Episode DescriptionAt some point in midlife, many of us realize that the roles we’ve been playing, at work, at home, in our lives, no longer hold the weight they used to.This episode is the Midlife Remix wrap for 2025. It’s been a tumultuous year for me, personally and professionally. A year where I learned a lot, not just from my own life, but from my clients and from every guest who joined me on the podcast.Across conversations with Jack Swift, Larry Olson, Keith Lawrence, Eric, Paige Scott, Bruno Del Ama, Brett Wright, Mark Hsu, Maryann Bruce, Paul Hatch, Yogesh Chavda, Henry, and Sam Sellers, a set of shared tensions kept emerging. Questions about work becoming identity. About success losing its pull. About fear, grief, ambition, leadership, parenting, and how we define a meaningful life when the old formulas stop working.This episode steps back to take stock of what this year revealed and what shifted in how I think about work, identity, and meaning in midlife.Chapters and Time Stamps00:00 – The Midlife Tension00:48 – The Squeeze of This Life Stage01:23 – Failure Over Achievement02:00 – From Ego to Intuition02:34 – When Work Becomes Identity03:07 – Mourning Old Selves03:48 – The Cost of Pretending04:16 – The Hedonic Treadmill04:41 – Being Seen and Reordering Life05:10 – Leadership and Connection05:42 – Fear, Legacy, and Parenting06:35 – Life Beyond Work07:08 – Acceptance and Freedom08:21 – One Job Can’t Carry Everything08:46 – Risk, Regret, and Discomfort09:14 – The Void and Self-Defined SuccessMain Themes• Work as identity and what happens when it breaks• Failure, fear, and grief as information• Ambition without satisfaction• Leadership rooted in vulnerability and connection• Parenting, legacy, and presence• Meaning beyond a single job• Redefining success on personal terms#MidlifeRemix #YearEndWrap #MidlifeReflection #WorkAndIdentity #RethinkingSuccess #CareerTransitions #LeadershipAndLife #MeaningInMidlife #stevenmiyao #coachingmetta

What happens when you realize the life you built doesn’t match the life you want? In this episode of Midlife Remix, Steven Miyao reconnects with Paul Hatch, CEO of Vestra Financial and former Vice Chairman of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, to explore what reinvention really looks like after decades of success.Paul shares the failures that reshaped him, the cost of chasing money and titles, and why purpose is the only sustainable path forward. He talks openly about walking away from corporate prestige, building mission-driven ventures, parenting with more presence, and using Stoicism to navigate adversity with clarity and grit.If you're questioning your next chapter, carrying more than you admit, or trying to build something that actually matters, this conversation offers perspective you can use today.Chapters00:00 Appreciating Life and Failure01:28 After the Reinvention02:41 Evolving Identity and Leadership04:16 Lessons from Recent Failures05:41 Redefining Success07:14 The Value of Struggle08:20 Leaving Corporate Life11:21 Ambition and Purpose16:31 Stoicism in Practice18:59 Fatherhood and Legacy#MidlifeRemix #PaulHatch #SuccessWithoutPurpose #CareerReinvention #Leadership #Stoicism #MidlifeTransitions #Entrepreneurship #PurposeDrivenLife #StevenMiyao #coachingmetta

What happens when you finally hit the goals you spent years chasing, only to realize the feeling you hoped for isn’t there? In this episode of Midlife Remix, Steven Miyao sits down with award-winning creative director Larry Olson, whose journey spans Nike, Apple, Spike Lee, Al Gore, and decades inside the world of top-tier advertising.Larry opens up about the moment he stood in Times Square during a career-defining milestone and felt an unexpected emptiness. That moment sent him into a deep reevaluation of identity, ego, purpose, and what a meaningful life actually looks like in midlife.This conversation explores reinvention, shedding old identities, meditation, grief, intuition, family struggle, ambition, burnout, and the freedom that comes from aligning life with what matters.If you’re a high achiever navigating your own turning point, this will feel like someone finally said what you’ve been thinking.Chapters00:00 - Larry’s early ambitions and three big goals02:00 - Times Square success and sudden emptiness04:20 - Hitting a wall and questioning identity06:30 - The post-it note that shifted everything08:20 - Moving from ego to purpose10:40 - Creating without fear13:00 - Letting go of old identities15:10 - Meditation and inner work17:10 - MS, family struggle, loss, and rebuilding20:50 - Embracing change and loving the journey#MidlifeRemix #LarryOlson #StevenMiyao #MidlifeAwakening #CareerTransition #EgoToPurpose #Reinvention #MidlifeJourney #AuthenticLiving #CreativeLife #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #coachingmetta #spikelee #algore #nike #apple

Most of us spend decades chasing success—climbing higher, earning more, proving ourselves. But what happens when we get there and it still doesn’t feel right?In this episode, I talk with four leaders who’ve stopped chasing and started listening:• Jack Swift on facing fear, trusting his inner voice, and walking away from prestige for alignment.• Brett Wright on why real leadership begins with listening and vulnerability.• Bruno Del Ama on stepping off the treadmill of constant achievement.• Keith Lawrence on designing a purposeful next chapter built on resilience and fulfillment.We explore the fears that keep people stuck—fear of failure, judgment, or even success—and what it takes to rewrite the story. This conversation is about redefining success on your own terms, finding meaning beyond achievement, and aligning your next chapter with what truly matters.

Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:05 – Jack Swift: Fear, Failure, and the Inner Voice03:56 – Rewiring Fear and Building Clarity05:07 – Walking Away from Prestige06:34 – The Privilege of Listening to Your Heart07:29 – Advice for the Pivot Point07:47 – Brett Wright: Leadership, Vulnerability, and “How Might We”09:33 – Listening Before Leading10:28 – Bruno Del Ama: The Hedonic Treadmill11:55 – Being Seen and Seeing Others13:41 – Redefining Success Beyond Achievement16:05 – Keith Lawrence: Designing the Next Chapter17:03 – Living Intentionally18:30 – Fulfillment vs. Happiness20:17 – Building Resilience and Reframing Adversity22:06 – The Real Currency: Time22:59 – Closing Reflections #MidlifeRemix #StevenMiyao #Leadership #CareerPivot #PersonalGrowth #MindfulLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #SuccessRedefined #PurposeDrivenLife

Midlife gets a bad rap. People call it a crisis, but really, it can be clarity. It’s that moment when you realize the status quo no longer works—the career, the pace, or even the version of success you’ve been pursuing.

In this Midlife Remix anniversary episode, Steven Miyao revisits conversations with guests who stopped living by someone else’s definition of success and started building lives that actually fit who they are now.

Hear from Larry Kihlstadius, Paul Hatch, Kim Mustin, and Mike Ma as they share lessons on freedom, leadership, courage, caregiving, and finding meaning through change. These stories are proof that midlife isn’t an ending—it’s a turning point.

Chapters

00:00 – Opening: Midlife as clarity, not crisis

01:23 – Larry Kihlstadius on thriving kids, legacy, and defining freedom through time

02:40 – Steven on leadership by example and vulnerability

02:52 – Larry on why relationships drive everything

03:36 – Larry’s True North: redefining freedom and meaningful work

04:04 – Steven on autonomy, outcomes, and avoiding micromanagement

04:42 – Larry’s Leadership Champion model: start with trust and align on why and how

06:31 – Steven sets up a major pivot

06:39 – Paul Hatch on losing the pilot path and creating a new dream

08:17 – Paul on discomfort as the path to growth

09:08 – Paul on leaving global banks for entrepreneurship

10:27 – Transition to caregiving and purpose

11:10 – Kim Mustin on crisis calls, reevaluating work, and choosing what truly matters

13:13 – The reality of caregiving and career pressure

13:35 – Kim on women in leadership, policy progress, and the practice of “leave loudly”

About Midlife Remix

Hosted by Steven Miyao, Midlife Remix explores how to navigate career pivots, leadership, and life transitions with clarity and purpose. Each episode shares real stories and practical insights to help professionals redefine success and take control of their next chapter.

Connect with Steven Miyao

Website: coachingmetta.com

Podcast: Midlife Remix#MidlifeRemix #StevenMiyao #Leadership #CareerPivot #Reinvention #Purpose #Caregiving #Entrepreneurship #Freedom #WomenInLeadership #MidlifeClarity #TurningPoint #PersonalGrowth #coachingmetta

At 54, senior search leader and executive recruiter Paige Scott has stopped pretending, and the results are unmistakable. In this Midlife Remix conversation, Paige and Steven Miyao dig into what changes after 50, why alignment beats performance theater, and how to navigate multi-generational teams without losing yourself.Paige shares the personal transformation behind her professional clarity, including the manifestation journal practice she used to rebuild after divorce and to coach over-50 candidates through fear, layoffs, and reinvention. They tackle underemployment traps, saying no with conviction, and the real reasons leaders should hire for authenticity.If you are a Gen X leader at a crossroads, this is your playbook for purpose, energy, and impact in the next chapter.Chapters00:00 Settling into your skin after 5001:22 Balancing work, family, and community post-pandemic02:48 Paige’s personal transformation after divorce05:27 Vulnerability and connection at work07:23 Why authenticity beats “performance theater”09:24 Generational differences in leadership and motivation13:54 Gen X leadership in the age of AI17:20 Mentorship, feedback, and career trajectory shifts19:03 What energizes leaders in midlife (beyond money and titles)21:17 The power of saying no and setting boundaries22:44 The underemployment trap after 5023:26 Identity, purpose, and the American retirement challenge25:50 Building a legacy and creating space for the next generation27:11 Paige’s #1 advice: manifestation journals29:08 The science of intentionality and habit-building30:46 Breaking out of the victim cycle#MidlifeCareer #MidlifeRemix #CareerPivot #AuthenticLeadership #GenXLeadership #CareerChallenges #ExecutiveCoaching #ValuesBasedCareers #ReinventionAfter50 #FindingPurpose #CareerTransitions #LeadershipDevelopment #stevenmiyao #coachingmetta #paigescott

So much of who we are is tied to what we do. But what happens when the job ends, the role changes, or success no longer feels fulfilling?In this episode of Midlife Remix with Steven Miyao, Steven speaks with Keith Lawrence, a former Procter & Gamble senior executive and co-author of Your Retirement Quest. Keith has spent decades helping people design their next chapter, not just financially, but emotionally and purposefully.You’ll learn how to:- Break free from an identity tied to work- Write a life plan that creates clarity and direction- Apply the 10 key elements of a fulfilling next chapter- Build resilience and real friendships before it’s too late- Avoid retirement myths and thrive in midlife- Take courageous first steps toward your next chapterWhether you’re facing a midlife career pivot, questioning your purpose beyond work, or simply preparing for the future, this conversation offers proven frameworks and practical wisdom.Subscribe to Midlife Remix for more insights on career change, life design, and intentional living for Gen X professionals.Chapters 00:00 — Identity Beyond Work01:23 — Meet Keith Lawrence02:19 — Four Questions for What’s Next03:04 — 10 Keys to a Fulfilling Next Chapter04:16 — Midlife Pressures05:40 — Corporate Identity06:22 — Purpose & Strengths07:10 — Mentorship & Experimentation08:27 — Myths of Success10:15 — Life Planning Framework14:01 — Couples & Alignment17:26 — Fulfillment vs. Happiness19:31 — The Friendship Gap23:39 — Time Over Money25:00 — Legacy & North Star36:04 — Closing ReflectionsThanks for watching Midlife Remix with Steven Miyao: Your Job Isn’t Your Identity — What’s Next? Featuring Keith Lawrence!Question for you: What part of this conversation resonated most with you — identity, purpose, or resilience? Share your thoughts below — I read every comment.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who might need this message.#midlifecareerchange #careerpivotafter40 #midlifecareercrisis #GenXcareeradvice #lifeaftercorporate #purposebeyondwork #howtofindyourpurpose #retirementplanningforGenX #identitycrisismidlife #KeithLawrence #YourRetirementQuest #lifeplanningcoach #resilienceinmidlife #careerchangeat50 #redefiningsuccess #midlifecoaching #intentionalliving #ZoneOfGenius #sandwichgeneration #careerandlifetransitions #futureofwork #stevenmiyao #coachingmetta

Jack Swift doesn’t start this conversation with billion-dollar exits or his time as an Army Ranger; he begins with fear, failure, and a personal inflection point that changed everything.In this powerful episode, Jack opens up about the dark moments that shaped his leadership journey and how aligning with his inner truth transformed not only his career but his entire life.We talk about:- Letting go of ego and societal expectations- Rewiring fear into self-awareness- Practicing leadership in the age of AI- Redefining success from the inside outWhether you're facing a big decision, navigating burnout, or simply seeking more alignment—this conversation will resonate.Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 – The part of Jack’s story not on LinkedIn01:30 – Failure, fear, and the pressure to succeed03:40 – Fear of failure vs. fear of judgment vs. fear of success06:00 – How to break the loop of rumination09:15 – Rewiring the brain through consistent practice11:40 – Why Jack walked away from high-powered roles16:50 – Getting fired—and why it was the best thing that happened19:20 – Coaching your younger self (and your current self)22:00 – Redefining “working hard” through rhythm and intuition25:00 – Leadership in the age of AI and the future of human value29:00 – Intuition, creativity, and what AI can’t replicate33:30 – Why we need to reimagine education and empowerment36:00 – Intentionality, energy, and co-creating with technology#Leadership #SelfAwareness #CareerTransitions #EmotionalIntelligence #Fear #ExecutiveCoaching #Authenticity #AI #JackSwift #StevenMiyao #SpiritualLeadership #PersonalGrowth #MidlifeCareer #InnerAlignment #Podcast #MindfulLeadership #coachingmetta #midliferemix

What happens when you walk away from a global corporate career to build a portfolio life and then face the rise of AI?In this episode, I sit down with Yogesh Chavda, a marketing leader, educator, and AI consultant who has worked with brands like Procter & Gamble, Spotify, and Pinterest. We talk about his leap from corporate to independence, the challenges and lessons of building a portfolio career, and how AI is reshaping the way we all work.If you’ve ever wondered how to future-proof your career, whether AI will replace your role, or what skills will always remain uniquely human, this conversation is for you.Chapters:00:01 – Finding joy through teaching and consulting00:55 – Meet Yogesh Chavda: corporate leader turned educator and AI consultant01:27 – From corporate to portfolio career: the big pivot02:38 – Downsides of going independent (no infrastructure, new roles to learn)05:53 – Swim lanes, positioning, and competing with big firms06:32 – The rise of AI and its impact on consulting07:11 – Marketing yourself as an independent07:22 – Triggers that led Yogesh to leave corporate life08:30 – Building recurring revenue and creating products as a consultant08:53 – Custom GPTs and frameworks as value drivers09:37 – Can one job give you everything? Rethinking fulfillment11:00 – Purpose, passion, and redefining career meaning12:02 – Future-proofing your career with AI: Yogesh’s advice14:09 – Who benefits from AI productivity gains — the company or you?15:03 – Tools and experiments: custom GPTs as thinking partners16:36 – What humans can do that AI can’t17:39 – Creativity, intention, and setting the problems worth solving19:42 – Compassion vs empathy in leadership20:23 – The risk of AI making us less thoughtful21:03 – Why critical thinking is the most important human skill22:21 – The disappearing entry-level job problem23:57 – The pendulum swing: why entry-level roles may return24:21 – Embracing AI while investing in humanity24:49 – Joy, emotion, and what makes us uniquely human25:38 – Closing reflections and future conversationsIf you found this conversation valuable, please like, comment, and subscribe. It helps others discover the podcast and join us in exploring how to navigate work, leadership, and life in an AI-driven world.#FutureOfWork #PortfolioCareer #AIandWork #CareerChange #LeadershipDevelopment #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkLifeBalance #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveCoaching #FutureProofYourCareer #midliferemix #stevenmiyao #jogeshChavda #coachingmetta #spotify #P&G #pinterest #Procter&Gamble

What happens when your title no longer defines you? In this episode of Midlife Remix, I sit down with Brett Wright, former senior executive at Macquarie and AXA, now Chief Revenue Officer at Tortoise, to explore how leadership evolves in midlife. Brett shares the lessons that shaped his leadership, including the influence of legendary coach Joe Paterno, his experience with imposter syndrome, and how actual growth often comes from moments of discomfort. We unpack what it means to shift from resume values to eulogy values, and how vulnerability, curiosity, and community can help us lead with intention. Whether you're in transition, feeling stuck, or seeking to deepen your sense of purpose, this conversation is worth taking the time for. Timestamps & Chapters: 0:00 – Vulnerability as strength 1:17 – Introducing Brett Wright: From Wall Street to ski trips 2:35 – Building real community through connection 5:16 – What Brett learned about leadership 6:55 – Joe Paterno’s impact: Leading with care, courage & balance 8:48 – Humbling moments, imposter syndrome, and growth 10:48 – Taking risks and navigating nonlinear paths 11:56 – Advice for making a career pivot 14:00 – Facing uncertainty and identity loss 16:43 – Designing a life: Meditation, movement, and meaning 17:19 – Eulogy values vs resume values 18:44 – Midlife loneliness and the power of friendship 19:46 – Beyond transactions: Cultivating lasting relationships 22:45 – Who are you really? Identity beyond the title 25:08 – Hobbies, crafts, and fulfillment outside of work 27:34 – Golf and side-door conversations 28:09 – Final reflections on growth, humanity, and being seen Resources Mentioned: - From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks - The Second Mountain by David Brooks - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - Fast Friends Protocol - Harvard Study on Adult Development Takeaways:- Building community is essential for personal and professional growth.- Leadership is about connection and caring for others.- Navigating uncertainty requires focusing on the process, not just outcomes.- Vulnerability is a strength in leadership and relationships.- Finding purpose is crucial for a fulfilling life.- Investing time in relationships is as important as work.- Loneliness can be an epidemic in professional life.- Crafting a life involves understanding your values and experiences.- Adaptability is key in navigating career changes and risks.- Intentional relationships lead to deeper connections and support.About the Guest: Brett Wright Brett Wright is Chief Revenue Officer at Tortoise and has held senior roles at Macquarie and AXA Investment Managers. He's also the founder of Leadership Nexus, a community focused on navigating personal and professional change. Brett is passionate about redefining leadership through humility, intention, and meaningful relationships. #MidlifeRemix #coachingmetta #stevenmiyao #LeadershipInMidlife #FromStrengthToPurpose #JoePaterno #CareerReinvention #VulnerabilityInLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #SecondMountain #EulogyValues #ProfessionalGrowth #CommunityBuilding #BrettWright #StevenMiyao #pennstate #pennstatefootball