Reinvent Yourself

Mastering something new brings powerful mental and physical benefits," says award-winning journalist and author Gwendolyn Bounds. In this conversation she explores the transformative power of reinvention at any age. Bounds shares how a simple question at a dinner party led her, in her midforties, from a sedentary career in news to becoming a world championship competitor in the intense sport of obstacle course racing. Drawing from her new book, Not Too Late: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age, she offers listeners practical tools and expert insights for embracing bold new challenges, reigniting passion, and rewriting the narrative of midlife and beyond. 

About Gwendolyn Bounds: 

Gwendolyn Bounds is an award-winning journalist and author. Her new book, NOT TOO LATE: The Power of Pushing Limits at Any Age, explores how embarking on the long road of mastering something new and hard that you love can bring powerful mental and physical benefits. In the book, Bounds traces her own evolution from an unathletic desk-bound news executive glued to her screens into a world championship competitor in the daunting sport of obstacle course racing.

Connect:

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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!

"With the way we establish boundaries, it's all about how each person has a voice in the process to be heard and understood," says Jan Yuhas. Her sister Jillian adds, "Boundaries are a way of connecting because we're addressing the disconnect." Identical twins, psychotherapists, and authors of Boundary Badass—about how setting healthy boundaries can transform your relationships and your life, Jan and Jillian Yuhas offer practical tools to communicate with confidence, shift from trauma-based patterns to collaborative connections, and build a more authentic, empowered version of themselves—both personally and professionally.

About Jan and Jillian: 

Jan and Jillian, Relationship and Boundary Experts, identical twins, are dedicated to helping individuals in navigating the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics. With their background in psychotherapy and family mediation, they are committed to resolving relationship disconnects, and as business consultants, leveraging their insights to assist companies in establishing thriving workplace cultures. As co-authors of Boundary Badass - it is more than a book; it's a transformative journey designed to empower readers to voice their value, fulfill their emotional needs, and cultivate valuable connections through mastery of setting boundaries. When Jan and Jillian aren’t embarking on their multi-entrepreneurial endeavors they continue to fulfill their passion for guiding individuals toward personal and relational empowerment

Connect:

Website

Book

Instagram

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!

"The only thing that limits you from any type of change or transition is your mindset and belief," says architect turned marketing expert Hope Livonne Trory. In this sincere and thoughtful conversation she shares how she navigated the challenges of career reinvention, proving that problem-solving skills transcend industries. She opens up about overcoming sunk costs, following her instincts, and using her unique background to shape her approach to branding. Tune in for practical insights on embracing change and taking the leap into a fulfilling new path.   

About Hope Livonne Trory:

Hope Livonne Trory, founder of HOPEWORKSDESIGN, brings a unique blend of architectural training and over a decade of marketing expertise to offer innovative marketing and branding solutions to service-based businesses in the AEC industry and beyond. Hope's unique approach has made her a sought-after speaker on SEO and marketing. At HOPEWORKSDESIGN, Hope expertly crafts marketing systems designed to amplify your brand, resonate with your ideal audience, and generate leads. 

Connect with Hope Livonne Trory:

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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!

“The quieter you get, the more you can hear that voice of your gut,” says master life and business coach Sherold Barr. In this conversation she shares how a near-fatal accident and near-death experience transformed her perspective on success, resilience, and healing. She opens up about overcoming societal pressures, choosing love and gratitude, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. With insights on the power of community and mindset shifts, Barr offers inspiration for anyone looking to reinvent themselves. Tune in for a conversation that will help you navigate life’s complexities with courage and compassion—plus, a glimpse into her upcoming memoir!

About Sherold Barr:  Sherold Barr is a master coach and entrepreneur who built two successful six-figure plus businesses. After suffering a near-fatal car wreck and witnessing her own miraculous recovery, Barr decided that her mission in life was to help people stop suffering from their beliefs and thoughts that cause emotional distress. She writes about resilience, growing from adversity, spiritual awakenings, mindset, and reducing emotional suffering.

Connect with Sherold Barr:

Substack

Instagram

Youtube

Time Stamps:

03:27 - Growing up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

10:00 - Leaving behind her creativity with her childhood

12:10 - How Barr healed her relationship with her mother before she could reinvent

17:10 - One of the biggest issues for women our age now is that they're not independent

21:29 - How her near-fatal accident was turning point for her career

25:52 - After three surgeries, here's what Barr has learned

28:50 - "I'm shocked at how many people have had near death experiences"

29:53 - A glimpse at Barr's memoir, which will come out in 2025

30:46 - Resilience during reinvention and giving up alcohol

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 use diagnosis as information, but you don’t have to amplify it with thought and feeling." So says Ashley Holmes, a holistic fertility coach who shares her personal journey through the challenges of infertility. Having experienced the emotional and physical toll of medical interventions, Holmes discovered the power of holistic practices that allowed her to conceive naturally. She emphasizes the importance of connection and support, revealing how many women struggle in silence while navigating their fertility journeys. She discusses the significance of nourishing both body and mind, advocating for a balanced approach to health that honors the unique cycles of women’s bodies. Tune in to learn how to empower yourself through community, self-care, and a deeper understanding of your body’s wisdom. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to transform their fertility experience and embrace the journey of motherhood.

About Ashley:

Ashley Holmes is a Holistic Fertility Coach with certifications in yin, hatha, restorative, and therapeutic yoga, as well as Reiki Level II. Drawing from her personal experience with fertility challenges, she specializes in using yoga, meditation, and energy medicine to help others release blocked energy and create space for natural conception. Through her compassionate guidance, Ashley supports clients in rebalancing their bodies and minds to navigate their fertility journeys with ease.

Connect with Ashley:

Website

Facebook 

Amazon

Time Stamps:

03:08 - Ashley's backstory

04:08 - How she transitioned into a fertility coach and her history with her own fertility issues

15:39 - What energy blockages are holding people back or preventing them from achieving goals?

24:56 -  The number one thing is to seek support

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!

“If you ask someone how something impacted them, it’s a very big question," says Somia Sadiq, founder of Narratives, Inc. “Say ‘tell me what happened’ - then the story starts." On my podcast, she dives deep into her fascinating journey from her roots in Abu Dhabi to becoming a leader in conflict transformation and environmental advocacy in Canada. With a rich background in negotiations and community engagement, Sadiq shares her unique insights on the intersection of environmental issues and conflict resolution. She discusses her work supporting Indigenous communities in reclaiming their rights and negotiating land access, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a powerful tool for peacebuilding and understanding. Tune in to discover how Sadiq’s diverse experiences shaped her career and how her passion for community and storytelling can inspire your own path of reinvention.

About Somia:

With ancestral roots in post-colonial Punjab and Kashmir, Somia Sadiq holds experience in environmental sciences, natural resources management, negotiations, counterterrorism and countering/preventing violent extremism. Somia is the founder of Narratives Inc., a consulting firm based in Winnipeg focused on impact assessment, conflict transformation, and territorial planning. She also founded Kahanee, a non-profit dedicated to amplifying stories and promoting peacebuilding.

Connect with Sonia:

Website

LinkedIn 

Time Stamps:

01:07 - Somia Sadiq is a Canadian expert on conflict resolution

03:02 - Somia's reinvention story

06:26 - How did you get from environmental studies into conflict?

09:35 - Give us an example of a conflict resolution process in the modern world

15:01 - Do you think being a woman gives you any advantages in conflict resolution?

18:31 - Do you think it's a certain type of personality that goes into it?

19:32 - Do women have a bigger sensitivity to, in this area than men do?

22:21 - How about age? Do you get more respect as you get older?

24:26 - What's your biggest win?

26:13 - Telling stories can be a powerful tool for bringing people together

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!

If you want to really become organized, you need to create operational systems at home." So says Lisa Woodruff, a productivity specialist and home organization expert. In this discussion of the transformative power of organization, Woodruff shares her personal journey from being a stay-at-home mom to founding Organize365, a thriving business dedicated to helping others declutter and reinvent their homes. “You need to think of your job as a household manager,” she tells Lesley Jane Seymour. “A CEO should look at everyone in the household and divide the resources equally.” With a focus on how organization can enhance productivity and mental clarity, she emphasizes the importance of adapting organizing strategies to different life stages. She outlines the psychological benefits of decluttering and offers practical tips for establishing operational systems that can simplify daily life. Tune in to discover how to navigate your own reinvention through the lens of organization and learn how to create a space that supports your goals and well-being.

About Lisa Woodruff

Lisa Woodruff is a productivity specialist, home organization expert, and founder and CEO of Organize 365. She’s the host of the top-rated Organize 365 Podcast where she shares strategies for reducing overwhelming thoughts, clearing mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life.  Lisa has authored several Amazon bestselling books and has been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, US News and World Report, Women’s World, Ladies Home Journal, and more.

Connect with Lisa:

Website

LinkedIn 

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Time Stamps:

03:10 - How did you get into organizing?

07:15 - Organized 365 is the largest female owned business in Cincinnati

10:35 - What are the differences in how the household is organized by different generations?

13:14 - The height of materialism was the 80s - and now we're suffering from it

16:38 - Baby boomers are not moving out of their houses, which is causing a housing crisis

21:05 - The psychology of decluttering and organizing

25:31 - How would you organize and increase your closet for productivity?

29:33 - What is the Sunday basket? If you're productive, you probably have one

31:01 - Transitioning from an in-home professional organizer and to a full business

33:45 - Start thinking about your role as a household manager as a job

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!

"One voice becomes many voices; sometimes there's a blind spot within your organization," says Tony Bond, EVP and Chief Innovation Officer at Great Place to Work. In this episode, Lesley Jane Seymour speaks with Bond about his journey through four distinct careers and his expertise in workplace transformation. He shares insights on navigating challenges like ageism and sexism, offering strategies to foster change—from leveraging personal networks to building employee resource groups. Bond also breaks down how to assess your strengths, explore new career paths, and take control of your professional reinvention. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on advocating for yourself, influencing workplace dynamics, and creating new opportunities for growth.

About Tony Bond

Tony Bond is the EVP and Chief Innovation Officer at Great Place To Work. A strategist, innovator and facilitator, Tony has served as a trusted advisor for executives as some of the most successful global organizations

Connect with Tony:

LinkedIn

Time Stamps:

02:48 - Tony Bond's history and growing up

03:35 - Transitioning from finance to corporate sustainability consulting

07:05 - Why women are not happy with the culture in their workplace

13:47 - What do you see for women over 50?

17:23 - Steps for reinventing into a consulting role

21:50 - "Getting to know potential clients is key to success in digital sales"

22:51 - Why some companies are walking away from equity and inclusion efforts

27:47 - Tony's practical steps to reinvent yourself as a consultant

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!

"We want to give you access to the cutting-edge medications that will help you to thrive as you get older," says Joanna Strober, CEO and co-founder of Midi Health. In this episode, Lesley Jane Seymour sits down with Strober to explore how she reinvented her career—from law and venture capital to pioneering a virtual clinic that ensures women receive the care they deserve through perimenopause and menopause. With a focus on accessible, insurance-covered treatments, Midi Health addresses midlife hormonal changes like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and libido shifts through hormone therapy, lifestyle support, and more. Tune in to hear how Strober is reshaping the future of women’s health and why no woman should have to suffer in silence.

About Joanna Strober

Joanna Strober is the co-founder and CEO of Midi Health, the leading virtual care clinic focused exclusively on women navigating midlife hormonal transition. The company brings insurance-covered expert care for the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause to women nationwide. A serial entrepreneur and recognized leader in the digital health space, Joanna has spoken at HLTH and the Fortune Most Powerful Women Conference, and was named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 list.

Connect with Joanna:

Website

LinkedIn

Time Stamps:

02:29 - How Joanna Strober reinvented professionally through five careers

05:04 - MIDI is a virtual care platform for women ages 35 to 65

09:50 - What are people looking for when they go to MIDI for help?

14:25 - How estrogen decrease causes challenges for women in midlife

17:24 - Medications and cancer: the ins and outs

21:18 - How MIDI helps women thrive as they get older

25:19 - Midlife weight loss success stories

26:30 - Dealing with weight gain, hot flashes, and depression

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 am so thrilled to be where I am," says Gary Wenstrup, a former advertising sales executive who reinvented himself as a music historian and educator.  “It was not easy, but to do the things I love to do is a blessing,” In this conversation, Wenstrup shares his journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to teaching courses on legendary artists like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. He emphasizes the importance of starting your reinvention early and keeping an open mind, even when the path feels uncertain. “You have to go very, very wide even if it’s stupid or silly, whatever’s in your head,” he advises. With practical tips like creating a ‘selfie list’ of skills and interests, Wenstruop illustrates how curiosity and exploration can guide you toward a fulfilling next chapter. Tune in to hear how he turned his passion into purpose—and why taking the leap is always worth it.

About Gary Wenstrup:

After a rewarding career in advertising sales, Gary Wenstrup retired and developed courses on the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Motown Records for the Continuing Education Department of College of DuPage. Gary has lectured at over 100 libraries across the country. Gary is also a reoccurring guest on the popular podcast “Something About The Beatles.”

Connect with Gary:

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Time Stamps:

02:32 - Gary Wenstrup's background in advertising and corporate

07:45 - What is a "Selfie List"?

09:47 - How he coped with the false starts

14:49 - Gary started presenting at libraries to grow his lectures

17:47 - Why it's not always important to monetize your passions

20:05 - Scaling as a lecturer

21:29 - "Prepare early"

23:15 - Wenstrup's essential tips for reinvention

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!