AGING ICON

LIVE HOW YOU WANT TO LIVE

The Art of Aging with Purpose and What You Can Expect from My Work

Some people build businesses around trends. I build them around gaps, spaces where people are craving connection, confidence, and purpose but don’t yet have a map.

That’s how Aging Icon™ was born.

I’ve always believed that success doesn’t end when the candles on your birthday cake hit double digits in the six, seven or even 8 or 9 range. And I’m not talking about forced optimism or “just think young” clichés.

I’m talking about real-life reinvention, about doing the things you love even when your knees creak, your schedule shifts, and the world around you seems to think you’re winding down.

Nope. Not on my watch.

Through my speaking, my books, and my ongoing advocacy, I’ve carved out a space for those who want to live with more curiosity, creativity, and courage, especially as they age or are given a life changing health diagnosis. I work with people who’ve built successful lives and careers, but who are now navigating questions that rarely get asked out loud:

  • Can I still do what I love, even if I don’t move as fast as I used to?
  • Is it too late to start something new?
  • What happens when the world stops seeing me as “in my prime”?

I ask those questions too. And I answer them by helping others write a different kind of script.

What You’ll Find in My Work

Whether it’s from a stage, in the pages of a book, or through grassroots advocacy, here’s what I bring to the table:

Clarity without clichés.
You won’t find platitudes in my presentations or in my writing. What you will find is humor, honesty, and practical insight. I speak from experience, not theory, and my stories are grounded in what it actually feels like to be shifting, stretching, and evolving at every stage of life.

Permission to be powerful.
Many of us have been conditioned to shrink a little as we age. I challenge that gently but firmly. My work is about reclaiming space, confidence, and agency, not because we need permission, but because we deserve reminders.

Community and connection.
Aging can feel isolating. One of the most consistent pieces of feedback I hear is, “I thought I was the only one feeling this way.” My books, talks, and initiatives create safe, energetic spaces for people to realize they are not alone and that shared experience breeds strength.

A future-facing approach.
Here’s where my business brain kicks in. I don’t just talk about aging as it is now. I look at where society, tech, and work are headed, and I position people to thrive in that landscape. The result? You’re not chasing a moment; you’re already in it.

Not Just Inspiration, Activation.

People often tell me they feel inspired after hearing me speak or reading something I’ve written. But I don’t stop at inspiration. I want you to feel energized to take action, whether that means dusting off an old passion, starting a new chapter, or simply refusing to fade quietly into the background.

Because you, my friend, are far from done.

And if you’re ready to live how you want to live, you’ll find in my work not just a mirror, but a guide. A spark and a well-timed nudge.

You’ve built a life worth living. Let’s make sure you keep living it, with joy, meaning, and just the right amount of rebellion.

July 9, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Business After Receiving My Lifetime Achievement Award

Winning a Lifetime Achievement Award is an incredible honor, a recognition of years of dedication, hard work, and impact. It’s a milestone, a celebration of everything that’s come before. But let’s be clear: it’s NOT the finish line.

Too often, people treat a Lifetime Achievement Award like a period at the end of a sentence, like it’s a signal to start winding down, stepping back, or resting on past success

But for many of us, especially those who consider themselves Aging Icons, that’s simply not how we operate. If anything, this kind of recognition serves as a launching pad for what’s next. It’s a moment to reflect, sure, but also to refocus, reenergize, and recommit to what matters most.

Life is to be lived at every stage. It may require some recalibration, maybe even a few accommodations, but slowing down doesn’t mean stopping. It means evolving. And if you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a creative force, there is always more to do, more to build, and more to contribute.

So, if you’ve just received a Lifetime Achievement Award (or you’re on the path to one), here’s how to make sure it’s just the beginning of your next chapter.

Redefine What “Success” Looks Like Now

What drove you 20 years ago might not be what excites you today and that’s okay. Success evolves. Maybe now, it’s not about scaling a business but mentoring the next generation. Maybe it’s about taking your expertise into new spaces like consulting, writing, speaking. The key is to recognize that just because one phase of your career has been celebrated, it doesn’t mean there aren’t new opportunities to explore.

Take a moment to ask yourself: What excites me now? Your lifetime of experience gives you the freedom to pursue what truly lights you up, without the pressure of proving yourself.

Keep Learning and Stay Curious

One of the surest ways to keep yourself engaged is to stay curious. The world is changing fast, and there’s always something new to learn whether it’s technology, business trends, or even a completely different industry.

Sign up for a course. Attend industry events. Read books that challenge your thinking. Engage in conversations with younger professionals to see how they view the world. Staying sharp isn’t just about relevance, it’s about keeping your mind active and engaged in ways that energize you.

Pivot, Don’t Pause

Maybe you don’t have the same energy you did at 30. Maybe you don’t want to be grinding out 60-hour weeks anymore. That doesn’t mean you stop, it means you pivot.

Find ways to work smarter, not harder. This might mean shifting into advisory roles rather than operational ones, launching a passion project instead of running a full-scale business, or structuring your work around your lifestyle instead of the other way around.

Think about what you love doing the most, and double down on this. Let passion drive your next steps, ensuring that your work remains fulfilling and impactful.

Leverage Your Legacy for New Opportunities

A Lifetime Achievement Award is more than a trophy, it’s a brand asset. Use it to position yourself as a thought leader, expert, or mentor in your field. Leverage your recognition to book speaking engagements, secure consulting opportunities, or even launch an online course.

Your established credibility gives you a unique advantage in personal branding, making it easier to attract partnerships, media features, and business opportunities. Optimize your digital presence by sharing your insights on LinkedIn, writing articles, or hosting webinars that reinforce your expertise.

The Future is Yours to Shape

Winning a Lifetime Achievement Award is not an endpoint, it’s a gateway to new opportunities, growth, and purpose. The key is to redefine success on your terms, stay engaged in learning, and pivot strategically. Whether through mentorship, consulting, or passion projects, you have the power to keep making an impact.

Embracing the next phase of your life means evolving with intention. By staying curious, leveraging your experience, and finding smarter ways to work, you can create a fulfilling future that continues to inspire. If you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or thought leader, your journey doesn’t stop here, your greatest contributions may still be ahead.

With a renewed focus and a strategic approach, you can turn your Lifetime Achievement Award into a launchpad for even greater success. Keep building, keep learning, and most importantly, keep going.

I know that I plan to do just that.

April 3, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , | Leave a comment

Embracing Adventure and Staying Vibrant, Productive, and Passionate as an Aging Icon

As we age, society often whispers messages of limitation and irrelevance. These whispers can become a deafening roar, convincing many to step away from the pursuits that once lit up their lives. But I believe, wholeheartedly, that this narrative must change. It’s not only possible but essential for us to remain vibrant, productive, and deeply engaged with our work and passions as we grow older.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s recent words offer a stirring call to action: “I’ve tried not to fear defeat. Too many people are so timid about trying bold things and ambitious things and challenging and unpredictable things, adventurous and exciting things, gratifying things that they restrict their own lives” (The Daytona Beach News-Journal, 12/30/24). Carter’s insight resonates powerfully, reminding us that it is never too late to pursue bold, fulfilling endeavors.

The Fear of Irrelevance

Aging often brings with it an unspoken fear: the fear of being left behind or no longer having value to contribute. This mindset can be paralyzing, preventing us from staying engaged in our life’s work, chasing dreams or rediscovering the passions that once defined us. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Life is meant to be lived fully at every stage, with no exceptions!

Aging Icons often bring with them a wealth of experience, insight, and emotional depth that make our contributions even more valuable. Whether it’s a skill honed over decades, a passion waiting to be rekindled, or a bold new interest to explore, now is the time to embrace life’s adventures with courage and enthusiasm.

Rekindling Your Passions

As Carter’s words suggest, it is vital to resist timidity. Think back to the activities that once made your heart race and your spirit soar. Were you a painter? A teacher? A writer? An advocate for a cause close to your heart? Did you run a department or lead a successful company? Whatever it may be these passions still hold the potential to enrich your life and the lives of others.

Rekindling a passion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small. Take a class, join a community group, be a mentor, or simply set aside a little time each week to reengage with what you love. You may find that these activities not only bring you joy but also inspire others to follow their own dreams.

Staying Connected and Curious

Isolation can be one of the biggest hurdles to staying vibrant in later years. Surrounding yourself with family, friends, and like-minded, engaged individuals can help you maintain a sense of purpose and belonging. These connections also serve as a support system, encouraging you to take risks and embrace new challenges.

At the same time, staying curious about the world can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Attend lectures, read widely, or travel, whether that’s to a neighboring town or a distant country. Curiosity is the key to continuous learning, and learning is one of the most effective ways to stay mentally sharp and engaged.

Redefining Productivity

Productivity doesn’t have to mean working a 9-to-5 job or achieving societal markers of success. It’s about doing things that matter to you. Volunteer for a cause, mentor younger generations, or write a memoir. These acts of contribution can be deeply gratifying, proving that your knowledge and talents are timeless.

Remember, productivity can also mean self-care and personal growth. Taking care of your health, practicing mindfulness, and setting personal goals are all forms of productivity that enhance your quality of life and enable you to continue pursuing your passions.

Finding Purpose in Bold Challenges

Carter’s encouragement to take on “bold things and ambitious things” is a call to stretch beyond comfort zones. While this might seem intimidating, it can also be incredibly empowering. Perhaps it’s time to start that nonprofit you’ve always dreamed of or to pick up a new skill, like learning to play an instrument or mastering a foreign language. You may even wish to stay engaged with the industry you worked in before, and attend networking or association meetings or events.

Stepping into new challenges means you’re embracing life as a period of growth and transformation. These experiences remind us that life is always unfolding, full of opportunities to make a difference.

A Legacy of Passion and Purpose

Living vibrantly as we age is not just about personal fulfillment; it’s about leaving a legacy. By continuing to pursue our passions and engaging with the world, we inspire others, children, grandchildren, and our communities, to do the same. This ripple effect ensures that the spirit of adventure and resilience continues for generations to come.

The Time is Now

The journey of an Aging Icon is not a descent into irrelevance but a climb toward new heights of understanding, contribution, and joy. Take Carter’s words to heart and refuse to let fear or timidity restrict your life. Instead, embrace your passions, stay connected, and seek out bold and adventurous challenges.

You have a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be unearthed. Don’t let them pass by unnoticed.

January 2, 2025 Posted by | Uncategorized | , , , , | Leave a comment