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What if turning 40 isn’t a crisis, but a coming of age? Are you feeling a quiet shift—a pull toward something more honest, grounded, and true to yourself? Today we begin exploring the beauty and complexity of entering a new season of life, where ambition is redefined, softness is embraced, and the “second act” becomes a time for intentional living. Drawing inspiration from family, mentors, and cultural shifts, I reflect on what it means to move beyond proving yourself and start becoming who you truly are. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or simply sensing a change, you’re not alone—and there’s so much more ahead.

Highlights

• Embracing aging and the excitement of turning 40
• Lessons from my grandmother and mentors about thriving in your forties
• The inspiration behind launching a new podcast season: “The Second Act”
• Shifts in workplace culture and the rise of the “human skills revolution”
• Balancing ambition with softness and clarity
• Reflecting on Act One: building, striving, and learning
• Defining Act Two: living and leading with intention
• Challenging the “midlife crisis” narrative and embracing a coming of age
• Insights from Mary Oliver and Jane Fonda on living a meaningful life
• What to expect from this season: interviews, community stories, and honest conversations

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction: Embracing 40

00:54 — Inspiration from Grandma and Mentors

02:09 — The Second Act: A New Podcast Season

02:28 — Shifts in Workplace Culture

02:53 — Balancing Ambition and Softness

03:44 — Life’s Precious Moments

04:24 — The Human Skills Revolution

04:42 — Reflecting on Act One

05:25 — Defining Act Two

10:12 — Midlife Crisis or Coming of Age?

13:14 — Excitement for the Future

14:10 — Mary Oliver’s Wisdom

14:41 — Jane Fonda’s Advice

16:10 — Season Overview and Expectations

17:45 — Conclusion: Welcome to the Second Act

Resources Mentioned

• Lean In & McKinsey: Women in the Workplace 2025 Report
• Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day” (poem)
• Jane Fonda’s Advice on Aging (YouTube)
• Audra Dinell on Substack: The Second Act

If you’re feeling the softening, the clarity, or the pull to live a little differently, you’re not having a midlife crisis—you’re having a coming of age. Welcome to the Second Act.

Want to learn more?

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