We refuse to stay behind a locked door, curled in a corner waiting for midlife to pass. 

Midlife isn’t a stage we need to endure or wait out. It’s a point in time when we can boldly embrace who we are. And we are kicking the door wide open. 

We’re not alone in breaking down the midlife door and boldly barging through. This week, we are talking with Tamsen Fadal journalist, role model, and champion for women. Tamsen Fadal anchors the primetime news for WPIX-TV in New York City. She also hosts a weekly podcast Coming Up Next, where she explores stories of women creating the next phase of their lives and is the author of the book The New Single. And if that isn’t enough, Tamsen is currently producing a documentary on menopause. A true Gen Xer, having it all and doing it all. 

In this episode, Tamsen talks about bouncing back from a very public divorce which led to crushing debt, and her own menopause struggles including brain fog which disrupted her ability to read on air, and why she is passionate about menopause education. 

She firmly believes Gen X women owe it to themselves to believe today is their someday.

Conversation Highlights: 

“You’ve been thinking about doing that big, bold thing for a long time and it always get pushed back to someday.  Guess what? Your someday is now.” 

“My end goal is to educate and help women thrive in midlife."

• “If it's something  I've said yes to just because I feel guilt... I've just learned to be really honest about it. Like, at this point in my life, I'm not able to do that."
  
  
• “I am learning to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations"
  
  
• “I start every day with a plan, but I look at it the night before, and I'm like, what can I take off this list?”
     
• “I was the first one in my family to get divorced. I'd gotten married much later in life, so I thought, I want to make sure that I do this perfectly. The perfect time to get married, the perfect person. And so when all that was clearly not the case, that was hard for me and so I was embarrassed by it.”
  
  
• ”I think the brain fog was what really scared me,  I really had a hard time feeling confident in my job because I would look at words that were familiar to me and I couldn't process what those were. I was really scared."
  
  
• “The first thing that I think about is confidence. That's where I see a big hole, myself included. Lifting people up to fix that space would be incredible. "
  
  
• “I'm hopeful women feel like they are where they belong and people are lucky to have them, not that they're lucky to be there.  
• It would look like more money, equal pay. I think it could look like balance in their lives. I think it could look like confidence at the end of the day and feeling good about what they've done and where they're going.”
  
  

“I'm trying to take those little moments and make those building blocks to how to help people become bolder in whatever it is they want to do. That doesn't mean that it's easy to walk in and quit your job and start your new company. But I think that little things help build up to that.”

Connect with Tamsen Fadal
Tamsen Fadal: Thrive in midlife

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Nothing matters more to our professional success than our reputation and yet, it is one of the most amorphous traits we can try to ascertain. Unlike other skills to support our success, our reputation is actually only a reflection of a perception and it can change, morph, grow and shrink.

Ageism is real which is why we, as Gen X women, need to rely heavily on our reputation equity.  In this episode, we’re digging into the best reputation-building blocks and how to trade on your reputation equity.

Are you a Modern Gen X Woman? Get the Modern Gen X Woman Manifesto.
Send Me the Manifesto! 

In this episode we’re talking about…

• Discuss what reputation equity is and how you need to take control of it and build it with intention
• Hard work, loyalty and resilience can actually build the wrong reputation and don't get us professional growth 
• Reputation equity can include things like big thinking, integrity, driving action
• Using your voice in meetings and networking situations starts to build reputation equity. Sitting quietly in the corner only allows others to project a reputation onto you.
• Embracing innovation and lead it to build reputation equity as an innovator not just a doer
• Keeping your word, make a promise, follow through and communicate 
• Connecting others and closing the loop
• How to protect your reputation equity 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Under Belly of Resilience (podcast)

The Worth+Value=Wealth Program

For Entrepreneurs and Career Women who want to own their worth and articulate their value so they can make the money they deserve.

Apply here. 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcast / Stitcher

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

You must think positively. Look at the bright side. The glass is half full. The grass is always greener. There is always a rainbow after rain. Believe you can and you’re halfway there. Put on your rose-colored glasses. See the good in people. Look for the silver lining. It could always be worse. 

We are told positivity makes a tremendous difference in our outcomes. I agree, 100%. As a self-proclaimed optimist, I can absolutely lean towards seeing the morsel of positivity in the darkest situations. 

While we think it’s the way to live and get exactly what we want in life, is it possible to be too positive?

In this episode, we’re exploring toxic positivity, what it means and the dangers that come along with it. 

Are you a Modern Gen X Woman? Get the Modern Gen X Woman Manifesto.
Send Me the Manifesto! 

In this episode, we’re talking about…

• Toxic positivity, what it is, and how it can harm us 
• Why overgeneralizing a difficult situation results in avoidance, suppressing, denying or minimizing our emotions and can invalidate the human experience 
• Uncovering how we use positive expressions to cover the shame we’re really feeling about a circumstance 
• Why dismissing feelings starts a slippery slope of denying what we really feel 
• Addressing how we have been brainwashed to believe we aren’t allowed to feel negative 
• Why it can add to feeling lonely and disconnected from others 

Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 125: Motivation Won’t Drive Results This Will 

The Worth+Value=Wealth Program

For Entrepreneurs and Career Women who want to own their worth and articulate their value so they can make the money they deserve.

Apply here. 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcast / Stitcher

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Gen Xers are the proud CEO’s of the Big Box Store named Resilience. We owned it, operated it and sold it as the best thing anyone could buy. Yes, I am proud of being resilient because the opposite of that would be me collapsing under pressure (and lord knows when we get to middle age, there are a lot of pressures).

However, as a Gen Xer, I have also seen the underbelly of resilience, the corrupt, maladaptive side of a trait that has lead to feeling like we need to do it on our own and take on everything happening around us. 

We decided to tackle this topic because while we love being resilient, we are also tired of being masters of the struggle.

Are you underpaid? 

Is your lack of visibility hurting your ability to ask for the money you deserve? 

You can now stand out, be seen and unapologetically ask for what you’re worth. 

Save your spot for our Self Promote + Negotiate Webinar. 

It’s happening on Thursday, January 19 at 1pm EST. Go to www.moderngenxwoman.com/negotiation 

This free webinar is for both career women and entrepreneurs.  

We're talking about… 

• Gen X synonymous with resilience
• Trusting yourself to have your own back, instinct and intuition rule more than we give ourselves credit for
• Being adaptable to what life throws at us, adaptable to change, adaptable to growth. Adaptability is more important than resilience 
• Resilience isn't a badge of honor or proof of your ability to handle it all on your own.  
• How we’ve become masters of the struggle, sitting alone with those struggles, fiercely independent and stoic in our determination to fix things
• We keep going and going and going until we collapse or find ourselves crying in the bathroom
• Why we need to start asking for help. This isn't a weakness. This isn't a burden. This is part of being human.
• We complain A LOT about our circumstances and use our resilience as an excuse to stay in those situations instead of making the changes necessary to better our circumstances.

Mentioned in this episode:
2022 Modern Gen X Woman of the Year Catherine Balsam-Schwaber 

Kindra Menopause products 

TEDx Talk: The Myth of Powering Through 

The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Healing of Trauma 

Are you a Modern Gen X Woman? Get the Modern Gen X Woman Manifesto.
Send Me the Manifesto! 

Join our Facebook Community Modern Gen X Woman. 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcast / Stitcher

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

For as long as there has been a world, men have ruled it. I am going to just say this, without apology, ‘how is that working out for us so far?’

To kick off the New Year, we aren’t going to be talking about resolutions, sticking to your goals or creating a plan. We aren’t going to be talking about word of the year or how to pick your North Star.

Instead, we are kicking off the very first episode of 2023 differently. Listen up as we explore the world, how it is today and what it could look like if women, or shall I say, Gen X Woman, ruled the world. 

Are you underpaid? 

Is your lack of visibility hurting your ability to ask for the money you deserve? 

You can now stand out, be seen and unapologetically ask for what you’re worth. 

Save your spot for our free Self Promote + Negotiate Webinar. 

It’s happening on Tuesday, January 17 at 1pm EST. Go to www.moderngenxwoman.com/negotiation

 In this episode we’re talking about…

• Why retrofitting the world of work from women doesn’t work 
• How responsibilities would really be equally divided at home and women wouldn’t have to be the spine of the family 
• How the professional world would benefit
  • Studies show women-run businesses outperform male-run businesses 
  • Companies run by women tend to be 25% more profitable
• More equality, emotional intelligence and what the ripple effect could look like 
• How products and the way things are designed would change 
• What operating on a more feminine cycle could look like 

What can we imagine would change if women were the ones calling the shots? Would midlife be midlife? Would we need to redefine aging? Would we redefine 50? Such a fun topic. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu 

Episode: 91I don’t want to work for a woman 

Are you a Modern Gen X Woman? Get the Modern Gen X Woman Manifesto.
Send Me the Manifesto! 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcast / Stitcher

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

It's time for women 40+ to be seen and heard for all they are, not the title they have. This is why we chose this episode for our Best Of this week.

If someone asked you, who are you… would you immediately start talking about your role at work, your business, or your overall career?

Somehow this has become the norm. 

Gen X women have lost their identity.  Our worth has gotten wrapped up in what we do professionally. We use the success of our career or business as a way to measure up.

Here’s the thing, we’re so much more than what we do during our day. When we own our worth from who we are, not what we do we become unstoppable.

In this episode, we’re talking about why we’ve lost ourselves in our work and how to find our way back.

The Worth+Value=Wealth Program

For Entrepreneurs and Career Women who want to own their worth and articulate their value so they can make the money they deserve.

APPLY HERE

In this episode, we’re talking about… 

• Why we’ve lost ourselves in our work 
• How our brains use our titles and labels as a way to protect us 
• Why it’s a lazy way to make small talk 
• How it takes on a bigger layer for women 
• Our own personal stories with going from big jobs titles to “coaches” 
• How your job title should and shouldn’t tie into your self worth 
• How to be ok with your identity shifting 
• Ways to help you shift your perspective 
• What to talk about, other than your job! 

Mentioned in this episode:
Putting the Workhorse Out to Pasture (podcast) 

How to Talk to Anyone  (book) 

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Elizabeth Holmes was sentenced to 11 years in prison leading to the perfect timing to choose this episode as our Best Of: Fake it 'til you make it is the worst advice women have received and here's why.

There is a phenomenon going on, a thirst for uncovering and understanding stories like that of Anna Delvey, the fake German heiress who scammed New York City’s elite socialites or Elizabeth Holmes who wooed her way into the hearts and pockets of Palo Alto’s tech leaders.

Whether you’re watching Inventing Anna on Netflix or reading Bad Blood, we can become sucked into the world of cons, scams, and conviction. One that makes us shiver from ickiness but also, makes us curious and fascinated.

In this episode, we’re talking about why we’re fascinated by these stories and what we can take from them (yes, there’s learning) and apply them to our own lives…. In small doses! 

The Worth+Value=Wealth Program

For Entrepreneurs and Career Women who want to own their worth and articulate their value so they can make the money they deserve.

APPLY HERE

In this episode we talk about: 

• Where the word con artist actually comes from, you’ll be surprised
• How a little does of confidence could actually take us a very long way 
• What’s the fine line between con and fake it until you make it 
• Are Elizabeth + Anna treated differently because they are women, did it work to their advantage or not? 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Inventing Anna (Netflix Series)

Bad Blood (book)

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

The holidays are here! We're making a list for our midlife gal pals,  the women we go to for laughs, support and help us stay the course as we navigate being women 40+. 

MAIN POINTS 

1. Vibrator, I’m just going to say it
2. Story of My Life Book
3. Compression packing for travel
4. Hot Sauce Making Kit from Uncommon Goods
5. 80’s Pop Culture Trivia Game
6. Multi-charging device for Apple
7. Suction cup wine glass holder for tub
8. Michael Todd Facial Cleanser
9. Oura Ring
10. Temperature Control Smart Mug
11. Anxiety Ring
12. Frances Valentine Ring 
13. Bath + Body Works A Thousand Wishes Mist 
14. Growth Day App 
15. Olive + June nail polish systems and gift sets 
16. Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Oil 

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

Carve your niche and build a world around it.  Make your biological professional clock your bitch.  Don’t complain about what doesn’t work, change it. 

These are a few of the qualities of the Modern Gen X Woman.

So when we considered who met the criteria for the 2022 MGXW of the year, Catherine Balsam-Schwaber was the first to come to mind. 

Catherine Balsam-Schwaber is a dynamic, results-oriented leader. She has extensive experience in business transformation with complex multi-platform products. From The White House to NBCUniversal, Catherine had worked in leadership positions across multiple categories delivering superior experiences for women of all ages. Currently, Catherine is the CEO of Kindra and a life-long advocate for women’s health

Generation X women are in the height of dealing with the discomfort of menopause. It’s not a walk in the park. The hot flashes, anxiety, weight gain, sleepless nights, the list goes on and on. 

The good news, we no longer have to suffer in silence thanks to women like Catherine.

Catherine didn’t complain about what wasn’t working and instead launched Kindra, a radical self-care company helping women through menopause. She is leading the charge to break down the stigma surrounding menopause care and support and empower women in mid-life through Kindra's science-backed formulas and community-building initiatives.

Hot flashes. Weight gain.  Irregular periods. Night sweats. These are some of the very familiar symptoms of menopause but did you know, achy joints, tingling extremities, burning mouth and memory lapses were also very real signs of menopause? 

Education is critical. For us, as women and for our healthcare providers where only 10% of them actually receive any menopause training.  Kindra is collectively leading the charge for menopause education with amazing leaders like Stacy London and Sally Mueller to change the dialogue around women, aging and our bodies.

As a thank you to our listeners, Kindra has provided a 20% discount for you. You can head to www.ourkindra.com/moderngenx 

The Worth+Value=Wealth Program

For Entrepreneurs and Career Women who want to own their worth and articulate their value so they can make the money they deserve.  Apply here. 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcast / Stitcher

Are you a Modern Gen X Woman? Get the Modern Gen X Woman Manifesto.
Send Me the Manifesto! 

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt

In 2019, CBS ran generation guidelines on TV and literally left Generation X off.

Try to Google research on Generation X and you’ll get a few hits but do the same for Millennials and you’ll have pages and pages of data.

Go into any corporate office and look around the room at the leaders and try to find the Gen Xers among Boomers and Millennials. Yup… same for high-ranking political leaders too. 

This is happening everywhere and it isn’t ok. This is why we do what we do here at Modern Gen X Woman. We want to provide you, our listeners with everything you need to be seen and heard. No longer are we going to sit in the background and wait to get noticed.

Mimi and I (Jackie and I) aren’t going to be quiet  and we’re going to teach you how not to be either.

The Worth+Value=Wealth Program

For Entrepreneurs and Career Women who want to own their worth and articulate their value so they can make the money they deserve. Apply here. 

In this episode we’re talking about…

• The cost of not being seen and heard 
• We're women 40+ and are not invisibile
• How our generational bias' are contributing to not wanting to stand out
• Why independence and autonomy is great for organizations but sucks for your career or business
• Women consistently doing what's called 'invisible' work and how it is keeping us stuck  
• Why fear is really False Evidence Appearing Real 

Explore these coaching questions: 

1. What are you missing out on if you stay invisible? 
2. What will happen if you step onto the spotlight? What are you afraid of? What’s the worst thing that can happen? 
3. What do you need to be seen and heard? 
4. What tasks have you taken on that are considered invisible work and how can you delegate them? 
5. What do you want to be been seen for? Remember, when you know this can you live it, act it and go for it. 

Mentioned in this episode:
I’m Not Dying But Ageism Should (podcast) 

Jackie + Mimi: Love From Toronto (podcast) 

Book a FREE interview assessment with Jackie

Kindra The Focus Supplement (save 20% www.ourkindra.com/moderngenx) 

Revel Community for Women 40+ 

Is wobbly confidence keeping you in a job you hate? Is a lack of confidence making you procrastinate working on your business? 
Register for our free interactive workshop Confident at 40+—Own It Without Giving Give a F*.  You'll  learn a transformative way to build unshakable confidence from your core to make the changes you want to see professionally 

It’s happening on Tuesday, December 6th at 1pm EST. 

Save your spot here: www.moderngenxwoman.com/confidence. 

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts / Spotify /

Get your free copy of our digital magazine, GEN neXt, The Voice of the Modern Gen X Woman. www.moderngenxwoman.com/gennext

GEN NeXt is a collection of insights from incredible organizations, women, and industry experts who have dedicated themselves to the same cause—turning up the volume of women 40+.

We're not just Gen X we're GEN neXt