Episodes
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
In this episode of "Reinvent Yourself," host Lesley Jane Seymour is joined by Jeannie Ralston, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of Next Tribe. Together, they explore Jeannie's journey of transforming a digital magazine into a thriving travel company for women over 45. Delve into the challenges and triumphs of pivoting from a passion project to a profitable business, and discover how Jeannie leveraged her background in travel writing to curate unique experiences that foster deep connections and lifelong memories. This conversation is a testament to the power of reinvention and the importance of community and adaptability in business.
A gift for podcast listeners! Get $250 off any NextTribe trip. Use code COVEY at checkout.
Bio:
Jeannie Ralston is the co-founder and CEO of Next Tribe, a company that began as a digital magazine and has evolved into a travel company catering to smart, engaged women over 45. With her extensive background in travel writing and planning, Jeannie curates transformative trips that connect travelers with local women and cultures. Her work is driven by a passion for empowering women to age boldly and embrace new adventures.
00:48 - How Jeannie Ralston is turning a passion play into a real business
02:24 - Next Tribe started life as a digital magazine for women over 45
06:04 - Figuring out the reinvention that's right for you
06:29 - How Nextribe has pivoted from travel to a digital magazine business
10:21 - NextTribe caters to women who believe midlife is not the end of anything
17:53 - Navigating through multiple business pivots
21:59 - How Ralston met her co-founder Jeannie Edmonds
31:17 - Ralston's advice for women trying to turn their passion into a business
Key Points:
- Transforming a passion play into a viable business requires adaptability and innovation.
- Community and shared values can significantly enhance group dynamics and experiences.
- Strategic partnerships and collaboration can be vital for overcoming business hurdles.
- Understanding your unique strengths and market position is crucial for differentiation.
- Flexibility in business models can lead to discovering new opportunities and growth paths.
Links and Resources:
If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
"You are the only one that's responsible for your own happiness," says Karen Amster-Young, a strategic advisor, author, and journalist. She joins Lesley Jane Seymour to discuss the art of getting unstuck and the nuances of reinvention in today's fast-paced world. With her extensive background in communications and public relations, Amster-Young shares insights from her book, The 52 Weeks, and her personal experiences of overcoming life's hurdles. This episode delves into the reasons why people get stuck, particularly women over 40, and explores practical steps to regain momentum. From embracing baby steps to revisiting past passions and establishing new rituals, this conversation offers a treasure trove of advice for anyone seeking to navigate life's transitions with resilience and creativity.
Bio:
Karen Amster-Young is a strategic advisor for communications agencies, an author and a journalist. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Insider.com, Hamptons magazine and many other regional and national media platforms, and the author of the nonfiction book The 52 Weeks: Two Women and Their Quest to Get Unstuck, with Stories and Ideas to Jumpstart Your Year of Discovery (Skyhorse, 2013). She shares stories and gives back to various causes.
Timestamps:
01:28 - Karen Amster-Young's history as a public relations consultant and author
04:44 - Her year of getting unstuck and reinventing herself
05:24 - Why do women over 40 get stuck? What are they getting stuck on?
09:53 - What she learned about getting unstuck from interviewing experts
15:48 - "I think there's evergreen messages about getting unstuck and reinvention"
22:53 - What are the advantages of working remotely now versus 20 years ago?
24:05 - What else have you seen that can help people get unstuck today?
29:29 - How giving back is really important for keeping you mentally and physically healthy
Key Points:
- Taking baby steps can help overcome paralysis and fear.
- Revisiting past passions and trying new things can reignite joy and creativity.
- Community support and friendships are crucial in navigating life's transitions.
- The current flexibility and accessibility of resources make reinvention more achievable than ever.
- Giving back can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Links and Resources:
Visit Karen Amster-Young's Website
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
"Change is inevitable," says Niamh McAnally, an Irish-born author, speaker, and former TV director. "You've got to be ready for the next kind of reinvention." In this conversation McAnally shares her incredible journey of reinvention, from working in television to becoming a scuba instructor, to living on a sailboat with the love of her life. Discover how McAnally found her true calling and a profound love in the most unexpected places. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing change, following your passions, and finding love later in life.
Bio: Niamh McAnally y is an Irish-born bestselling author, keynote and corporate speaker, and former TV director. She is the youngest daughter of the late BAFTA award-winning actor Ray McAnally and actress Ronnie Masterson. Neif has traveled the world, living and working as a volunteer in many island nations in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. She is known for her adventurous spirit and her new memoir, "Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, and Around the Heart."
01:28 - Introducing Niamh McAnally
03:04 - Growing up in Ireland taught her that change is inevitable
04:06 -McAnally's background
06:09 - Work life and history
08:11 - How did you get published and where were you published?
12:53 - When you have a major change, it's very helpful to stop and think
15:27 - McAnally's through the middle age from homelessness to a captivating global quest
19:28 - One of the most important things as you get older is staying curious
25:17 - Stay present in the moment is the key to success in life
25:35 - McAnally's tips and tricks for older women traveling alone
28:21 - McAnally talks about saving money by traveling the world as a volunteer
Key Points:
- Embracing change can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.
- Following your passions can help you reinvent yourself at any stage of life.
- Finding love later in life is possible and can be incredibly rewarding.
- Volunteering and minimalism can provide a path to personal growth and adventure.
- Staying curious, adaptable, and grateful are essential habits for reinvention.
Links and Resources:
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
“He was our true north,” says Marianne Leone of her son Jesse; “He was the best thing that ever happened to us.” An actress, screenwriter, and essayist, Leone shares her deeply personal journey of navigating profound loss and finding solace and purpose through writing and rescuing dogs. In this heartfelt conversation, Lesley Jane Seymour delves into Leone's story of losing her son Jesse at 17 and how she reinvented herself through art and advocacy. Discover how Leone's experiences with grief, love, and recovery led her to write her latest memoir, "Five Dog Epiphany," which beautifully intertwines her life with the joy and healing brought by her rescue dogs. This episode is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of creativity and compassion.
Bio: Marianne Leone is an accomplished actress, screenwriter, and essayist whose work has appeared in prestigious publications like the Boston Globe and Lithub. She is the author of two memoirs, "Jesse" and "Ma Speaks Up." Leone had a recurring role on HBO's "The Sopranos" and has appeared in films by directors such as Martin Scorsese and David O. Russell. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and continues to inspire through her writing and advocacy.
Timestamps
(03:50) - Introducing Marianne Leone
(07:04) - She stopped acting after she had her son ten weeks early
(09:29) - Jesse was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age three
(13:20) - How dogs can help nonverbal individuals
(16:40) - Why rescuing dogs isn't easy - but is worth it
(19:42) - Where animals fit into Leone's family
(21:51) - How dogs are responsive in our lives
(22:18) - How signs from the universe impacted her grief
(26:13) -Seeing hawks and a fox: symbolism through animals
(29:45) - Marianne Leone's book about her son Jesse is called Five Dog Epiphany
Key Points:
- Art and writing can serve as powerful tools for healing and transformation.
- Rescuing animals can bring unexpected joy and help in the grieving process.
- Personal loss can lead to advocacy and a deeper understanding of life's purpose.
- Spiritual signs and connections can provide comfort and guidance during tough times.
Links and Resources:
Preorder "Five Dog Epiphany" by Marianne Leone
Support independent bookstores
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Aug 30, 2024
#260 The Power of Yes: Staci Wallace on Faith, Business, and Reinvention
Friday Aug 30, 2024
Friday Aug 30, 2024
"When God tells you it's time to reinvent, you listen," says Staci Wallace, best-selling author, speaker, and CEO of Fueled by Fire. In this episode, Lesley Jane Seymour sat down with Wallace to explore a unique perspective on reinvention driven by faith and divine inspiration. From her early days as a tough tomboy in South Dallas to becoming a business strategist who has shared the stage with five U.S. presidents, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover how she transitioned from a life of entrepreneurial success to leading a purpose-driven, faith-based consulting company that empowers others to create highly profitable businesses that glorify God. Wallace also shares her personal experience with physical and spiritual transformation, including a heartfelt discussion about her decision to remove breast implants for health reasons. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone seeking to reinvent themselves at any stage of life.
Bio
Staci Wallace is a best-selling author, speaker, and CEO of Fueled by Fire, a global faith-based consulting company. With 35 years of expertise in business psychology and leadership development, she empowers entrepreneurs, CEOs, and influencers to create purpose-driven, highly profitable businesses and nonprofit organizations. Stacey and her husband Larry are also the founders of Em Women, a nonprofit organization that rescues and restores the lives of women and girls facing life's most difficult challenges.
02:54 - Wallace started out in network marketing at 18 and has built multiple businesses
08:14 - The intersection of midlife and reinvention
14:51 - Wallace's health journey and miracle
18:25 - Wallace says God asked her to give everything away to the poor
24:08 - Fueled by Fire coaches entrepreneurs to become conduits of generosity
24:53 - How Fueled by Fire became a million dollar business
26:06 - Wallace's three tips for reinvention
Key Points:
- Reinvention can be driven by divine inspiration and faith.
- Physical transformations can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being.
- Midlife reinvention requires embracing who you are now, rather than striving to be who you once were.
- Purpose-driven businesses can be both highly profitable and a conduit for generosity.
Links and Resources:
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
"What to do when you feel like crap" is the unfiltered, honest theme of this episode, featuring the inspiring Heather Chauvin. A leadership coach and former social worker, Chauvin helps successful women live, work, and parent on their own terms. She shares her journey from an early motherhood at 18 to a life-altering stage four cancer diagnosis in 2013, which propelled her into a mission to uncover how cultural expectations sabotage our dreams. Join us as Chauvin discusses the concept of being "emotionally uncomfortable," the importance of self-awareness, and actionable steps to transform your life.
Bio:
Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach specializing in helping women courageously and authentically live, work, and parent on their own terms. She began her career as a social worker and pivoted to coaching after a stage four cancer diagnosis in 2013. Heather is passionate about helping women uncover how cultural expectations sabotage their dreams and has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Real Simple, MindBodyGreen, and Google.
(00:00) - Heather Chauvin is a leadership coach who helps women live on their own terms
(01:49) - The meaning behind "emotionally uncomfortable"
(02:19) - Six months after becoming self employed, Chauvin was diagnosed with stage four cancer
(07:58) - Danielle Laporte says burning out started when she became a mother
(15:13) - People often teach that you have to lead by example to change others
(22:17) - Chauvin discusses her health and where she is now
(24:10) - Heather says women are more open to talking about mental health and emotional wellness
Key Points:
- Embracing emotional discomfort can lead to profound personal growth.
- Self-awareness and personal responsibility are crucial for transformation.
- Taking consistent action is necessary to create lasting change.
- Midlife transitions often prompt women to seek change and prioritize their well-being.
- Heather's journey from a cancer diagnosis to thriving shows the power of resilience and self-care.
Links and Resources:
- Heather Chauvin's Website
- Heather Chauvin on Instagram
- Emotionally Uncomfortable Podcast
- Visit Covey Club
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Aug 16, 2024
#258 Empowering Women in Tech: A Conversation with Coco Brown
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
"Reinvention is not a straight path; it's a journey of unexpected turns and newfound opportunities," says Coco Brown, the founder and CEO of Athena Alliance. In this episode of the Reinvent Yourself podcast, CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour chats with Brown about her remarkable journey from a psychology major to a leading figure in the tech industry. Learn how she leveraged her passion for people and engineering to climb the corporate ladder, navigate the challenges of being a woman in tech, and ultimately create a platform that empowers women to achieve their executive career goals. Whether you're looking to pivot your career, break into the tech industry, or find inspiration for your next big move, Brown’s story offers invaluable insights and practical advice.
Bio:
Coco Brown is the founder and CEO of Athena Alliance, an organization dedicated to helping women advance their executive careers and secure board positions. With over 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley, Coco has a unique perspective on career development and the importance of building a diverse portfolio of impact.
Timestamps:
- (02:35) - Coco Brown's personal reinvention
- (03:58) - A woman building websites and doing other tech-related jobs
- (04:56) - How psychology and business intersected to form Athena Alliance
- (08:14) - Athena Alliance was founded in 2005 to help women get on tech boards
- (13:50) - Does Brown still do work of getting women on boards?
- (19:47) - Why do we still use the word retirement?
- (21:03) - Brown's tips and tricks for following her reinvention
Key Points:
- Reinvention often involves unexpected career pivots and leveraging diverse skill sets.
- Building a diverse portfolio of impact is crucial for long-term career success.
- Women should embrace a holistic approach to career development, beyond the traditional corporate ladder.
- Believing in your potential and taking incremental steps can lead to significant achievements.
Links and Resources:
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
"Pets are more than just companions; they are catalysts for mental and physical well-being," says Dr. Karen Wolfe, an Australian-born physician turned health coach. In this episode of the Reinvent Yourself podcast I sit down with Dr. Wolfe to explore the profound impact pets can have on our lives, especially in midlife. From reducing loneliness and stress to improving heart health and mental clarity, discover how the unconditional love of a pet can be a transformative force. Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or considering adopting a new furry friend, this episode offers invaluable insights into choosing the right pet for your lifestyle and maximizing the health benefits of pet ownership
Bio:
Dr. Karen Wolfe is a physician, health coach, and recipient of the National Wellness Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. She is passionate about creating health through holistic approaches and making complex information accessible to all.
Time Stamps
(05:03) - Talking about the surgeon general's report on loneliness
(07:49) - Animals fill a spot in your life that is somewhere between spouse and child
(13:00) - The surgeon general says owning an animal can reduce your health risk
(19:55) - How a pet can improve your brain health in particular
(23:41) - The role of animals and that emptiness feeling in life
(25:52) - Doing some research is important when choosing a pet for midlife
(30:12) - Having an animal in midlife can have many health benefits, Dr. Karen says
Key Points:
- Pets offer significant mental and physical health benefits, including reducing loneliness, stress, and heart disease.
- Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle is crucial to maximizing these benefits.
- Pets can help improve serotonin levels, leading to better mental health and reduced cravings.
- Volunteering at animal shelters can be a great way to experience different types of pets before adopting.
Links and Resources:
Read Dr. Karen Wolfe's Article on Pet Therapy
Surgeon General's Report on Loneliness
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
"Self-confidence is a choice and a mindset before it becomes a behavior," says Lisa Sun, CEO of GRAVITAS, a fashion brand dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment. She sits down with CoveyClub founder Lesley Jane Seymour to share her incredible journey from her immigrant upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur and author. Discover how Sun's mission to catalyze confidence through size-inclusive fashion has transformed lives and inspired her to write her book, Gravitas: The 8 Strengths that Redefine Confidence. Take her unique confidence quiz, learn about the six forces that affect self-esteem, and get practical tips for reinventing your look and your mindset at the same time.
Bio:
Lisa Sun is the Founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, a company on a mission to catalyze confidence through size-inclusive fashion & inspiring content. Lisa is also the national best-selling author of GRAVITAS: The 8 Strengths That Redefine Confidence.
Time Stamps
(01:48) Lisa Sun grew up in the company of immigrant entrepreneurs
(07:46) The average age of successful entrepreneur, according to big think data, is 45
(11:20) Sun's mission is to catalyze confidence - what that means
(13:59) There are six forces that form the basis of an inner critic
(17:08) Why Gravitas doesn't have mirrors in their dressing rooms
(22:49) The product Gravitas is best known for is the suffragist newsprint collection
(25:42) Gravitas is launching a product named after our potential first woman president
(30:28) You look great at every size. It's just a number
(30:36) Take a confidence quiz to identify your talents and strengths
Key Points:
- Merle Saferstein's journey highlights the transformative power of journaling and living intentionally.
- Living your legacy is more important than the material things you leave behind.
- Chance encounters can lead to life-changing opportunities; be open to them.
- Practical advice on how to start journaling and creating legacy projects.
Links and Resources:
Friday Jul 26, 2024
#255 Journaling a Legacy: Merle Saferstein on 40 Years of Reflection
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
“If you want to be remembered in a certain way, then you need to be living in that way," says Merle Saferstein, an educator, author, and speaker who has turned her 40-year journaling practice into a profound legacy. Saferstein shares her journey from an elementary school teacher to the Director of Educational Outreach at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in South Florida, and how a chance encounter on a beach led to a life-changing career. Discover the transformative power of journaling, the importance of living your legacy, and how to create meaningful legacy projects. Whether you're contemplating retirement, looking to leave a lasting impact, or simply seeking inspiration, Saferstein’s story offers invaluable insights and practical advice.
Bio:
Merle Saferstein is an educator, author, and speaker who served as the Director of Educational Outreach at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in South Florida for 26 years. After retiring, she developed the course "Living and Leaving Your Legacy" and has taught nationally and internationally.
Time Stamps
02:04 - Saferstein began her career in education as an elementary school teacher
03:53 - Meeting Tom Osborne on a beach while jogging in 1982
06:34 - Starting journaling as teenager
10:16 - The purposes of her books
14:02 - Deciding to retire in 2011 when she turned 68
17:19 - The course that Saferstein developed about legacy
21:18 - Self-publishing on Amazon and hitting #1
23:19 - Saferstein offers advice on living and leaving your legacy
Key Points:
- Merle Saferstein's journey highlights the transformative power of journaling and living intentionally.
- Living your legacy is more important than the material things you leave behind.
- Chance encounters can lead to life-changing opportunities; be open to them.
- Practical advice on how to start journaling and creating legacy projects.
Links and Resources:
- Visit Merle Saferstein's Website
- Purchase "Living and Leaving My Legacy, Volume 1"
- Purchase "Living and Leaving My Legacy, Volume 2"
- Explore Covey Club
If you found this episode inspiring, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join us at CoveyClub.com. Until next time, keep reinventing!