It Gets Late Early: Career Tips for Tech Employees in Midlife and Beyond

In our fast-paced, career-driven world, it's all too easy for friendships to take a backseat. But for many men, that dwindling social circle isn't just an occasional inconvenience - it's a harsh reality made worse by societal pressures and masculine stereotypes. My guest today is Max Dickins, speaker, comedian, and author of Billy No-Mates: How I Realised Men Have a Friendship Problem. What’s his story? As Max was preparing to propose to his girlfriend, he had a startling realization - his circle of close male friends had dwindled to nearly nothing. He had no best man! Basically it was the real life version of the Paul Rudd and Jason Segal movie “I Love You, Man!” This experience sparked an exploration into the challenges men face in maintaining platonic bonds, especially as they get older. From the isolating impacts of demanding work lives to the discomfort many men feel around vulnerability and emotional intimacy, we dive deep into the root causes of male loneliness and its impact on men’s health. But it's not all doom and gloom! Max offers practical strategies for breaking the cycle, such as being proactive in your social life, understanding your career's impact on relationships, and the concept of "repotting" friendships to build deeper connections. Whether you're a guy struggling to keep your mates close or a partner wondering how to support the male relationships in your life, this episode is a must-listen, so tune in now! "If we ran our social life with the same diligence, creativity, and structure that we ran our business life, everyone would have amazing social lives." - Max Dickins In This Episode: -The story behind Max’s book “Billy No-Mates.” -Why do men struggle to make and maintain friendships as they age? -The impact of work on male friendships -Why do men have more female friends than male friends? -Tips on how to make new friends easily as a man -How to build strong male friendships at work -How women can support their partners in building their social circles And much more. Purchase Max Dickins’ Book: -Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/we-need-to-talk-to-kevin/max-dickins/9781838853518 -Amazon: https://a.co/d/01zG7Dr Connect with Max Dickins: -LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/max-dickins-improv -Website: https://www.maxdickins.com/ -Instagram: http://instagram.com/maxdickinswrites Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly -

Ever wondered what it's like to work at Amazon? I mean, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, just like New York, right? It feels like after you’ve done time at Amazon, your meal ticket is punched, and you’ll have a cascade of job offers and great opportunities thereafter. But would you give your soul in exchange for a career at Amazon? In this episode, I have Kristi Coulter, a brilliant author who wrote the book Exit Interview. She's also a writing professor and an editorial coach, so she helps people get their books into the world. Exit Interview is about Kristi's experience of 12 years at Amazon corporate. It is an incisive, hilarious book, and as a woman reading it, I felt it was so needed in the literary world. We needed someone to voice what was happening on the inside in corporate employment. We get into the sexism and double standards she faced, her tumultuous attempts to advance up the Amazon career ladder, her relationship with ambition, her sobriety journey, and how she has both learned - and proven - that it is never too late to change in life. She also recounts how Amazon - and specifically, Jeff Bezos - responded to the famous New York Times expose of Amazon by Jodi Kantor (who also broke the Harvey Weinstein abuse scandal). You definitely don’t want to miss that story. And by the way, the brutal culture Kristi experienced at work is not unique to Amazon, but is something people from many in tech can relate to, so I found it cathartic to read. So, if you’re wondering, "Oh, Amazon, what's it like there?" join us as we peel back the mystique and aura of Amazon. Don’t worry, we’ll get some solid and entertaining Jeff Bezos anecdotes up in there. "I know there's this myth that people who make that kind of money aren't really working. But I could tell you, at Amazon, those people were working insanely hard. Like so hard that I would think, ‘you know, you're worth tens of millions of dollars, why are you answering emails on Sunday night? … Why don't you go on more vacations?’" - Kristi Coulter In This Episode: -Why Kristi wrote her book -Climbing the corporate ladder at Amazon -What was it like getting a job at Amazon as a 36-year-old woman? -How do you react to a weird situation in the workplace? -Living and working in a place where "drinking" is part of the culture -Kristi's leadership example at a luxury retreat -One more humorous interlude -The New York Times article and the response from Jeff Bezos -Does Jeff Bezos actually care about diversity and equity? And much more. Resources: -Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career by Kristi Coulter - https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Interview-Death-Ambitious-Career/dp/0374600902 -Inside Amazon: Wrestling Big Ideas in a Bruising Workplace - https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/technology/inside-amazon-wrestling-big-ideas-in-a-bruising-workplace.html -Jeff Bezos Responds To 'New York Times' Report On Amazon's Workplace -

Becoming a manager through a promotion or receiving a job offer is a rewarding accomplishment for an employee. While these opportunities can prove exciting for both first-time and long-time managers, not everyone is innately gifted with the skills it takes to be a good manager. Ask just about anyone, and they’ll tell you about that bad boss (or 7) they’ve had across their corporate careers. In today's episode, the relatable and sharp Ashley Herd of Manager Method and HR Besties and I explore what it means to be a manager and how new managers can adapt to their leadership positions. We discuss common workplace challenges managers face and tips on navigating those challenges. We also touch on this interesting concept called ikigai, which is the convergence of four areas of life: what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Ashley worked as a lawyer in BigLaw (Ogletree Deakins) and leading companies (including McKinsey and Yum! Brands). She also served as General Counsel and Head of HR for the nation’s largest luxury media company (Modern Luxury). Ashley is a LinkedIn Learning instructor on people management and co-hosts the HR Besties podcast (a Top 10 Business Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify - and one of my personal favorites). She has been featured by CNN, Financial Times, HR Brew, and BuzzFeed. Ashley is an expert in providing a crucial skill set that will benefit your organization and redefine people leadership. "I remember my husband's great-aunt, Norma, saying to me, "It's so good to have friendships of different generations." At that time, I didn't appreciate it. I didn't appreciate it until I was older, and I now have those different ones on different sides." - Ashley Herd In This Episode: -Why Ashley created the Manager Method -Who is this "Luke" that appears in Ashley's videos? -How to communicate layoffs with humanity -The legal consequences of passing on layoff decisions to managers -Is aiming for promotion the only path to staying employed? -How to manage intergenerational workforce politics -Encouraging workplace diversity and mentoring across generations -How the HR Besties podcast came about And much more. Resources: -Radical Candor by Kim Scott - https://kimmalonescott.com/radical-candor Connect with Ashley Herd: -Website: https://www.managermethod.com/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/managermethod/ -HR Besties Podcast: https://www.hrbesties.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly -

When applying for a job, the hiring process can feel like a waiting game. But what's even worse than waiting for who knows how long or being ghosted altogether is blatantly experiencing age bias while in an interview with a recruitment officer. That's what today’s guest, Vern Six, experienced, which he shared in a LinkedIn post that resonated with many people. In fact, the post went beyond viral, getting millions of views and garnering national media attention. What happened? Vern had a recruiter inform him that he's supposedly too old for a software developer role. He couldn’t believe that "a young whippersnapper" in his twenties had the nerve to condense his 37 years of experience into such a dismissive statement. Vern is an experienced Full-Stack Software Engineer and Project Manager with a demonstrated track record of leading technology projects to successful completion in diverse sectors. But he's over 50, and it turns out, that's a big issue for many recruiters. Vern is here today to share the story behind his viral post, and the whirlwind that has happened since then. I'm sure many of you can relate to his encounter with a much younger interviewer and how their conversation ended. Join us as we discuss the issue of ageism in tech and what we can do to spread awareness about the value that older workers bring to the workplace. "People just think that once you're kind of pigeonholed in a particular stack, that's the way you are, and you're not going to move away from it. It's just not true." - Vern Six In This Episode: -The background behind the viral post and what's happened since then -Vern's experience being an "old guy" in tech -A deluge of love and hate for Vern's post -Why is ageism prevalent in the tech industry? -The value of older workers and their vast experience -A difference in perception of age bias between technical roles and sales roles -Vern shares his career path and current business venture -When did Vern start feeling the fear of ageism? -The extent to which Vern discusses ageism beyond his viral post And much more. Resources: -Vern's Viral Post: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7167946832742928385/ -LinkedIn Group – Inclusive Futures: Combating Ageism & Discrimination https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14418151/ Connect with Vern Six: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernsix/ -Website: https://purposebrewcoffee.com/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly -

As more people live longer, consumer brands need to consider the needs of the older population. Companies that neglect senior consumers, especially the Baby Boomers, can end up missing a massive opportunity to attract and retain a growing market and make a ton of money along the way. Older generations, those 50 and older, make up 51% of consumer spending. Despite the prevalence of youth in advertisements, older people spend way, way more money than younger generations (because they have more disposable income). Like young people, older folks also want to learn about brands to stay informed on new and significant trends. So, smart brands will soon wake up to the fact it is time to tap into the growing senior market and leverage the power of older consumers. The longevity economy, the largest and fastest-growing market in the world, is an opportunity marketers can't afford to ignore. My guest today is Brian Clark, a digital marketing and tech entrepreneur, proud Gen X’er, and author of Longevity Gains, a Substack newsletter about the longevity economy. Join us as we discuss the massive demographic shift that's about to happen, why people should actually be excited about getting older, and the need for intergenerational harmony. We have a lot of fun along the way, too. "You hit 50, and I'm telling you, I'm living proof you get happier. And the happiest decade of life is your 70s." - Brian Clark In This Episode: -What is the longevity economy? -Why are we now becoming more aware of ageism? -Are marketers deliberately ignoring older consumers? Why or why not? -Which companies are attracting and retaining older consumers? -The need for intergenerational harmony -Why many people are not excited about growing older -Where can companies get insights on marketing to older consumers? -Hope for the older generation and those who are getting there And much more. Resources: -Further: Midlife Health, Wealth, and Personal Growth Newsletter: https://further.net/ -The Longevity Economy by Dr. Joseph Coughlin: https://longevityeconomy.com/ Connect with Brian Clark: -Website: https://www.longevitygains.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatbrianclark/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1 -Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/ -LinkedIn: @maureenwclough -

Are you yearning for a more fulfilling midlife? Turning 40, 50, or 60 is a big deal, and a bit scary for many people. However, we can shift our mindset to view it as something hopeful: the beginning of our second adulthood. Instead of thinking of it as a period of decline, we can embrace this period and even begin to feel happier with each passing year. We can start redefining who we are beyond our bodies or personalities. Think of it as a transition period and a space for new beginnings. Easier said than done? Well, I have someone with me today to show us what’s in store for people crossing the midlife mark. After listening to this episode, I'm certain that you will be more excited about what’s next in life. Join me in this meaningful conversation with MEA co-founder and poetic Chief Education Officer Jeff Hamaoui. He is a gentle and empathic facilitator, a business innovation veteran, and a community builder who has taught sustainability courses at Wharton, Berkeley, and Stanford. MEA Wisdom (formerly known as Modern Elder Academy) is the world’s first midlife wisdom school. This special school helps you embrace change and thrive in times of transition, equips you with the tools to ignite your life with purpose, and unearth your wisdom, and unlock your hidden potential, all while embracing your second adulthood. Jeff has opened my eyes to new possibilities, and I'm excited to head off sometime soon to Baja to join their in-person workshops and enjoy every moment on a sun-drenched stretch of the Pacific, far away from the usual day-to-day worries! "Transitions is how we handle change. That's it. And the way we handle change in our lives determines whether we grow or shrink." - Jeff Hamaoui In This Episode: -What is the Modern Elder Academy (MEA Wisdom)? -What is a transition? -The three key factors of healthy aging -What is the experience like at MEA Wisdom? -How Jeff met Chip Conley and discovered an idyllic home -What is regeneration, and how does it apply to human beings? -Finding your wisdom and purpose as you age And much more. Resources: -Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416 -Life is in the Transitions by Bruce Feiler: https://www.brucefeiler.com/books-articles/life-is-in-the-transitions/ -Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones: https://media.netflix.com/en/only-on-netflix/81214929 -Regeneration by Paul Hawken: https://regeneration.org/the-book Connect with Jeff Hamaoui: -Website: https://www.meawisdom.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hamaoui-a3318 Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly -

It is a popular opinion among some people of the younger generations that baby boomers have gotten all the good stuff and left nothing but a broken system for future generations. But boomers, now in their older years, are facing something new and decidedly less good: ageism. Should we feel sorry for them? Should we advocate on their behalf, and on behalf of our future selves? Well, according to my guest today, the answer is a big, fat “nope!” I’m joined by Chad Sowash, the co-host of “HR's Most Dangerous Podcast” – The Chad & Cheese Podcast. I had no clue how the episode would unfold, letting Chad take the reins…and what happened certainly surprised me. Chad has worked in the HR, Talent Acquisition, and HR Tech space for over 20 years, consulting for hundreds of Fortune 500 companies like AT&T, Lockheed Martin, and The Ford Motor Company, to name a few. Join us as we discuss controversial workforce issues. If you want to get insights into the darker, more challenging side of the multigenerational workforce – and also hopefully have a good laugh while pondering your opinion on these issues – today's episode won't disappoint! Fair warning, though: if you're uncomfortable with profanity, or offended by the suggestion that the boomers had it coming, this conversation might be too dangerous for you! "When we start to see the boomers move out, 'cause they're a very large population, there's going to be that huge sucking sound that actually pulls us all UP! If we haven't been there, we're going to get pulled up into those positions, and companies aren't going to have a choice. Where they do have a choice, and they should be investing now, is in their future leadership and being able to get them up to speed so that on Day One, they don't have this huge skills gap." - Chad Sowash In This Episode: -Why Chad says boomers need to get out of the workforce -It’s five o’clock somewhere vibes -Why should a listener care whether ageism exists or not? -How long can an individual actually stay in the workforce? -Whose responsibility is it to address the skills gap? -Should we focus on ageism? -What happens when age intersects with other marginalized group status -Why Chad believes we should put our energy elsewhere instead of fighting ageism -Will the millennials (or any generation) be able to dismantle age stereotypes? -Millennials vs. Gen Xers - the ultimate standoff -What's the real issue here, and how do we solve it? And much more. Resources: -Research: How Bias Against Women Persists in Female-Dominated Workplaces by Amy Diehl, Amber L. Stephenson, and Leanne M. Dzubinski: https://hbr.org/2022/03/research-how-bias-against-women-persists-in-female-dominated-workplaces Connect with Chad Sowash: -Website: https://www.chadcheese.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadsowash/ -Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-chad-cheese-podcast/id1211760335 Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly -

Many companies are aware of the importance of promoting DEIB in the workplace. It's where you implement measures to ensure your employees feel respected and are treated fairly in an inclusive environment where they can feel comfortable as themselves - and in so doing, create optimal business outcomes. However, many companies fail miserably when it comes to implementing their so-called DEIB programs. Why is that so? Let's get insights from someone who understands exactly what it takes to finesse your DEIB recipe to get the best possible outcome. Today's episode features Amelia Ransom, Smartsheet's VP of DEI. Smartsheet recently achieved 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index, a survey that evaluates corporate policies and practices pertaining to LGBTQ+ workplace equality - but as you’ll hear, Amelia doesn’t think that means their work is done. Join us as we discuss this topic of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. You’ll learn the three-part framework Amelia thinks is optimal for sustained success, how we can reframe our thoughts about generational differences at work, and why Amelia has mixed feelings when it comes to the overall outlook for DEIB in the corporate realm. "Here's the challenge with DEI if we're being honest: DEI tends to experience a renaissance at the expense of life. So we tend to pay more attention to DEI when a tragedy occurs, when a war happens, when the police are violating the rights of black people, like, name it." - Amelia Ransom In This Episode: -How Amelia got into DEI -What are the current trends in DEI, and what exactly does DEI stand for? -What does it take to build a genuinely inclusive culture? -Why do most DEI initiatives neglect to include age? -Smartsheet receives accolades for hitting the mark on DEIB -Amelia shares a fantastic analogy about how people can implement DEIB the right way -What hope is there for the future of DEIB? -How does Amelia set DEI goals organizationally? -What are the red flags to watch out for when looking for work? -When people say one thing, but they mean something else And much more Resources: -Corporate DEI strategies are too focused on hiring. Here’s what to do instead: https://www.fastcompany.com/90890663/corporate-dei-strategies-are-too-focused-on-hiring-heres-what-to-do-instead -Leading with Pride: Smartsheet achieves 100% on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index: https://www.smartsheet.com/content-center/inside-smartsheet/diversity-equity-inclusion/leading-with-pride?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=linkedin&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign= Connect with Amelia Ransom: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliaransom/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly -

Do you love jewelry? I do! But more than the jewelry, I love how today's guest makes beautiful jewelry accessible to many people. Mariana Chambers founded Cut + Clarity, a premier destination for customizable, fine jewelry sustainably crafted in NYC. As an immigrant from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mariana lives out passion and tradition in every aspect of her life. Over the last two decades, Mariana has created jewelry collections for world-class brands and retailers. In 2017, as her family grew, so did Mariana’s desire to leave her daughter with a legacy she could be proud of—one that showcases her immigrant roots and the value immigrants create in local economies and throughout the country. Today, we talk about Mariana's journey through building a business anchored in her mission and vision to uphold artisanal craftsmanship while improving the lives of people in the community. And while she loves making handcrafted jewelry, Mariana knows she has to leverage technology to grow her business further. She found a way inside the tech space, proving that an immigrant woman with an indomitable spirit can achieve astronomical success. Join me in wishing Mariana the best of luck for her Techstars demo day pitch on January 11, 2024. "I envision a world where the value that we place on goods has as much to do with the actual thing that we're buying but also has much to do with how our purchase affects our community." - Mariana Chambers In This Episode: -How Mariana found her way into the tech industry -A fantastic display of Mariana's indomitable spirit -Mariana's biggest takeaway from the hackathon -Cut + Clarity mission and vision -The reason for Mariana's passion to create beautiful jewelry -Current status of funding for women founders -Mariana's advice for people who want to pursue their dreams -What is there to love about getting older? And much more Connect with Mariana Chambers: -Website: https://cutandclarity.co/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutandclarityco/ -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutandclarityco -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-russo-chambers-she-her-174b72a/ -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutandclarityco Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1 -Website: itgetslateearly.com -

Have you ever experienced any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace, which makes you wonder why you accepted that job in the first place? How exactly do you deal with workplace issues without sacrificing your future in the company? Today's episode is a bit different from the norm: Attorney Ryan, aka The Labor Lawyer & Working Class podcast host, and I are joining forces to deliver a joint episode. We borrowed Working Class’s long-form, unfiltered interview style for this one, which was a lot of fun. We took turns discussing workplace issues we have experienced, and Ryan explained what the law says about them. Even though we both have some crazy stories from our past employment, I'm pretty sure many of you can relate to the things we go over. You might not feel safe discussing these things with others, but this episode will guide you in advocating for yourself when no one else will. We also get into some raw, funny, and vulnerable discussions about our past as well as the future of our country. Join me as I speak with Attorney Ryan Stygar, a former firefighter for Cal Fire and San Diego County. He spent several seasons as a desert rescue specialist and wildland firefighter. Firefighter Ryan later left the fire department to earn a law degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law. Now well-known across social media as The Labor Lawyer, Ryan is the author of various books across several genres and hosts the Working Class podcast, where he breaks down the most outrageous, engaging, and sometimes hilarious workplace lawsuits. Ryan’s videos deliver insights on workers’ rights issues in plain terms, demystifying what will and won’t fly at work, and inspiring workers to self-advocate or find an attorney to fight on your behalf. "Nothing you tick off on a resume, no job title is going to give you peace. It's not going to complete you. Yes, money will make you happier, it will give you peace of mind, but it will not fix that hole. And no job title is going to fix that hole if you're not sure who you are." - Attorney Ryan In This Episode: -How old is too old for the tech industry? -The pressure that comes with being around "smarter" people -Invisible Labor: Could this be the root cause of burnout in working women? -Can we cope with the current layoff situation in tech? -Where venture capitalists should be betting their money -What does an age-diverse team look like, and why does it matter? -What is psychological safety? -What makes a good leader? -What brought Attorney Ryan to Employment Law? -What is institutional inertia? -Is talking about your pay a terminable offense? -What does a hostile work environment look like? -Understanding the concept of allyship -How to advocate for yourself in the workplace -Why it's hard for people to recognize when they have a privilege And much more Resources: -Fair Play Life Documentary: https://www.fairplaylife.com/documentary -HBR Research: The Average Age of a Successful Startup Founder Is 45: https://hbr.org/2018/07/research-the-average-age-of-a-successful-startup-founder-is-45 -Ryan Stygar Books:

Which working mom do you know who has it all together? I can't think of anyone. Oh wait…why don’t we ask the same question about dads? Why aren’t they called working dads? Being a parent is an incredibly fulfilling experience, but it comes with a heck of a lot of challenges, none of which you can ever be fully prepared to face. But the truth is working moms face different challenges, not just in their homes, but also, especially in the workplace. Gender bias, ageism, imposter syndrome, and psychological safety are just some of the issues we have to combat each day. What gives? Fortunately, we have someone with me today to provide tips on navigating these complex issues. Sara Dean is a Mindset, Business, and Leadership Coach for Moms. She is the host of The Shameless Mom Academy Podcast. This podcast covers everything from overcoming mom overwhelm to being an advocate and ally in your community. And this episode is not just for moms, but any parent who works outside of the home. Join us in this candid and energetic conversation. We might be having a good laugh while talking, but believe me, we are taking these mommy and daddy issues very seriously! "You're breaking down trust when you say it's safe, and then you continually prove that it's not. Or you continually don't rise to the occasion to demonstrate what psychological safety is and the massive investment that it takes over time to actually create safety for every person." - Sara Dean In This Episode: -The genesis of Sara's podcast and what she does today -Who are the people in Sara's community? -Does imposter syndrome affect primarily women or any gender? -What do most people struggle with? -Where and how should we carve out the space to own our status as a parent in the workplace? -Testing the waters to know if you're walking into a psychologically safe environment -Does your company support workers who need flexible work hours due to family responsibilities? -How to overcome Mommy Tax in corporate and tech environments And much more Connect with Sara Dean: -Website: https://shamelessmom.com/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamelessmomacademy -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShamelessMomAcademy/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradeanspeaks/ -Podcast: https://shamelessmom.com/the-podcast/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1 -Website:

The term "Silver Tsunami" has gained prominence in recent years, signifying a considerable demographic change with far-reaching impacts. This phenomenon refers to the rapid increase in the aging population, primarily due to the aging baby boomer generation. But we like “The Super Age” as a description better for obvious reasons. A quarter of the U.S. labor force will be 55 or older by 2030. This presents new challenges for employers, with many boomers exiting the workforce and taking the knowledge, skills, and experience with them. Employers must embrace age diversity and introduce programs that benefit workers of any age if they want their business to thrive in this new period. The Silver Tsunami or Super Age is reshaping our societies, economies, and healthcare systems. As the baby boomer generation retires, their demands for healthcare services, retirement options, and social programs are on the rise. This shift poses various challenges and opportunities, influencing multiple aspects of our lives, from healthcare to workforce dynamics. In this episode, we dive deep into the realities and impacts of The Super Age with our expert guest, Bradley Schurman. We discuss the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to this demographic shift. As employers and society adapt to the evolving job market, understanding The Super Age era is crucial for planning a sustainable future. Bradley is the Founder and CEO of Human Change, a global strategic research and advisory firm focusing on demographic strategy to help public and private-sector organizations navigate this period and improve organizational resilience through strategic foresight and inclusive design. Join us as we ride into the waves of this new world! "Ageism is a bias. It's not parallel to racism or homophobia or sexism, but it is a bias. And when a monolithic group, young men in particular, are building things, they're building their biases into things - including artificial intelligence." - Bradley Schurman In This Episode: -What is the Super Age, and why should we all care about it? -What will it take to shift how we perceive others? -How can we encourage companies to focus on inculcating a mentorship program? -What being smart in the new world of work looks like -How are tech industries absorbing the Super Age message compared to other industries? -How businesses can thrive in the new period -What's on the table economically for the tech industry if they don't make the shift? -Does tech rely on experience? -What can we learn from Japan? -How can people thrive in the workplace even as they grow older? -What is inclusion design and its impact on society? And much more. Resources: -The Super Age by Bradley Schurman - https://www.thesuperage.com/book Connect with Bradley Schurman: -Website: https://behumanchange.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyschurman/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube:

“Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.” - Mae West  Do you feel like you're constantly running on the treadmill of life? Not sure how to pause and stop feeling like you always have to be doing something? Anyone else just tired…all the time? In this ultra-modern world, we are encouraged to be busy, juggle tasks, and be as productive as humanly possible. It's not always easy to slow down when everyone around you is going fast, but it turns out that slowing down is exactly what we need to live longer, richer, and more productive lives. It's high time to embrace the slow revolution. The Slow Movement, often referred to as the "slow living" movement, is a cultural and social phenomenon that emerged in response to the fast-paced, consumer-driven, and technology-saturated aspects of modern life. It encourages a more mindful and deliberate approach to various aspects of life, including food, work, and leisure. Today's guest is Carl Honoré, a global keynote speaker (TED twice), age disruptor, the “Voice of the Slow Movement,” bestselling author (36 languages), and an expert on multigenerational working. He’s got some goodness to share with you that can help you leave your hectic and stressful life in the rearview mirror…or at least get you closer! Join us as we delve into The Power of Slow. Tune in and get your slow fix! "Slowness is a superpower in a fast world." - Carl Honoré In This Episode: -What is the Slow Movement? -How did we get hooked on living a fast-paced life? -Taking on the cult of youth -Has the fear of death contaminated our view of aging? -The need to have a social network with a rich mix of different ages -Tips on slowing down when life feels out of control -Teaching people how you want to be treated -The impact of introducing the idea of slowness in companies -How do you make a hard-charging boss embrace slowness? And much more Resources: -Books by Carl Honoré: https://www.carlhonore.com/books/ -Forbes Magazine October-November 2023 Zuck Grows Up - https://www.magzter.com/US/Forbes/Forbes-US/Business/ Connect with Carl Honoré: -Website: https://www.carlhonore.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-honor%C3%A9-81806ab3/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1 -Website:

Do you want to make a living doing more of what you love? Are you ready to discover the joy of solopreneurship and the freedom it brings? Have you been curious about whether you can take a side hustle into a primetime slot? Today's episode features Larry Cornett, a Business Advisor and Leadership Coach. He works with frustrated employees who dream of leaving their 9-5 jobs and launching their own businesses someday. Larry spent over two decades in the Silicon Valley tech industry at top players like Apple and eBay and raised millions of dollars launching new businesses, products, and services as an entrepreneur himself. Over 12 years ago, he left his tech career to become a solopreneur so he could reclaim his freedom, health, and life - and he wants to help you do the same. It's time to design a life you love instead of spending your days dreading coming to work every day. Whether you want to make the most of your career or make a pivot into solopreneurship, there's so much you can learn from my conversation with Larry. Tune in for Larry’s story, as well as practical advice and tips on how you can get the most out of the path ahead. "Who said that enjoyment in life has to come after retirement? Why are you delaying that?" - Larry Cornett In This Episode: -The rising demand for Botox (aka “Brotox”) as older male workers compete in the job market -Larry takes us through his career in tech and how he became an entrepreneur -The difference between an entrepreneur and a solopreneur -How Larry started his solopreneur journey and what he recommends for people who want to do the same - What Larry observed while working in Silicon Valley -The benefits of being an older entrepreneur -Ageism is all around us, but why aren't we openly discussing it? -How much of what Larry experienced regarding ageism influenced his decision to go out on his own? -Is it advisable to venture into solopreneurship, given the massive tech layoffs? -Larry's advice to those who may be thinking about taking the leap but haven't done it And much more Resources: -‘Men don't do Botox, they do Brotox’ – https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/full/10.3366/soma.2021.0338 -Leak Shopify memo - https://www.businessinsider.com/leak-shopify-ceo-discourages-employee-side-hustles-see-the-memo-2023-9 Connect with Larry Cornett: -Website: https://invinciblesolopreneurs.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornett/ -Podcast: Invincible Solopreneurs - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invincible-solopreneurs-make-a-living-doing-more/id1654427894 Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube:

Note: Due to tech issues with my headphones and microphone, my audio on this show isn’t of the typical quality for It Gets Late Early. But Dan sounds great! If you love comedy and work in tech, you must have watched HBO's Silicon Valley. If you haven't…fix that immediately, but it's a show about the struggles of Richard Hendricks, a Silicon Valley founder and engineer trying to build his own company, Pied Piper. The comedic genius of that show is straight-up legendary! Today, I have Dan Lyons, a writer on HBO's Silicon Valley and author of the NYT bestseller "Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble," which the LA Times called "the best book about Silicon Valley today." He followed up this book with two more - “Lab Rats: How Silicon Valley Made Work Miserable for the Rest of Us,” and his most recent book, “STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World.” Dan also was the creator of the anonymously penned blog "The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs." Dan regales us with a story about his first day working at a promising tech startup at the age of 52. He also walks us back to a time when his then-CEO was quoted in the New York Times saying, effectively, we don’t appreciate old employees. You’ll hear how Dan responded…and what he wishes he had done now with the benefit of hindsight. But after all his (mis)adventures in a tech company that only wanted to hire young workers, Dan now works at a job he loves at DocuSign. In fact, Dan loves working at DocuSign so much, you might even call it his Twin Flame employer. What?! Tune in to find out what we mean. Join us as we discuss his time working in a startup as the token-old guy, his experience as a writer on HBO's Silicon Valley, the concept of Twin Flames, horoscopes, and even my childhood crushes. And we will leave you with hope that you can find a job you love - at any age. This is a kind of sillier, more entertaining episode - I hope you enjoy hearing some unfiltered banter between Dan and me. "So, having come from the journalism world, you're a little freer in that world to be kind of irreverent about your own institution or your boss. You can be a little obnoxious and get away with it." - Dan Lyons In This Episode: -How does one transition from losing a journalism job to entering a tech startup? -What is it like walking through the door on the first day as an older employee in a tech company? -Dan recollects his days working for a company whose CEO told the New York Times that "gray hair and experience are really overrated" -What was it like working at Newsweek? -Experiencing the reality of midlife collision -The call to work at HBO's Silicon Valley and Dan's big break as a writer -How Dan wrote his bestselling book "Disrupted" and the events that led him to write two more books -The Bozo Explosion explained -It all comes down to the culture -Horoscopes, Love Language, and Twin Flames -How to find your twin flame employer -Maureen's childhood crush(es) revealed And much more. Resources: -Disrupted: My Misadventure in the Start-Up Bubble by Dan Lyons: https://danlyons.io/books -STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World by Dan Lyons: https://danlyons.io/books -Lab Rats: How Silicon Valley Made Work Miserable for the Rest of Us by Dan Lyons:

You may not consider yourself old at 40, but you begin to think about it when you see most of your co-workers in their 20s or 30s being commended for their youthful “energy,” “enthusiasm,” or “hunger.” Many employees strive for success in mid-life and beyond, but they also regularly struggle with varying degrees of ageism - and it’s especially bad at the workplace. If ageism is an issue in your organization, what can you do? How can you challenge stereotypes about aging and show that people of all ages are capable of making significant contributions to work and society in general? Whatever you might encounter, there is no reason to tolerate discrimination as you age. Today, I have Sandy Matus with me from Textio, a software company that helps organizations hire and retain diverse talent by removing bias from job descriptions and performance reviews. Sandy is the VP of People and has joined us to share Textio’s data on age in the workplace, talk about how age bias impacts your career, describe what she’s seen across the organizations where she’s worked, and tell you how to fight back. Sandy leads the team responsible for Textio’s world-class employee experience, driving talent strategy, people operations, performance management, Total Rewards, and learning and development programs. With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Sandy is passionate about delivering a truly exceptional and inclusive employee experience. For the last decade, Sandy has focused on supporting tech startups in building the culture and infrastructure needed to scale. Join us for an engaging and informative conversation. Whether you are an older employee, a younger employee thinking of your future self, a hiring manager, or a business leader, there are so many things you can learn from today's episode with Sandy. Here’s to a better future of work! "If an organization wants to be a good employer and wants to do well, they're going to be evaluating individuals for the contributions you make, not simply how energetic you look or what appearances you have." - Sandy Matus In This Episode: -Who is Sandy Matus, and what does she do? -What does Textio’s data say about age bias in the workplace? -How do we get people to understand how damaging age bias and discrimination are when hiring people? -How Textio can help companies identify biases in the workplace -Why are we so far behind on age inclusion within diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) programs? -What can organizations do to address age bias in the workplace? -What does the latest research on Language Bias in Performance Feedback say, and where can people find a copy of the report? -How Textio helps uplift individuals of all ages with the work that they do -What can you do to thrive in the workplace, regardless of age? And much more. Resources: -Language Bias in Performance Feedback - 2023 Data Analysis and Survey Results: https://textio.com/resources -Leveraging the Value of an Age-Diverse Workforce: https://www.shrm.org/foundation/ourwork/initiatives/the-aging-workforce/Documents/Age-Diverse%20Workforce%20Executive%20Briefing.pdf Connect with Sandy Matus: -Website: https://textio.com/ -LinkedIn:

Have you ever felt like you’re checking all the boxes in life to be considered a success, but you’re still left feeling unfulfilled? Do you ever think to yourself, well, as soon as I get this promotion, or as soon as I make some money, I’ll be happier…but then that thing happens, and you’re still feeling empty? Do you ever wonder whether the stress was worth it? Stress is an ever-present challenge for us all in modern-day life, and rampant in the high-pressure tech world. No matter your industry or level of experience, managing stress levels is critical to achieve success and happiness in and out of work. Today, I have someone who has not only been there as an overworked and unfulfilled tech employee himself but also can help people prevent burnout and increase happiness at any age through his interesting coaching methodology. Jason Komosa is a burnt-out tech executive turned Executive Coach. He started his career launching a small consumer internet company (Groupon - remember Groupon?!), then later found himself confused and unfulfilled. He had completed the 'Path-To-Happiness' checklist he had created as a teenager, hitting most of the items even before age 30. But rather than finding fulfillment after doing all the “right things,” he felt depressed. Jason found himself seeking more out of life. Therapy wasn’t hitting the mark for him - he wanted more actionable advice. So he went through executive coaching, became an apprentice for his coach, and earned his Optimized® Mental Coaching Certification in 2019. Since then, he has helped others from organizations like Uber, Techstars, Wells Fargo, and more get out of their own way and step into the highest, most optimized version of themselves. Or, as Jason himself puts it, he helps you “upgrade your mental software.” Join us for a thoughtful and personal discussion about how and when stress creeps into our lives, transforming the narratives we tell ourselves, mindset tips for overcoming burnout, how age and experience have impacted our lives, and discovering our true purpose in life - no matter how many years along you are in yours. "When it comes to our minds and our souls, we’re running on Windows 95 on a dial-up modem." - Jason Komosa In This Episode: -What attracted Jason to Groupon specifically and the tech industry generally? -How does one become burned out at work? -Why I almost went to law school -How early programming in childhood impacts our thoughts about our careers -Why we view the world the way we do -Jason recounts his exodus from Groupon and tech -Groupon’s college-like culture -Find out the scariest thing Jason has ever done, and what he got out of it -What kind of a coach is Jason, and what is it like working with him? -How reframing how you view your situation helps you overcome it -How has age affected Jason's coaching practice? -And much more. Connect with Jason Komosa: -Website: https://jkcoach.me/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkomosa/ Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/ -YouTube:

Not sure if your resume and interview skills are up to par to land you your next great role? Bryan’s courses will give you everything you need. Use coupon code "GETSLATEEARLY" for a 10% discount. Imagine planning to buy a new house in the new city where you’ve moved for your new job, when, all of a sudden, you’re told you’re being let go. You thought you were being called into a regular meeting, and then they dropped the bomb. Losing a job is often a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially for people who are in the middle of building their lives. So, what do you do when you get laid off? Today's guest has a lot to tell you, and he can help you strategize your next step and reclaim the power in your career. As a corporate recruiter, career coach, hiring manager, and HR professional working directly for companies like Amazon, Visteon (Ford Motors), Korn Ferry, FedEx, and more, Bryan Creely has interviewed and hired thousands of people in his career. He has also sat in countless intake calls and post-interview debriefs with hundreds of hiring managers and interview teams. After being let go in 2020, Bryan bounced back and promoted himself to CEO of his career. He founded A Life After Layoff, where he teaches proven career strategies to prepare you for any interview, regardless of role, company, or industry. Join us as we delve into the ultimate insider info on the recruitment process for many companies and the conversations behind closed doors. Bryan also shares some strategies to avoid getting fired, what to do if you get laid off, and, most importantly, how to be the CEO of your career. I think you're going to enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed speaking with Bryan. "You can actually create your own luck by being in the right place at the right time with the right skills, the right tools, and the right people and doing it purposefully. And that's not luck. That's called having a strategy in your career." - Bryan Creely In This Episode: -What led Bryan from corporate recruitment to what he's doing today? -Bryan shares his experience of being laid off and what he did after that -How to stop being a victim and reclaim control of your career -Ways to potentially look a bit younger to minimize age bias and get a shot at being interviewed -Subtle signs of age bias inside recruitment conversations (secrets behind closed doors) -Is there a reality to the perception that people in their 40s become less desirable job candidates? -How to avoid landing on the layoff list and what you can do to get back on your feet if you get laid off -And much more. Connect with Bryan Creely: -Website: https://www.alifeafterlayoff.com/ -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-creely-a6b26713b/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ALifeAfterLayoff -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alifeafterlayoff -Twitter:...

Have you ever questioned whether you're in the right company or on the right career path? Are you suffering from burnout or feeling trapped in a toxic work environment and need to talk to someone but have no one to turn to whom you can trust? Today, I have an HR expert turned content creator who knows precisely what that's like, and she's here to offer sound advice on how you can survive as an employee in Corporate America - in a hilarious, candid way. Leigh Elena Henderson - who, despite rising to prominence on the youthful TikTok, calls herself a “geriatric millennial” - has 20 years of Corporate America experience supporting five Fortune 100 companies as a Human Resources (HR) executive and has completed a master's in both business and HR. But even in these world-class household name-type organizations, Leigh has experienced firsthand the effects of a toxic workplace. That’s why she started putting out the cathartic, comedic, and constructive content we know as HRManifesto. It’s also how she began coaching corporate employees and HR practitioners across industries to find their best footing at work. What I love most about Leigh’s content is that she is free to say what many of us are thinking but cannot utter out loud…if we want to stay employed, that is. Focused on tragic work realities and inspired storytelling, the goal of HRManifesto is to unify followers around the shared human experience of work and provide coaching on how to survive the workplace and maximize professional success. Leigh uses her corporate knowledge, education, experience, and expertise to help people get out of terrible situations and into fulfilling and joyful careers. Join us as we talk candidly about the corporate employee experience - and how it starts from the moment you hand in your resume to when you actually become an employee. We discuss the warning signs of a toxic work environment, biases that exist in the workplace (including age bias), and what you can do to survive or get away from such an environment. While we laughed a ton during our conversation (and I think you will, too), many of the issues we touched on were really serious. You might even see yourself in the scenarios we discuss. So don't miss out on this episode of It Gets Late Early. "If you're not honest with how you're really feeling and what you're not receiving and how you're not thriving and the people around you that don't value you (and perhaps you don't value them back), if you're not honest about that and accepting of that reality, you will never be spurred into action. You will never take the actions required to get out of that workplace." - Leigh Elena Henderson In This Episode: -How Leigh got into the world of content creation from her beginnings in Corporate America -One big reason we all should be thanking Gen Z - especially older generations -Indicators that you are in a toxic workplace and why people react the way they do -How one person’s toxic is…another’s dream scenario? -Age discrimination towards younger workers and why some companies don't have 24-year-old executives -Why age inclusivity in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) hasn’t even come on the radar yet at many companies -How coded language cloaks ageism -How can organizations increase their age diversity and enhance their DEIB initiatives? -Red flags in the interview process that indicate you could be walking into a toxic workplace -Mindset shifts to empower yourself during the interview process -How Leigh thinks Corporate Tech is the biggest offender in exploitative interview processes -Why Leigh thinks companies should pay you to...

Ever wondered what it's like working on Wall Street? The allure of working in the finance realm endures. But why would a guy leave Wall Street to work in a tech startup or, specifically, a company all about fertility and family planning? Today, I have Anthony Franzese, who has embarked on an unlikely and interesting career path. He started his career on Wall Street and later landed in the tech space at Headspace. He now works as a Strategic Partnership Executive at Stork Club, a next-generation maternity and family benefits provider. He also is the creator and host of the Successful Working Parents podcast, having joined the ranks of working parents himself just six weeks ago with the birth of his child. Join us as we discuss his unusual career path, what it’s like being a working parent, experiencing ageism as a young employee (yes, ageism is not only experienced by older workers; it goes both ways), overcoming the challenges of the need to succeed early, and experiencing life based on the different stages in life. Learn how Anthony found the courage to leave the bro-centric world of Wall Street and head into mental health tech as a man. This conversation is a refreshing and fun one. If you're in that stage where you feel uncertain about your career because everyone else is younger than you, this episode might inspire you that there's hope for older workers to thrive in tech–just look at how Anthony started his tech career at the ripe age of 25 and has still found success. That’s right - Anthony felt behind his colleagues in tech because he came in at 25. That’s tech for you! But, as you’ll learn - Anthony’s take is that age shouldn’t matter, your results should. We’re with you there, Anthony! "There is value in experience, but I think there's also just value in results, right? And so I think there should be more judgment based on what people are doing and less on how old they are and what they've done." - Anthony Franzese In This Episode: -How Anthony went from working in Wall Street to tech and doing a podcast on parenting -What’s it like for a guy to work in a fertility and maternity benefits company? -Anthony shares how he overcame the hurdle of shifting from a male-dominated environment (Wall Street) to a female-centric industry (health & fertility space) -Reverse Ageism: What’s it like being a young and new employee in a workplace dominated by an older workforce? -How Anthony viewed older colleagues in tech who didn’t want to use the new tech tools at work - and the risks for older tech employees who don’t embrace the new tech -Feeling the external pressure to succeed early (and possibly land on the Forbes 30 under 30 list) -How do you view your life based on your chronological age compared to your current life stage (single, married, parent, caring for an elderly parent, etc.)? -Does being a parent make you bolder to step into the role of mentor to the men and women in the workplace? And much more. Connect with Anthony Franzese: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-franzese-38b11317/ -Linktree - https://linktr.ee/successfulworkingparents Connect with Maureen Clough: -Instagram: