Summary

In today's episode I'm thrilled to get to have conversation with the author of the brilliant book Creating Your Encore Career, Dr Michelle Prince 

Michelle is a global leadership coach, HR technology advisor, human capital consultant and author. A certified leadership coach since 2006 with a doctorate in management and organizational leadership, she helps professionals and organisations achieve transformational growth. 

Michelle has over 30 years of corporate HR experience and now runs her consulting firm, MPrince Consulting LLC. An advocate for sustainability and empowering people to thrive, she wrote the book Creating Your Encore Career in 2024 to inspire others to craft their own fulfilling Encore Careers. 

Join us as Michelle and I discuss the concept of an encore career, which is a meaningful and purposeful career in the third act of life. 

Michelle shares her personal journey of transitioning from a corporate HR role to becoming a global leadership coach and senior career coach and explains that many people approaching retirement age feel uncertain about what they want to do next and may not know how to navigate job searching in today's technology-driven world. 

She wrote her book, 'Creating Your Encore Career,' as a step-by-step guide to help individuals in this stage of life explore their options, find fulfilment and transition into purpose driven work in their later years. 

We explore the importance of a self-reflection process to identifying passions, values and interests which means that people should redefine their retirement to align with increased lifespans and evolving aspirations. 

We also talk about the value of building a professional network and creating a personal brand to showcase expertise and attract new opportunities as well as exploring options like the gig economy, volunteering, entrepreneurship, or continued education.

Our conversation also highlights the benefits of growth, curiosity, and exploration in an encore career, as well as the importance of financial planning and managing healthcare and insurance costs. 

Takeaways

• An encore career is a meaningful and purposeful career in the third act of life, providing individuals with an opportunity to continue contributing and finding fulfilment.

• Many people approaching retirement age feel uncertain about what they want to do next and may not know how to navigate job searching in today's technology-driven world.

• Financial security is an important consideration when transitioning to an encore career, but it is not the primary driver. The focus is on finding work that aligns with personal values and provides flexibility and fulfillment.

• People in their 50s and beyond have accumulated knowledge, wisdom, and experience that make them valuable contributors in the workforce. It is never too late or too early to start planning for an encore career.

• Self-reflection is key to identifying passions, values, strengths, and desired work environments. Having open conversations with family members about expectations and boundaries can also help in designing an encore career. Self-reflection and identifying passions and interests are crucial in transitioning into an encore career.

• Expanding knowledge and skills through education and certifications can help overcome imposter syndrome and enhance credibility.

• Building a professional network and creating a personal brand are essential for attracting opportunities and showcasing expertise.

• Growth, curiosity, and exploration are key elements of an encore career, promoting wellbeing and preventing cognitive decline.

• Financial planning and managing healthcare and insurance costs are important considerations in an encore career.

Sound Bites

"An encore career is a meaningful and purposeful career in the third act of life."

"Many people who are approaching retirement age feel uncertain about what they want to do next."

"Financial security is important, but it is not the primary driver of an encore career."

"You can create and design your own scenario"

"It's important that you communicate"

"Reflecting on your passions...what truly excites you"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey

05:16 Redefining Retirement and the Encore Career Movement

09:24 Challenges of Traditional Retirement Options

13:24 Increased Lifespans and Evolving Aspirations

18:38 Retirement Insecurity and Financial Considerations

24:13 The Value of Wisdom and Knowledge in the Third Act

26:21 Identifying Passions, Values, and Strengths

28:11 Transitioning into an Encore Career: Reflection and Passion

30:08 Building a Professional Network and Personal Brand for an Encore Career

36:07 Embracing Growth, Curiosity, and Exploration in an Encore Career

52:47 Financial Planning and Healthcare Considerations in an Encore Career

Links

• Michelle's book Creating Your Encore Career