In July, I pivoted my podcast and renamed it Creating Your Encore Career. I had talked about that subject often in the last year but decided to do a full rebrand. Rather than work on manufacturing leadership, I wanted to work on helping people start Encore Careers.

While that happened, we had what they call the “Great Resignation.” Many generations are hitting retirement age, creating a huge shortage of workers. On the flip side, people are living longer healthier lives. 

There is this idea that once you hit 65, all of a sudden you're supposed to just stop working and play golf or do crossword puzzles for the next 30-40 years. This means your retirement could end up being as long as your working life! Obviously, this is a challenge for the economy as a whole but it’s also a challenge for individuals.

This became another driving force for me to start talking about encore careers. I knew that there were a lot of people who were my age or even younger who were retiring but still wanted to participate in the world of work and get paid for it. They just didn't know how. 

I knew I could help these people because I’ve been on that same journey myself for over five years. 

However, I came to realize that this was not something I could do by myself in a vacuum. There were many people and groups who came alongside me in 2021 to help me pursue my new passion:

1. The Market Your Message group with Jonathan Milligan. I’ve been part of that group for some time and really enjoy working with them and doing coaching for them. They are an inspiring group of people.

2. Beyond Emotional Intelligence with Michele Nevarez. This is a group of coaches specializing in emotional intelligence. I've learned so much from this worldwide group. They have a more diverse perspective than anyone I've worked with in the past. 

3. In the second half of this year, I reconnected with Mike Kim, a friend, colleague and teacher that I've known for years. He got me started in many ways. I’m so grateful I had the chance to connect with him and the people involved in his business. 

4. SCORE: The Service Corps of Retired Executives. They do incredible work with small businesses and entrepreneurs.  

5. Paul Axtell, Rena Gainey, and Lori Glander. They work with ideas and skills around relationships and conversations and do some amazing work. I've been blessed to be able to connect with them and learn from them.

Thank you all for an amazing 2021 and happy new year!