Join us for an inspiring conversation with Barbara Kotlikoff Harman, a master of reinvention who transitioned from leading luxury brands like Nina Ricci and Harry Winston to launching The Butler’s Closet, a bespoke storage business devoted to preserving your favorite fashion and lifestyle pieces. Harmon delves into the art of balancing high-level corporate leadership with innovative side hustles, sharing the challenges and triumphs of building customer loyalty and developing unique products in competitive markets. Listeners will gain valuable insights on navigating career shifts, embracing creative problem-solving, and finding their niche through perseverance and strategic innovation. Tune in to discover practical lessons that empower you to transform challenges into opportunities for lasting success.

Watch the interview or read the transcript

About Barbara Kotlikoff Harman

After a successful career as the CEO of Parfums Nina Ricci, the Managing Director of Harry Winston and CEO of Monet, the costume jewelry company, Barbara K. Harman ran Development and raised funds for The Paley Center for Media and The Steinhardt School at NYU. The Butler’s Closet was launched in 2011 when Harman decided she wanted to create her own business.

Connect with Barbara:

Website

LinkedIn

Time Stamps:

03:03 - Growing up in New Jersey and early studies

04:45 - How Harman got into the beauty business

08:24 - Harman's first side hustles in design

10:26 - Starting The Butler's Closet as a side hustle

14:07 - Harman's best-selling preservation products

17:09 - The biggest surprise of entrepreneurship

19:30 - How the election impacted Harman's business

24:36 - Harman's tips for reinventing through a side hustle

30:59 - A glimpse at the more than 200 tips in Sollman's book

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"Don’t let a problem that could potentially be solved in 30 days upend a career that could last for 30 years," says Kathryn Sollman, author of the groundbreaking new book, The Four Jobs Club: How Smart Women Care for It All. A seasoned career coach, Sollman shares her extensive research on the challenges women face in balancing their careers, children, aging parents, and household responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility in the workplace and how women can redefine their success without the pressure to reach the C-suite. Listen in to hear the practical tips and strategies from high-powered women who have successfully navigated these complexities while maintaining their personal lives and discover how you can implement these insights into your own life and find the balance you seek. 

About Kathryn Sollman:

Kathryn is a career coach who empowers women to always find work that fits their lives for long-term financial security. She helps women navigate 4 big jobs--a career, as well as caring for children, aging parents and households. She is the author of 2 books—The 4 Jobs Club was published in January.

Time Stamps:

02:08 - How women really can have it all - if they're flexible enough

05:21 - Why Sollman chose to write the book and how it relates to current events

10:13 - What are the four jobs and how do they differ?

13:22 - Sollmann was struck in her research by how close C-Suite women were to their children

16:58 - Women stay out of the workplace for an average of 12.5 years, according to research

19:37 - Are women still shouldering most of everything of the four jobs?

23:56 - How the gender gap is impacting the four jobs

24:55 - Why women felt less guilty about their work when they got their children involved

30:59 - A glimpse at the more than 200 tips in Sollman's book

Connect with Kathryn Sollman:

Website 

LinkedIn

Buy The 4 Jobs Club

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

I"Your intuition has all of the answers," says Jenn Beninger, founder and CEO of Genius Unlocked Institute. "Aligning your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is key to success." Beninger shares her journey from a corporate career at WebMD to becoming a leading coach, revealing how her struggles with infertility and financial hardship led to profound reinvention. Listeners will learn how to trust their inner guidance, break through limiting beliefs, and take inspired action. "A coach can only take their clients as deep as they are willing to go themselves," Beninger advises. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on unlocking potential and creating meaningful impact.

About Jenn Beninger:

Jenn Beninger is the Founder and CEO of Genius Unlocked Institute, a board certified company where she coaches, mentors, and transforms leaders’ personal and professional lives. Through her thousands of hours of executive experience, Jenn has refined the art of coaching others on how to delve into what’s holding them back, and guiding them to successfully live in their purpose by calling on their intuition. With her deep understanding of energy work, intuition, communication skills, and mindset work, Jenn is able to produce more breakthrough results than she or her clients could dream of. From fortune 500 companies, to holding executive positions in the coaching industry, managing teams of coaches, developing coaching curriculum, teaching business development skills, and running transformational leadership events, Jenn has helped coaches in nearly every area reach their full potential. Jenn has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is also a board certified trainer at the master level in Neuro Linguistic Programs (NLP), NLP Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Time Line Therapy®, as a Certified Coach through John Maxwell, and a Master Reiki Teacher.

Time Stamps:

02:36 - How growing up in California impacted her career decisions

04:15 - Working as executive assistant to the executive vice president at WebMD

05:44 - How Beninger shifted into entrepreneurship

10:20 - "When you can integrate conscious and unconscious mind, then you can have dreams."

11:39 - Why Beninger chose to leave network marketing to become a coach

15:34 - How coaching allows you to create mind shifts

22:34 - "Coaching can open up that path to your genius"

27:13 - How to align your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors for success

Connect with Jenn Beninger:

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

 "Our deepest fears contain the keys to our extraordinary lives,” says Craig Stanland. "Self trust is the deep inherent wisdom that regardless of how things turn out, we know we will be okay." After defrauding a tech giant and losing everything he once held dear, Stanland was sent to federal prison where his life - and mindset - were changed. Rather than succumb to despair, he found purpose in his struggles, emerging as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own midlife crises. Listen in as Stanland reveals what he learned about self-worth, identity, and the importance of community support in the face of adversity. Discover how he transformed his life by connecting with his authentic self and helping others do the same. Tune in for practical insights on overcoming fear, embracing change, and creating a meaningful second half of life.

About Craig

In 2012, Craig made a choice that would change the trajectory of his life; he defrauded a tech giant and landed in federal prison, losing everything along the way, including his will to live, but this was not the end.  Today, Craig's mission is to help individuals master midlife so they can create their extraordinary second half by connecting to their authentic selves, discovering their Life Calling, and unleashing their full potential to live purpose-driven, meaningful lives. 

Time Stamps

02:02 - Stanland's history as a personal trainer before entering sales

04:13 - "I was planning to commit suicide when FBI called."

10:25 - Getting help for depression while in prison

14:58 - Transforming to coaching and helping others find their identity in midlife

17:56 - "One of the most rewarding things that I can do from my work is helping others."

19:16 - How minimalism helps people find their authentic self

21:35 -The most challenging part of reinvention

25:28 - Self-trust is the key to a successful reinvention

27:28 - Stanland's advice for others experiencing crisis

Connect with Craig Stanland:

Website

Book

TedX Talk

Instagram

LinkedIn

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"You can change your life with just a tap," says Brad Yates, the renowned expert in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping. Yates sits down with Lesley Jane Seymour to share his remarkable journey from aspiring actor to tapping wizard. Discover how EFT tapping can serve as a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional well-being, helping individuals reclaim their lives and navigate the challenges of modern living. Yates delves into the science behind tapping, explaining how it works to calm the nervous system and promote emotional freedom. He also discusses its versatility, making it suitable for everyone—from children coping with anxiety to health practitioners seeking to enhance their practices. Tune in to learn practical techniques, hear inspiring success stories, and find out how you can incorporate tapping into your daily routine for a happier, less stressful life.

About Brad:

Brad Yates is known internationally for his creative use of EFT/Tapping, and has over 1000 YouTube videos. He is the author of the best-selling children's book "The Wizard's Wish," a featured expert in the film “The Tapping Solution.” and a presenter at numerous events, including Jack Canfield's Breakthrough to Success. FREE GIFT: 5-Day Program for Cultivating Self-Worth

Time Stamps:

02:02 - How EFT tapping replaced hypnotherapy as Yates's main modality

05:01 - How EFT helps people overcome phobias

11:21 - Tapping lowers cortisol levels, studies have shown

14:02 - EFT works for anybody who's got an energy system

19:18 - To learn tapping only takes a few minutes in order to relieve stress

23:37 - Yates's personal reinvention into Tapping

27:00 - EFT/Tapping for children

Connect with Brad Yates:

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

 "You can't really change your kids, but you can change yourself in small ways," says psychotherapist and author Dr. Judith R. Smith. In this conversation she sheds light on the hidden struggles of mothers over 60 caring for adult children with severe mental health and substance use challenges. Drawing from her book Difficult Mothering, she explores the emotional toll, societal stigma, and isolation these women face. Listen as Dr. Smith discusses the complexities of caregiving, the guilt and shame that often arise, and the urgent need for self-care and support. With compassion and expertise, Dr. Smith offers practical strategies for setting boundaries and reclaiming a sense of self. A must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of motherhood and reinvention.

About Judith R. Smith

Judith R. Smith, Ph.D., LCSW, is a New York City based psychotherapist, professor, and researcher on women’s issues as they age. She is a professor, Emerita, at Fordham University. She offers support groups online for mothers with difficult adult children. Her book, Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children through Conflict and Change, is based on a three-year research project and brings to life the stories of fifty women, each over sixty years old, whose lives were drastically altered by becoming the default safety net for their adult “kids.”

Links

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Time Stamps:

03:23 - Dr. Smith talks about mothering, challenging adult children

06:21 - "The most likely perpetrator of elder abuse is an adult child living at home"

10:36 - What percent of adult children fall into this category

15:51 - An awful lot of our homeless situation is due to untreated mental illness

18:26 - Several feminist researchers say parenting is different for men and women

23:27 - How to deal with guilt as a mother

28:42 - Parents who have a child with substance use disorder are eligible for subsidized housing

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

 "It feels good to be your best," says Robin Bobbé, a multi-talented professional who has seamlessly transitioned across various roles in the fashion and beauty industry. From her humble beginnings as a painfully shy girl on Long Island to becoming a successful print producer and model, Bobbé shares her inspiring journey of reinvention. Discover how she navigated barriers in her career, the importance of embracing change, and the power of community support for women over 40. She offers practical tips for those looking to make a similar leap, emphasizing the value of experience and the necessity of reaching out for guidance. Tune in to learn how to break free from self-imposed limitations and redefine your path with confidence.   

About Robin

In 2001, Robin Bobbé began her casting company for print advertising working with among others, a plus size model (a term in those days for anyone over a size 2) named, Maye Musk. In 2017 Robin reinvented her site, ModernagerCasting to focus on real women of diversity over 40, where she and her husband, photographer, Leland Bobbé provide Getty Images with portraits of today’s modern mature women. She recently added coaching to provide women with the tools they need to become commercial models.

Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Time Stamps:

03:01 - Meet Robin Bobbé

07:02 - Her first fashion job

10:04 - "I found my dream job at 50 as a print producer for advertising"

11:05 - What modeling was like for older women in the '90s

21:25 - Giving the visibility to older woman that they deserve

25:50 - Creating opportunities for representation

26:47 - Why it's still very hard to find older women in stock photos

31:38 - Bobbé's advice for aspiring middle-age models or actors

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"You need to respect where you are in order to get where you need to be," says Laura Moore, M.Ed., Principal of ClutterClarity. Through her work Moore delves deep into the psychology behind clutter, exploring how shame and societal pressures can trap us in cycles of accumulation. In this conversation, she discusses how she transformed her passion for beauty and organizations into a mission to empower women to reclaim their spaces and their lives. Discover the ClutterClarity way, which emphasizes self-care, emotional management, and community support as essential tools for overcoming clutter challenges.

The ClutterClarity Way: It’s Your Mess, But Not Your Fault - Thursday, February 20 at 6pm ET

About Laura

Laura Moore, M.Ed, Principal of ClutterClarity, LLC evolved over 30 years from professional organizer, downsizing coach, and move manager to Life Skills Mentor for women who want to learn how to stay in a position of power to enjoy a decluttered home and life. Laura attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education, invested and renovated rental apartments, ran Moore Communications, a marketing company for small financial, legal, medial service companies. Laura co-authored the "Retail Revolution" with labor economist Barry Bluestone, et al, and wrote "Paper Clarity: What to Keep, Where and When to Shred," now in its 3rd edition. She’s currently writing, "Live with ClutterClarity: It’s Your Mess, But Not Your Fault.” She is neither a perfectionist or a minimalist. Laura resides in Metro-west Boston, USA, and loves people, collaging, beauty, homes, and stuff.

Links

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

YouTube

Timestamps

02:53 - Laura Moore's history and how she got involved with decluttering 

07:07 - Why it takes, on average, 66 days to change a habit

09:21 - How shame can impact your clutter

12:22 - What is the ClutterClarity method and why is it different?

16:37 - How ADHD can impact your ability to declutter

21:52 - Decluttering as self-care

23:41 - What to do with inherited clutter

27:25 - How do you deal with regret when going through your clutter?

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

"Bet on yourself," says Cate Luzio, a former banker turned  CEO. "There's nobody better to bet on than yourself because you know you can make it happen." She founded Luminary, a global platform designed to support and advance women through every stage of their career, just before the Covid-19 outbreak. In this conversation Luzio shares her journey to adapt to the changing technology landscape and highlights the importance of community and collaboration. Learn how she worked to leverage networks and learn from her mistakes to create a successful business. Plus, learn her three essential tips for making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

Bio:

Cate Luzio is a former banker turned Founder and CEO of Luminary, the global membership-based professional education and networking platform created to uplift, upskill, and propel women forward through all phases of their career journey.

Links:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Timestamps:

02:37 - How Cate segued from banking into entrepreneurship

05:34 - The original mission of Luminary was to advance women in the workforce

07:53 - Luminary is a co-working space that helps women build community

11:39 - Hosting as many as 25 events monthly

14:31 - "I feel like women are moving slowly in the workforce"

19:27 - Are employers attracting talent or paying them?

20:27 - The one thing Cate uses to gauge opportunities is priorities, purpose and path

24:03 - How Cate sees future of funding for women

25:32 - "I think we need to take a hard look at where all sources of funding come from"

26:51 - Men historically have larger networks than women, but women have smaller networks

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!

Emma Andrews, an intuitive medium, joins the Reinvent Yourself podcast for a unique conversation about self-discovery in times of transformation. Andrews shares her journey from being a caregiver in a traditional suburban family to discovering her intuitive gifts through personal challenges, including chronic illness and the loss of her father. Through her intuitive method, Andrews teaches others how to connect with their inner compass. Learn how to tap into your own intuition for decision-making and self-discovery through this unique approach to navigating life's transitions. Tune in to learn her favorite techniques to help you make decisions that align with your values, and how your intuition can guide you toward your next chapter with confidence and clarity.

Bio

Emma is an Intuitive and Medium who teaches intuition development around the world. Emma helps individuals create positive transformations in their lives and in the world through her private sessions and courses online.

Connect with Debbie:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Timestamps:

02:55 - How Emma first discovered she had intuitive gifts

05:52 - She developed chronic illness and chronic pain while attending college

13:10 - Why are some people are more naturally inclined to connecting with their intuition?

28:56 - Using your intuition to get guidance connects you with your higher self

Connect with Lesley Jane Seymour:

If you found this episode insightful, please follow the podcast and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. For more resources and community support, join me on Substack. Until next time, keep reinventing!