possibilities to finding solutions. Muge and Christine explore the topics of:How to seek possibilities for yourself by thinking differently and silencing your inner critic.Explore the things in life that really light you up by taking inventory:What websites do I...2023-04-0538 min
Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.Refirement Life - Inspiration and Advice for Living LongerChristine Zmuda and Muge Wood introduce the concept of "Refirement TM" which is the opportunity to think differently about the next 30-50 years of your life. The focus being to connect with your passion and live an even more fulfilling and meaningful life.Consider reading the book a 100 year Life by Lynda Graffton and Andrew Scott to get a foundation on why we are living longer, how to make the best of your tangible and intangible assets.Take inventory of what you have interest in learning or what already lights you up.Get a vision of a handful...2023-04-0331 min