Remembering, Reclaiming, Evolving: Lessons from The Real 50 over 50

Two years ago, I started The Real 50 over 50, not knowing how profoundly it would impact both the women I interviewed and myself.

March seems to be my month for taking stands. This year is no different as we celebrate our 2nd birthday, Women’s History Month, and host a groundbreaking Wisdom Panel on menopause.

Let’s dive into the three-step framework on remembering, reclaiming, evolving that I introduced in the first LinkedIn Newsletter I published:

Remembering: Honoring Who We’ve Always Been

Three years ago, I hit a wall. My agency wasn’t bringing me joy, my son left for college during a pandemic, and health issues were mounting. For the first time, instead of pushing through, I stopped. I gathered 40 years of work experience and started editing – what stays, what goes, what can be upcycled or recycled, what can be sold or given away, what matters? This became the foundation of the new version of my business and much more.

This wasn’t just a content audit; it was rediscovering who I am. The clarity that emerged helped me rebuild around work I’m designed to do. I’m still evolving, but this process was a gift – one I now share with others.

During this “reinvention,” The Real 50 over 50 was born. We were booked months in advance from concept (February 17, 2023) to first interview (March 15th). That first interview? My guest reached out shortly before the interview was due to start to tell me her beloved dog was very ill. He passed away later that day. My friend Stephanie stepped in to interview me instead – exactly how this journey was meant to begin. Watch the 1st interview.

Note: Had this happened in my 40s, imposter syndrome would’ve won. Not anymore.

Reclaiming: Taking Back Our Voices and Power

Through 108 interviews and 16 panels, patterns emerged. Like Teri, who combined Chinese Medicine with botanical art during COVID. Or Noreen, who transformed personal loss into teaching lawyers to laugh. And Amy, who turned a devastating neck injury into a mission to help others, landing her bestselling book and her smiling face on a Times Square billboard.

The common thread? None of us waited for permission or perfect timing. We took action despite uncertainty – that’s Intentional Visibility in Action.

Evolving: Embracing Growth and New Chapters

• Self-awareness is a lifelong endeavor
• Trust your intuition
• Learn to dance with fear, it will always be lurking around
• What’s meant for you won’t pass you by

Think about the ripple effects from these stories – lives changed because courageous women stood up for their beliefs.

Your Turn:

• What impact can you make?
• What do you believe?
• What’s holding you back?

Perhaps there is a story in these inspiring interviews that YOU need to hear.

Join us every Wednesday at noon ET for a new LIVE interview. Catch the monthly Wisdom Panel, or have a binge, everything is available and waiting for you right here: https://thereal50over50.com

As we celebrate The Real 50 over 50’s 2nd birthday AND Women’s History Month, I invite you to reflect on your own journey of remembering, reclaiming, and evolving. What’s one aspect of yourself you’ve rediscovered or a new path you’re embracing?

Share your story in the comments below—I can’t wait to hear from you!