What has more to do with longevity: your zip code or your genetic code? The answer might just surprise you. 

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Dr. Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP and author of “The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond” join me to discuss the changing narrative of aging. 

Deb’s journey into this field began at a young age; growing up living with her grandmother, who had schizophrenia, shaped her deep passion for improving the lives of older adults.

Her book, “The Second Fifty,” is a profound exploration of the reality of aging in America, highlighting the disparities in life expectancy, healthcare, and the retirement crisis many face, while also offering actionable steps for improving how we live, work, and age. 

From the big questions in our second half of life to the importance of intergenerational teams, this conversation will change the way you think about aging and help you embrace it with purpose and intention. This episode is a call to action to adopt a more positive view of aging and to build systems that support healthy, vibrant aging for everyone - not just a select few.

Instead of dreading birthdays, why not embrace them with gratitude and start planning your next big adventure? Who knows - your second 50 might just be your best 50!

Listen now to hear Deb’s inspiring insights, learn about AARP’s important work on behalf of older adults, and hear how we can shift the mentality around aging in our society.

“If you think more positively about your future, then that's the best health behavior you can have.” 

~ Dr. Debra Whitman

In This Episode:

-The need for authenticity in aging and why it’s time to embrace The Second 50

-How positive aging and mindset shifts can add years to your life

-Why multigenerational teams are essential for business success

-How older workers are critical for driving economic growth and innovation

And much more!

Resources:

-The Second 50 by Dr. Debra Whitman: https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/books/bookstore/money-work-retirement/info-2023/the-second-fifty.html

Connect with Dr. Debra Whitman:

-Website: https://www.aarp.org/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-whitman/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

What happens when the most brutal battle of your life changes how you approach everything? 

Cancer sucks. It rips apart someone’s life. So, can you believe someone “gamified cancer” to make sure she still got the most out of life during her fight?  

Yup, that would be my friend, Loren. In this episode, I’m joined by executive career strategist Loren Greiff, the driving force behind helping job seekers over age 40 land their ideal roles. 

Her story is nothing short of inspiring - she’s not only a career coach but also a survivor of advanced-stage cancer, and she brings her incredible resilience to her work helping others get back to work. Loren helps job seekers reinvent themselves, cultivate the optimal mindset, and get intentional during job transitions. She’s all about reframing difficult situations and turning challenges into opportunities (see earlier point about “gamifying cancer”).

Loren’s story is a reminder that age should never be seen as a negative. She helps her clients go beyond viewing their years of experience as a liability and instead shift their focus forward to what they can deliver in the future. Her work highlights the shifting narrative around ageism in the workforce, particularly for those over 40, and demonstrates how anyone can continue to reinvent their career and make meaningful contributions. Loren’s infectious energy and drive have helped many of her clients secure roles that truly align with their passions.

Tune in to hear Loren’s inspiring story and game-changing career strategies. If you’re ready to reinvent your career, this episode is a must-listen!

“You don’t have to have cancer in order to gamify tough things in your life.” 

~ Loren Greiff

In This Episode:

-Gamifying tough situations

-Finding success in navigating career transitions

-How Portfolio Rocket can help you land your dream job

-Tips for effective networking, overcoming doubts, and embracing uncertainty

And much more!

Resources:

-Doubt is Death. My 3 Secrets To Certainty In Your Search | Loren Greiff - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1kv2x6s9uw

Connect with Loren Greiff:

-Website: https://www.portfoliorocket.com/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorengreiff/

-Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-blast-in-a-half/id1670977528

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

We’re done just talking about ageism. In this episode, we show you how to do something about it.

Janine Vanderburg is the powerhouse behind Changing the Narrative and CEO of Encore Roadmap. She joins me to talk about how she and a coalition of advocates helped pass the groundbreaking Job Application Fairness Act in Colorado - legislation that bans asking for graduation dates or age identifiers in job applications. It’s a big win for both older and younger workers - and a roadmap for change in other states.

Just in time for Intergenerational Week and Older Americans Month, this is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt invisible in the job market or want to turn your frustration into progress.

From the importance of intergenerational teams in the workplace to the business case for older workers, Janine provides practical advice for both job seekers and employers.

What you’ll get from this episode:

✅ How the Job Application Fairness Act is changing the game for job seekers in Colorado

✅ Why intergenerational teams are essential for business success

✅ Stories of how ageism impacts real people in the workforce

✅ Janine’s journey from consultant to anti-ageism advocate and how you can get involved

Tune in to hear Janine’s incredible journey and learn how we can all be part of the solution. Let’s go!

“My mantra personally is: It’s not too late—dreams don't have an expiration date.” 

~ Janine Vanderburg

In This Episode:

-How Colorado became the first state to ban age-based application screening

-Why this law helps both Gen Z and older generations

-How to tell your story without risking your career

-Why intergenerational teams drive business success - and how to make the business case

-How you can bring this law to your own state (yes, there’s a toolkit!)

And much more!

Resources:

-Colorado's Job Application Fairness Act: Advancing Age Inclusion in Hiring by Janine Vanderburg: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/colorados-job-application-fairness-act-advancing-age-vanderburg-hvmwc/

-AARP Research on Age Discrimination: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/older-workers-fear-age-discrimination.html

-Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416

Connect with Janine Vanderburg:

-Website: https://encoreroadmap.com/ and https://changingthenarrativeco.org/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinevanderburg/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

If you’ve ever been blindsided by a layoff, wrestled with feeling “too old” for the job search, or wondered if your career peak is behind you, this episode is for you. 

In this deeply honest and refreshingly human episode, I speak with Nick Passarelli, a fintech exec and former HR leader whose early career taught him the hard truth: corporate loyalty doesn’t always pay off. 

From leading mass layoffs at just 24 years old to witnessing longtime employees get pushed out with nowhere to go, Nick saw firsthand how brutal and impersonal the system can be. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to advocating against ageism and helping older professionals navigate a work world that’s not exactly rooting for them.

We talk layoffs, job searches after 50, ageism’s impact on women, and why “Jenga families” are more common than you think. Nick brings honesty, humility, and plenty of practical advice (and memes–yes, really) to a conversation every mid-career professional needs to hear.

Nick's story is a powerful reminder that reinvention is possible and that empathy, preparation, and a little humor can go a long way.

“Never add your work friends onto your socials because they could totally use that against you. I learned this through a friend at my old company, and I thought it was brilliant.” 

~ Nick Passarelli

In This Episode:

-Nick’s diverse career path, from HR to fintech

-Mass layoffs during Y2K and the emotional toll

-First encounter with ageism, layoffs for long-tenured workers

-Transitioning from HR to compliance, adapting career focus

-What it's like for a young recruiter to interview older candidates

-Maximizing “prime earning years” (35-55) and balancing expenses

-“Jenga families” and the financial risks of not planning for job transitions

-The personal impact of job loss in your 50s

-How women can set themselves up for success

-Networking, upskilling, and staying positive in a job search

-Keeping the fun and laughter despite your corporate situation

And much more!

Resources:

-Ross Pomerantz aka Corporate Bro: https://www.instagram.com/corporate.bro/

-Corporate Natalie: https://www.instagram.com/corporatenatalie/

-Ben Sweeny: https://www.instagram.com/corporate.sween/

-Jamie Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/humorous_resources/

-LinkedIn Learning (Free and paid courses to enhance skills): https://www.linkedin.com/learning/

-SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Certifications: https://www.shrm.org/mena/credentials/certification

Connect with Nick Passarelli:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-passarelli-9777454/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

We’ve all had those painfully awkward moments–those cringey, uncomfortable feelings—the ones that make you want to disappear into the floor. But what if awkwardness wasn’t something to escape, but something to embrace? Today, I sit down with workplace performance expert Henna Pryor to unpack why discomfort is actually a good thing.

Henna shares her personal journey from feeling like an outsider as a child of immigrants to discovering how awkwardness can be a growth accelerator. She also reveals surprising research on why confident people don’t avoid awkward moments—they just recover faster. Plus, we dig into how social skills are eroding in the workplace, why millennials report the most superficial relationships at work, and how different generations handle awkwardness.

If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself before speaking up in a meeting, hesitated before trying something new, or let fear of embarrassment hold you back, this episode will change the way you think about discomfort.

If this episode gave you the push to stop overthinking and embrace the cringe, share it with a friend! And if you really loved it, we’d be forever grateful if you left us a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find the show (and helps us keep embracing our awkward too).

“In our 20s and 30s, we care a lot about what people think of us. In our 40s and 50s, we stop caring what other people think of us. But in our 60s and 70s, we realize they were never thinking about us in the first place, and that knowledge is so freeing.” 

~ Henna Pryor

In This Episode:

-Why awkwardness isn’t a curse but a superpower

-Henna’s childhood struggles with feeling different

-How age shifts our self-consciousness (and makes us care less)

-The workplace “social muscle” problem across generations

-Remote work + tech = weaker social skills (and it shows)

-86% of workers would rather work alone—yikes

-Small steps to build social confidence without freaking out

-Using humor to recover from awkward moments

-Risk-taking at work: when to go for it and when to hold back

-The “Cringe Chasm”—choosing between comfort and growth

-The worst-case scenario exercise that flips fear on its head

And much more!

Resources:

-Book: Good Awkward by Henna Pryor: https://pryoritygroup.com/book/

-The Social Muscle Study: Download the full report at https://pryoritygroup.com/study/

-Henna’s TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/henna_pryor_want_to_get_ahead_at_work_risk_the_awkward_moments

Connect with Henna Pryor:

-Website: https://pryoritygroup.com/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hennapryor/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Did you know that the average age for a first Botox injection is reportedly now just 26? Wild, right? That’s just one sign of how deeply ageism is woven into our lives - whether it’s in the workplace, healthcare, or even just the way we see ourselves.

So, today I am chatting with Dr. Stacey Gordon, a senior fellow at NYU’s Center for Health and Aging Innovation, and Aubrey Hirsch, an author and illustrator, about their incredible public art installation in New York City, “What About Age?” This 13-panel exhibit at NYU’s Kimmel Windows puts ageism on full display - literally.

We dive into why they created this project, what it was like watching college students actually stop and think about aging, and how they turned big, complex issues into eye-catching, can’t-ignore-it street art.

The response has been HUGE - from people stopping and taking photos, to my LinkedIn post about it that went viral (yes, really - 2.4 million views!). Stacey and Aubrey also unpack how ageism impacts women, how it’s weirdly still okay to make ageist jokes, and why younger people need to care about this too. Tune in and let’s talk about why ending ageism isn’t just important - it’s long overdue! And if you’re in New York before March 18th, don’t miss the exhibit!

“Ageism is not just ageism. It's part of a larger social structure that comprises laws, policies, macro-level issues, and communal institutions like healthcare and the workplace.” 

~Dr. Stacey Gordon

In This Episode:

-How the “What About Age?” exhibit is challenging ageism 

-Why age discrimination is often overlooked, and how it affects everyone

-The unexpected response to the “What About Age?" exhibit

-How women face age-related biases

-Age stereotypes across industries and demographics

-Practical steps we can take to challenge stereotypes

And much more!

Link to an article about the NYU Art Exhibit: https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/september/nyu-s-kimmel-windows-presents--what-about-age---oct--1-march-18-.html

Connect with Dr. Stacey Gordon:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygordonempa 

-The Wrinkle Project: https://www.wrinkleproject.org/

Connect with Aubrey Hirsch:

-Website: https://aubreyhirsch.com/

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyhirsch/  

-Substack: https://aubreyhirsch.substack.com

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

How does a Silicon Valley techie end up transforming one of the largest nonprofits in the U.S.? Well, Naj Uddin, Chief Information Officer at AARP, joins us to share his journey from tech startups to spearheading innovation at AARP. 

Naj shares how AARP is doing things differently - think success coaching, mentorship programs, and hiring practices that prioritize meaningful work and support for employees at every career stage. Plus, he shares heartwarming stories of growth, like an executive assistant who leveled up into a tech role and an intern who turned mentor.

And because no conversation today is complete without a mention of AI, Naj gives practical advice on how to harness AI (hello, prompt engineering!) to tailor resumes, boost skills, and stand out in today’s job market. 

But wait, there’s more! Naj gives the roadmap on how companies can thrive with a multigenerational workforce, from flexible work setups to creating inclusive environments. 

Whether you're leading a multigenerational team, navigating a career pivot, or just curious about how AARP is leading the charge, this episode* is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. So, let’s roll!

“Give people meaningful work, give them support, hold them to high expectations, be clear about what they're doing, and people thrive. But, that's not something that happens automatically—you have to be deliberate about it as a manager.” 

~Naj Uddin

In This Episode:

- Naj’s journey from Silicon Valley to leading innovation at AARP

- How AARP is empowering over 100 million Americans to thrive

- AARP’s strategies for creating an intergenerational workforce

- How to use AI tools to boost your job prospects

- The practices that make AARP a supportive and innovative workplace

- How companies can replicate AARP’s success

And much more!

Learn More About AARP’s Employer Pledge Program:

-https://www.aarp.org/work/employer-pledge-companies/ 

Connect with Naj Uddin:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/najeebuddin

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough

*PS. AARP sponsored this episode of It Gets Late Early as a part of our live event package.

Ever looked back on a missed opportunity and thought, Ugh, what if? Well, you’re not alone—and that feeling of regret might actually be one of the best tools for growth. I had the privilege of chatting with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink about his book The Power of Regret—the book that gave me the final push to launch this very podcast!

Dan breaks down why regret gets a bad rap in our culture of toxic positivity and how it can actually help us make smarter choices. He conducted a massive study (we’re talking 26,000+ regrets from people in 130 countries!) and uncovered four core types of regret that shape our lives. 

We got personal, talking about boldness regrets (yep, like not shooting your shot), connection regrets, and even my own struggles with juggling career, parenting, and ADHD. Spoiler: being kind to yourself is key.

Instead of fearing regret, Dan suggests we flip the script—treat it as a guide, not a life sentence. Because in the end, regret isn’t about what we did. It’s about what we didn’t do. So, if you’re stuck in what could have been mode, this episode will help you leap forward. Tune in now!

“Regret clarifies what we value and instructs us on how to live.” 

-Daniel Pink

In This Episode:

-Daniel’s research findings on regret from 26,000 participants

-The four core types of regret

-Why people regret more about playing it safe than taking risks

-How regret can be a powerful tool for growth

-The importance of self-compassion in overcoming regret

-Career regrets in the workplace and why bold moves matter

-How anticipating regret can lead to smarter decisions

-Why the idea of “no regrets” is misleading

-Practical steps to turn regret into opportunity

And much more!

Connect with Daniel Pink:

-LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpink/ 

-Website: https://www.danpink.com/ 

-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpink 

-Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: https://amzn.to/33G8WF8

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

In this last episode of the year, I reflect on what I’ve learned in 1.5 years of podcasting about ageism in the workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s a big deal for all of us, whether you’re fresh out of school or deep into your career, so let’s roll!

Did you know having a positive mindset about aging can add 7.5 years to your life? That’s more than quitting smoking or exercising! Mind-blowing, right? But thanks to the media and the beauty industry, stereotypes about aging make it harder for everyone to feel good about getting older.

Surveys from Resume Now and AARP show that up to 90% of workers face age discrimination. And it’s not just older folks—“reverse ageism” hits younger workers too. Meanwhile, multigenerational workplaces aren’t just nice to have; they’re productivity powerhouses, boosting team performance by 20%.

The financial hit? Brace yourself—ageism costs the U.S. economy $850 billion a year! On top of that, issues like menopause in the workplace are costing companies millions in lost productivity. 

But there’s reason to hope! Listeners have shared some inspiring success stories about landing jobs through their networks. Plus, collective action is making waves—like holding companies accountable for ageist practices (looking at you, Indeed). Change is happening, folks, and I’m here for it.

So buckle up - this episode is going to change the way you think and get you geared up and revved up for what’s next!

Join the Event with AARP on December 9, 2024:

-Send an email to [email protected] to reserve your seat.

Sign up for One-on-One Coaching:

-Send an email to [email protected] or a message at  https://www.itgetslateearly.com/collaborate. 

Maureen LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

-Generations Report by Protiviti and Dr. Daniel Jolles - https://www.protiviti.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/lse-generations-survey-report.pdf 

-EEOC Report On Diversity In The Tech Workforce - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/high-tech-low-inclusion-diversity-high-tech-workforce-and-sector-2014-2022 

-Women in Leadership Face Ageism at Every Age - https://hbr.org/2023/06/women-in-leadership-face-ageism-at-every-age 

-McKinsey & Company’s Report On Women In The Workplace  - https://www.flipsnack.com/78C9ACFF8D6/women-in-the-workplace-2024/full-view.html 

-Resume Now Survey on Ageism - https://www.resume-now.com/job-resources/careers/ageism-in-the-workplace 

-AARP Research On Age Discrimination - https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/economics/info-2022/workforce-trends-older-adults-age-discrimination.html 

-Almost Half Of Recruiters Think 57 Is Too Old For A Job - https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/entrepreneurs/article/almost-half-of-recruiters-think-57-is-too-old-for-a-job-gxpn6nsfj 

Previous Podcast Episodes Mentioned:

-Daniel Jolles: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/294a48ae/what-do-older-workers-bring-to-the-table-with-inclusion-researcher-daniel-jolles  

-Tamsen Fadal: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/4802f24b/how-menopause-affects-productivity-at-work-corporate-americas-neglect-of-womens-health-and-the-billion-dollar-cost-to-businesses-with-tamsen-fadal  

-Bradley Schurman: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/24dc20c7/the-super-age-how-demographic-change-impacts-us-all-with-author-bradley-schurman  

-Emilia D'Anzica: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/3a7eb073/fired-for-being-42-the-insane-age-discrimination-case-no-lawyer-would-take-and-picking-up-the-pieces-with-over-40-founder-emilia-danzica   

-Keith Sonderling: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/381130db/how-youre-getting-discriminated-against-at-work-part-2-with-eeoc-commissioner-keith-sonderling  

-Lori Prutsman: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/podcast/episode/20160be5/over-40-in-tech-an-ex-amazon-recruiter-tells-you-what-to-expect-with-lori-prutsman

In This Episode:

-Lesson 1: Ageism is real

-Lesson 2: Ageism affects everyone

-Lesson 3: How your view on aging impacts longevity

-Lesson 4: Ageism costs companies billions

-Lesson 5: Women’s health in the workplace is ignored

-Lesson 6: Demographic changes demand immediate action

-Lesson 7: Age discrimination laws aren’t enough to protect workers

-Lesson 8: Why education about ageism is crucial

-Lesson 9: Age bias in layoffs and hiring practices

-Lesson 10: Hope and the power of networks

-Community efforts and success stories

-Upcoming events and opportunities

And much more!

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Ever feel like you're trying to navigate a corporate obstacle course while juggling flaming torches and keeping your cool? Like you're supposed to be "authentic" but also "professional," vulnerable but not too vulnerable? Well, today we're diving into the workplace circus with Hanan Harb Sahourieh, the brilliant mind behind Everybody Be Cool - a book that's basically your survival guide to the modern workplace.

Here's what's fascinating about Hanan: after getting laid off (yeah, we've all been there or feared being there), instead of diving into the usual "how to climb the corporate ladder" stuff, she wrote the book she wished she'd had - one for the regular folks trying to figure out how to show up as themselves. And this isn't your typical "lean in" narrative. This is real talk about what happens when five generations of workers try to coexist without driving each other crazy.

We get into some juicy territory, like what Hanan calls "spiritual business moments" (trust me, it's not what you think), and why being vulnerable at work isn't always the magic solution Brené Brown might have led us to believe. Speaking of which, wait until you hear Hanan's take on psychological safety - spoiler alert: your role might have more to do with it than your personality.

So, if you're tired of workplace advice that feels like it was written by AI (no offense to our robot friends), and you're ready for some real talk about power, authenticity, and staying human in the corporate jungle, this episode is for you. Don't worry, we'll throw in some cringe-worthy corporate culture stories too - because sometimes you just need to know you're not alone in this wild ride we call work life.

“We have power and control over how we show up, how we interact with our neighbors, our community, our family, and the people we work with. That's where we have the power to be who we want to be and be the change that we want to see.” 

~ Hanan Harb Sahourieh 

In This Episode:

-Why personal power matters in the workplace

-How to build a personal brand and its benefits

-The inspiration behind Hanan’s book Everybody Be Cool

-How to navigate generational differences in the workplace

-Why power skills are essential in today’s workplace

-Challenges of being vulnerable in the workplace

-How independent publishing empowers creators

-The value of a coaching culture in the workplace

-How to build resilience and adaptability in the rising gig economy

And much more!

Resource Mentioned in the Episode:

-Hanan’s book, Everybody Be Cool: https://a.co/d/h7SzNjE 

Connect with Hanan Harb Sahourieh:

-Website: https://www.everybody-be-cool.com/   

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hananharb

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/