We welcome Angie Callen, career coach and entrepreneur (and “recovering engineer who loves people”), to share her journey of reinvention. After relocating from the East Coast to Colorado in pursuit of a lifestyle rooted in adventure and alignment, Angie founded Career Benders. Now, she helps mid‑career professionals create work lives that reflect their personal values and priorities.

Angie discusses:

• How mindset often matters more than skill-set when shifting careers
• Taking small, intentional steps to spark transformation
• Building an authentic personal brand by sharing real stories and values
• Preventing burnout by recognizing your energy limits
• Navigating today’s career landscape, including the rise of side hustles and the impact of AI

This episode offers practical insights for anyone ready to take control of their path and build a career—and life—they genuinely want.

Connect with Angie:
careerbenders.com | moderncoach.com

In this conversation, Marcy Sutherland and I are joined by the extraordinary Anita Sanchez, Ph.D. Belonging-Inclusion-Culture—author, consultant, and global leadership expert—who brings forward the wisdom of Indigenous teachings, the power of belonging, and the essence of heart-centered leadership.

Dr. Sanchez reminds us that true leadership begins within. From daily rituals to creating space for dreaming, her insights are a timely call to reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and the natural world.

If you’re a purpose-driven leader navigating complexity and craving more authenticity, presence, and connection in your life and leadership, this episode is for you.

Listen in and walk away with renewed clarity on how to show up as “good medicine” in your community and beyond.

In this inspiring conversation, cartoonist, educator, and creative entrepreneur Steph Halligan shares how she has continuously reinvented herself through bold career pivots — from policy analyst to financial blogger to full-time artist and educator. 

With humor, heart, and hard-earned insight, Steph reveals how embracing creativity helped her build confidence, reconnect with her authentic voice, and create a business and life aligned with her values.

Through personal stories and practical strategies, Steph explores:

• The power of starting before you feel “ready”
• How curiosity can be your compass through transitions
• Why failure and risk are essential ingredients in a fulfilling creative life
• The connection between creativity and self-trust
• Ways to quiet your inner critic and amplify your unique voice

Whether you’re navigating a new chapter, longing for more creative expression, or simply seeking the courage to own your path, Steph’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin — you just need the courage to start.

More from Steph:

• Swim University on YouTube

Books by Steph: 

• Happy to Be Me, A Tree: A tall tale of growth and self-love
• Art to Self: Cartoon notes to remind you of your awesomeness 

Recommendations: 

Podcast: How to Survive the End of the World: https://endoftheworldshow.org/ 

Book: The Dispossessed by Ursula Kaliguan

In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Finstad, a leadership coach, mindfulness practitioner, and yoga teacher who's redefining success after 40. Courtney shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to building a purpose-driven coaching business, grounded in calm, courage, and authenticity. Learn how she turned a personal reckoning into a mission to help others align with their values, reclaim their energy, and embrace life as an adventure. Whether you're feeling stuck or ready to pivot, this conversation offers practical wisdom, soulful insights, and a reminder that it’s okay to be a beginner—especially when you’re following your heart. 

Resources mentioned:

BOOK: A Year to Live by Stephen Levine

PODCASTS: Rethinking by Adam Grant / Andrew Petty is Dying 

FREE APP: Insight Timer 

More about Courtney: Alignyourlifecoach.com

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, Shannon Bayer, with over 20 years of experience in leadership development, shares her unique career journey—from her start in animal science, a stint in law, and evolution into leadership consulting and writing a book. She discusses how networking, strategic connections, and staying true to oneself have shaped her success.

Shannon emphasizes the importance of managing career transitions, particularly after job loss, and offers practical advice for navigating layoffs. She also touches on the power of storytelling, owning your unconventional path, and how managing change requires a strong understanding of your values and commitment to the process.

In this podcast episode, Laura Best shares her journey of transforming her life by embracing her passion and creating the Passion Collective community. She reflects on how she shifted from a corporate environment, where she felt her voice and energy were stifled, to a space where she could reconnect with herself and help others find their passions. Laura discusses the misconceptions around passion, emphasizing its power as a motivational force that drives us toward meaningful activities. 

She also explores the concept of "passion stacking," where you integrate what you love into your daily life, and offers practical tips on pursuing your passions without giving up everything else. Her insights encourage listeners to find clarity in their passions, overcome self-doubt, and make time for what truly energizes them. 

Sbuscribe to Laura's newsletter The Passion Seeker: https://www.passioncollective.co/newsletter 

In this episode, we welcome guest Johanna Hising DiFabio, who shares her evolving perspective on the new year, leadership, and personal growth. She reflects on how she has become more focused on adding value in the right places, embracing curiosity, and celebrating diverse cultures—shaped by her international school upbringing. As someone who oversees two executive degree programs at MIT's Sloan School of Management, Jo discusses the importance of nurturing leaders who impact society. She emphasizes the significance of trust, mentorship, and self-reflection, particularly for women navigating challenges in traditionally male-dominated fields. Jo shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with MS and what fuels her ongoing quest for learning as she continues to evolve in her career. 

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we reflect on the highlights and lessons of Season 2, marking an important milestone in our journey. Marci and Sarah share their personal mantras from 2024 and discuss how these themes have shaped their experiences over the past year. We celebrate the growth fostered through this podcast and the deeper connections formed within our community. Both of us dive into our individual life transitions and the mental health practices they've embraced. The episode highlights the unique paths to success and the importance of surrounding oneself with uplifting influences while navigating change. Listeners will gain insights from our guests on authenticity, community, and embracing life's challenges as privileges. As we close this season, we encourage reflection on personal growth and intentions for the year ahead, expressing gratitude to our listeners for their support. We look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025.

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we have an amazing conversation with Kerry Seitz, Vice President of Women's Leadership at the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership. With over two decades of coaching and consulting experience, Kerry shares her insights on personal growth, career transitions, and emotional resilience. We discuss the significance of authenticity and self-reflection in navigating non-linear career paths and how emotional awareness can drive personal development. Kerry also illustrates her points with a personal story that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings during life changes. Join us as we explore practical communication strategies and the concept of resilience, reframing setbacks as valuable learning opportunities. 

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we speak with Eric Jackson, also known as Coach J, who shares his nearly 40-year journey in football coaching and mentorship. We discuss his impactful experiences at prestigious institutions and his current role as a college and career readiness coach in Michigan. 

Eric emphasizes his philosophy of creating inclusive cultures filled with joy and curiosity, which encourages students to discover their potential. He recounts transformative stories from his coaching career, illustrating the profound effects of mentorship. Eric’s insights on gratitude, resilience, and community underscore the importance of nurturing relationships. 

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]