What happens when you leave a career you love, not because you’re burned out, but because another opportunity keeps whispering, “What if?” 

In this Midlife Leap episode, Kathy talks with former middle school teacher Julie Thomas, who spent 16 years teaching seventh-grade English before stepping away from her dream job to explore an unexpected entrepreneurial path. 

What began as a side investment in short-term rental properties gradually evolved into a full-scale pivot, complete with the emotional rollercoaster of leaving a beloved career, navigating imposter syndrome, and learning how to build a business from scratch. 

Julie shares the realities of solopreneurship: the loneliness of leaving a team environment, the financial uncertainty of building something new, and the constant pressure of being responsible for your own success. 

But her story also reveals something powerful about midlife reinvention: sometimes the path forward isn’t the one you planned. Through a series of unexpected conversations and a willingness to stay open to possibility, Julie discovered a completely new business, rooted in something she loved, and maybe for longer than she realized.  

In this conversation, Kathy and Julie explore the courage it takes to pivot, how to listen to your intuition, and why trusting that you’ll “figure it out” might be the most important skill of all. 

Key Takeaways 

• Sometimes you leave a career you love not because it’s wrong, but because something new calls to you. 
• Julie wasn’t burned out. She loved teaching and had her dream position. But a growing real estate venture (and a new baby!) forced her to reevaluate how she wanted to spend her time and energy. 
• Entrepreneurship can be lonelier than people expect. 
• Leaving a highly social profession for solo work brought unexpected emotional challenges. The loss of daily collaboration and feedback can be one of the biggest adjustments when starting a business. 
• Imposter syndrome often appears when we move outside our formal training. 
• Julie felt confident teaching others about rentals, but running the business itself -marketing, finances, client acquisition - was an entirely new skill set she had to learn in real time. 
• Midlife reinvention often requires multiple pivots—not just one big leap. 
• Julie’s journey wasn’t a single decision. It included leaving teaching, launching coaching, exploring property management, returning to substitute teaching temporarily, and finally landing in design. 
• The most powerful mindset shift: trusting that you’ll figure it out. 
• Julie realized that even if a risk didn’t work out, she trusted herself to adapt. That belief made it easier to pursue opportunities that felt both exciting and scary. 

Resources and Mentions: 

Follow Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strvisionary/  

About Julie Thomas 

Julie Thomas is the owner of The STR Edit based in Minneapolis. She pivoted from her long and happy career in middle school teaching to a world of short-term rentals (STR): owning them, coaching others on how to build a business around them, and now, designing them for other STR owners.  

In this episode, Kathy sits down with stylist, entrepreneur, and founder of Dressing Well, Mary Lou Andre, to talk about what it really takes to reinvent yourself, again and again, over a decades-long career. 

Mary Lou shares the story of how the pandemic forced her to rethink nearly every aspect of her business. As corporate speaking engagements and in-person services disappeared overnight, she pivoted quickly into online communities, memberships, and new offerings designed to meet her clients where they were. Along the way, she invested in coaching, education, and technology to rebuild her business for a new era. 

But the reinvention wasn’t only professional. After pushing herself to the brink while rebuilding her company, Mary Lou realized she needed to apply the same strategic thinking to her own well-being. That meant slowing down, reassessing priorities, and creating new boundaries around how she works and lives. 

Today, her work focuses not just on style, but on helping women in midlife align their appearance, lifestyle, and goals with who they are now. Through community programs, retreats, and consulting, she helps women simplify their wardrobes, embrace comfort and authenticity, and step confidently into their next chapter. 

Kathy and Mary Lou explore how entrepreneurs must continuously evolve alongside the people they serve, why intuition matters more than ever in business decisions, and how building real community has become the foundation of meaningful work. 

They also discuss current fashion trends for midlife women, why capsule wardrobes and comfort are dominating style conversations, and how clothing can help people show up in the world with confidence and intention. 

This conversation is a powerful reminder that reinvention isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong practice. 

Key Takeaways 

Reinvention requires letting go of things that once worked. 
Even successful programs and revenue streams may need to be retired when they no longer serve your current audience. 

Imperfect action beats waiting for perfection. 
The pandemic forced many entrepreneurs to show up on camera, try new technology, and experiment before they felt ready. 

Your intuition is a critical business tool. 
Advice from others can be helpful, but ultimately you have to trust your own instincts about what is right for you. 

Success without sustainability comes at a cost. 
After pushing herself to rebuild her company, Mary Lou realized she needed to apply the same strategic thinking to her personal wellness. 

Community is the new currency. 
People are craving meaningful connection, safe spaces, and shared experiences more than passive content. 

Resources and Mentions:  

Mary Lou’s company page: https://www.dressingwell.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dressingwell  

Instagram: @marylouandrestyle  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-lou-andre/  

 Mary Lou's Book: https://amzn.to/4tyLssF  (paid link)

The Wheel of Life (one example): https://www.startofhappiness.com/wheel-of-life-a-self-assessment-tool/

About Mary Lou Andre  

Mary Lou Andre is the founder of Dressing Well, Inc. where she leads a team of stylists who provide wardrobe consulting and personal branding services for executives, entrepreneurs, politicians, media personalities, and even young men and women just starting out in their careers. She is an executive coach, an author, a television host, a speaker, and is one of the country’s most sought out experts on executive presence and style, appearing on national tv, magazines, and newspapers regularly.  

After the pandemic impacted her deeply-in-person service business, she navigated to online community building, like with the Dressing Well Insiders, as well as The Lifestyle Collective, a group membership program blending their signature approach to personal style with an expanded focus on whole-person wellness, beauty, and empowered living.  

Midlife brings a lot of changes to our bodies, and our skin is no exception. But how do we know what’s normal, what’s preventable, and what might actually require a doctor’s attention? 

In this episode, Kathy talks with dermatology Physician Assistant Amy Akland about the realities of skin health in midlife. From identifying warning signs of skin cancer to understanding hair loss, collagen loss, and everyday skincare routines, Amy breaks down what actually matters (and what’s mostly marketing hype). 

They also talk about how women often miss their own warning signs, why sunscreen habits matter more than we think, and why hair loss can be emotionally difficult but often treatable. 

The message is refreshingly simple: good skin health doesn’t require a complicated routine. We just need the right habits and pay attention to our body. 

Key Takeaways 

Understanding warning signs for melanoma and other skin concerns can go a long way to determining when to seek medical attention, but an annual dermatology review can ensure you’re getting seen in all the right places.  

While sun exposure is a major risk factor, skin cancers can develop anywhere you have skin — even in areas rarely exposed to sunlight.  

Apply to exposed skin every day, year-round. Reapply every 2 hours, or hourly in intense sun. Effectiveness is used up by sun exposure, not just swimming or sweating.  

As we age, collagen (skin’s structural support) decreases and elastin (skin’s ability to bounce back) decreases. While we can’t fully restore elastin, certain treatments, especially retinoids, can help stimulate collagen production over time. Results take patience: 3–6 months or longer. 

Despite the endless products marketed to women, a dermatologist-approved routine can be surprisingly simple: Morning: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and Vitamin C antioxidant serum. Night: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, retinoid or retinol (if desired). Consistency matters more than complexity. 

Many women experience hair changes due to hormonal shifts, thyroid issues, iron deficiency, medications, stress, and weight changes. A common form is telogen effluvium, where hair temporarily sheds after a stressor. The encouraging news: Most cases improve on their own within 3–6 months, though regrowth can take longer. 

ABOUT AMY AKLAND 

Amy Akland is a Physician Associate with 18 years’ experience in medical dermatology in and around Boston, Massachusetts. She holds a Master of Science in PA studies, a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies. Her practice focuses on prevention and treatment of skin cancers, management of common skin diseases, and a practical approach to skin care. 

What happens when a long-buried idea resurfaces decades later, and you finally decide to act on it? 

In this episode, Kathy talks with Angela Burk, author of The Real Girl’s Guide to Midlife, about the winding road that led her from a successful corporate marketing career to writing a deeply personal book about identity, reinvention, and reclaiming your voice. 

Angela shares how a forgotten red folder full of ideas from twenty years earlier resurfaced while she was cleaning out her desk after retirement. Inside were the same questions many women wrestle with in midlife: questions about ambition, identity, relationships, pleasure, and purpose. 

Instead of dismissing the idea again, Angela decided to bet on herself. 

Within one year of retiring, she wrote, self-published, and launched her book, all while confronting the old internal scripts that told her she wasn’t creative, shouldn’t speak too boldly, or needed to soften her voice. 

In this conversation, Angela reflects on the courage it takes to question those old narratives, the discipline of writing honestly, and how creative expression can become a powerful tool for healing and self-forgiveness. 

You’ll also hear how redefining success (even if only three people bought the book) gave her the freedom to create something deeply meaningful. 

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful midlife reinvention begins with one simple question: 

Why not me? 

Key Takeaways 

1. Midlife can be a time of reclaiming your voice. 
Angela realized she had spent decades softening her opinions and desires. Writing the book became a commitment to stop doing that. 

2. The stories we tell ourselves can hold us back. 
For years Angela believed she wasn’t creative, until her son pointed out that writing is creativity. 

3. Betting on yourself is a radical act. 
Angela’s goal wasn’t fame or sales. It was finishing something meaningful and proving to herself she could do it. 

4. Creativity can be deeply healing. 
Through writing, Angela found herself revisiting earlier chapters of her life with compassion and grace. 

5. Sometimes the best goals are the ones you set for yourself alone. 
Angela’s one-year deadline wasn’t about external pressure — it was about honoring a promise to herself. 

Resources and Mentions:  

Read Angela’s Book: Real Girl’s Guide to Midlife https://amzn.to/4roPkLb (paid link) 

Angela’s website: https://www.realgirlsguide.com 

Angela’s Substack: https://substack.com/@realgirlangela   

Instagram @realgirlsguide55  

About Angela Burk: 
 
Angela Burk is an award-winning high-tech Marketing Leader, Author, and the voice behind Real Girls Guide to Midlife, a community reshaping how women step into midlife with radical self-possession. After three decades scaling companies from scrappy pre-IPO startups to global Fortune 500 giants, she left the C-suite to focus on consulting, writing, and telling the truth about what it really means to live on your own terms. 

Her Substack and this book blend personal stories with hard-won insight and expert guidance, delivering real talk, sharp observations, and a voice women can relate to immediately. 

Angela divides her time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Australia and is a mom to three boys and a stepmom to four more kids. 

Supporting kids with organization, motivation, and follow-through isn’t about creating perfect systems; it’s about understanding development, executive function, and who the child actually is. 

In this episode of Surfing the Quicksand, Kathy Vines talks with Tiffany Blassingame, educator, professional organizer, and academic life coach, about how families can move beyond power struggles and rigid expectations to create systems that truly support students. 

Tiffany explains why executive function skills, like time management, planning, and task initiation, can’t be forced through compliance, and why treating the student as the client changes everything. Drawing on her experience as both an educator and a parent, she shares practical insights on device management, environmental design, and helping kids build agency rather than dependence. 

They also explore how parents can shift from “fixing” to partnering, why analog solutions sometimes solve digital problems, and how understanding peak energy times can unlock motivation for both kids and adults. The conversation closes with Tiffany’s personal reset rituals and her refreshing reminder that stepping away (physically and mentally) can be the key to getting unstuck. 

Key Takeaways 

• Executive function is developmental, not a character flaw. Kids aren’t lazy or defiant; they’re building skills in real time. 

• Parent the child you have, not the one you wish you had. Systems must match this child’s brain and capacity. 

• The student is the client. When kids have agency, systems are more likely to stick. 

• Environment matters. Physical and digital spaces can either reduce or increase cognitive load. 

• Devices aren’t “bad,” but they do need boundaries. Analog tools can sometimes solve modern problems more effectively. 

• Motivation follows energy. Scheduling hard tasks during peak times makes avoidance less powerful. 

• Stepping away creates clarity. Physical distance and reduced device use can reset both mind and body. 

Resources & Mentions 

Follow Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tblassingame/ 

Tiffany’s company – Simple Organization: https://www.simpleorganization.org  

About Tiffany Blassingame 

 
Tiffany Blassingame, owner of Simple Organization, offers strategies to help busy adults and their families go from chaos to calm by achieving wellness through organization and productivity. Tiffany's varied experience as an educator makes it natural for her to specialize in student organization. Her specialties include working with families of elementary, middle, and high school students as well as college students and educators. Tiffany is a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) as well as the vice-president of the National Association of Black Professional Organizers (NABPO). She is also a professional organizer with Ebony & Orderly, a collaboration of 6 Black professional organizers in Atlanta. She speaks frequently on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and about the founding of microschools on various platforms.

So many of us say, “There just isn’t enough time.” But what if the real issue isn’t time at all but how easily it slips away when we don’t have the right structures in place? 

In this episode, Kathy Vines is joined by productivity and focus expert Sarah Tetlow of Firm Focus for a practical, compassionate conversation about time, routines, and why even the most capable people struggle to stay on track. Together, they unpack how “lost time” shows up in everyday life, from doom-scrolling and over-perfecting work tasks to well-intentioned habits that quietly turn into time sinks. 

Kathy and Sarah explore why we’re actually bad at sensing time internally, and why relying on willpower alone so often backfires. Instead, they make the case for external tools, visual timers, and simple systems that do the heavy lifting, especially when our brains are seeking distraction or relief from stress. You’ll hear why analog clocks matter, how timers can reduce overwhelm, and why productive people aren’t magically disciplined; they’re supported by tools and routines that keep them grounded. 

The conversation also reframes the often-loaded idea of boundaries. Rather than seeing them as rigid walls, Sarah offers a powerful redefinition: boundaries as bridges, structures that let the right things into your life while protecting your time, energy, and priorities. From setting realistic routines to choosing just one “pillar habit” to start with, this episode emphasizes progress over perfection and sustainability over hustle. 

If you’ve ever felt scattered, rushed, or frustrated with yourself for “knowing better but still getting stuck,” this episode offers reassurance and concrete ways to regain control of your time without guilt or burnout. 

Key Takeaways 

Lack of time is rarely the real problem—unstructured time is. Most of us have more “lost time” than we realize, especially when we don’t set limits around activities that easily become time sinks. 

We’re not wired to sense time accurately. Relying on intuition or willpower to manage time almost always fails—external tools like timers and visual cues are essential. 

Productive people stay on track because they use systems, not discipline. Tools, routines, and reminders do the work so your brain doesn’t have to. 

Every activity can become a time suck without boundaries. Even “good” habits—work, learning, podcasts—need limits to stay supportive rather than draining. 

Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges. The right boundaries help you let in what truly matters while protecting your time, energy, and priorities. 

Start with one routine, not seven. Sustainable change comes from choosing a single pillar habit that supports your day, not trying to overhaul everything at once. 

Resources and Mentions 

Sarah’s website: https://www.firm-focus.com  

Sarah’s new book: https://www.Perfectlyproductiveday.com    

Sarah recommended the book Checklist Manifesto, by Atul Gawande https://amzn.to/4rG4X28 (paid link) 

Sarah and Kathy both love the Time Timer: https://amzn.to/4oXpfBm (paid link) 

About Sarah Tetlow:  

Sarah is a seasoned productivity strategist, consultant, and renowned international speaker specializing in helping attorneys and legal professionals. She is the founder of Firm Focus, creator of the ARTT® Email Productivity System & Course, and author of “The Perfectly Productive Day.”  

With a wealth of experience, a keen organizational acumen, and a strategic mindset, she empowers attorneys and law firms to enhance their profitability and operational efficiency, reclaim lost time and revenue by controlling distractions, prioritize and develop effective systems and processes. Through personalized one-on-one or small team consulting, strategic planning, engaging workshops, and transformative group trainings, Sarah collaborates with attorneys, law firms, and busy professionals to cultivate proactive and focused approaches to daily management. 

Letting go of collections is rarely about “the stuff.” 

In this episode, Kathy Vines talks with Stephanie Denson, founder of Spirit and Space, about the emotional, logistical, and relational realities of downsizing, especially later in life. Drawing on her work as a professional organizer and collectibles advisor, Stephanie explains why collections are so deeply tied to identity, relationships, and memory, and why letting them go often requires far more compassion than efficiency. 

Together, Kathy and Stephanie explore how collecting is often about the practice (the treasure hunting, the shared experiences, the stories) rather than the objects themselves. They discuss how families can navigate downsizing with patience, realistic timelines, and third-party support, especially when adult children and aging parents are operating with different priorities and levels of urgency. 

The conversation also highlights the sacred role organizers often play during major life transitions, from illness to widowhood to moves into senior living communities. Kathy and Stephanie emphasize the importance of having “awkward conversations” before crisis hits, creating plans for meaningful belongings, and recognizing decision fatigue as a very real barrier. 

Key Takeaways 

• Collections often represent relationships, rituals, and identity, not just objects. 

• Downsizing is easier when people are given time, patience, and permission to tell their stories. 

• A compassionate third party can reduce family conflict and emotional overload during transitions. 

• Decision fatigue is real—progress sometimes means creating “not-now” options instead of forcing final choices. 

• Planning ahead is a gift to loved ones, even if the decisions themselves are still difficult. 

Resources & Mentions 

Spirit and Space – https://www.spiritandspacellc.com/ 

Stephanie’s Digital Guides for Expert Advice:  

https://go.spiritandspacellc.com/digital-guides 

Follow Stephanie on Social Media: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076290312813 

https://www.instagram.com/spiritandspacellc/   

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-denson/  

About Stephanie Denson 

Stephanie Denson is a professional organizers and collectibles advisor who works with clients who are stuck in the process of letting go of stuff, collectibles and otherwise. She owns Spirit and Space based in Indianapolis.  

Many families don’t learn about hospice or palliative care until they’re already in crisis, often believing hospice means “giving up” or that it’s only for the very last days of life. In this episode of Surfing the Quicksand, Kathy Vines is joined by Lori Reese, whose own personal experience with hospice care and loved ones led her to discover her passion for being an ambassador for the value and importance of this care, ultimately serving on the Board of Directors for a hospice network in her area. In this intimate conversation about Lori’s journey and a “101” approach to concepts and myths about end-of-life care, Kathy and Lori bring a compassionate understanding and approach to thinking about hospice as a gift for those (and their loved ones) in their time need.  

They discuss the difference between palliative care and hospice, when one might be the right choice, and why earlier education can dramatically improve comfort, clarity, and peace of mind, for both patients and families. They explore how hospice supports people with terminal illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, kidney disease, and dementia, and why hospice is about quality of life, not hastening death. 

The conversation also dives into one of the most emotionally complex scenarios families face: making end-of-life decisions for someone with dementia who can no longer express their wishes. Lori shares personal experience and professional insight into how families can navigate these moments with compassion, confidence, and care, trusting that choosing comfort is never the wrong choice. 

This episode is an invitation to learn before you need to know, ask better questions, and replace fear with understanding so when the time comes, decisions can be made from a place of support rather than panic. 

Key Takeaways 

• Hospice is not about giving up—it’s about comfort, dignity, and support. 

• Palliative care can be introduced much earlier than most people realize. 

• Families often wait too long simply because they don’t know what help is available. 

• Dementia creates a different end-of-life journey, often requiring families to make decisions on behalf of their loved one. 

• Acting with compassion and prioritizing comfort is a meaningful way to honor someone’s wishes—even when they can’t speak for themselves. 

• Educating yourself before a crisis creates more choices and less fear. 

Resources & Mentions  

Lori shares a few questions families can ask when interviewing a hospice organization 

• How often will a nurse visit? 

• Who will be my main point of contact? 

• What happens if symptoms worsen at night or on weekends? How do I reach you? How quick are you able to respond? 

• How many patients does each nurse manager support? 

• What type of extra support and therapies do you offer? 

To find a list of hospice organizations in your community, along with ratings: 

Find Healthcare Providers: Compare Care Near You - Medicare: https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?providerType=Hospice  

Dictionary of Terms: 

Pallipedia - Palliative Care Dictionary : https://pallipedia.org/  

About Lori Reese: 

Lori Reese is the owner of Consider It Done, where she brings her passion for professional organizing and move management, especially with seniors, to homes in Central Pennsylvania. Lori has earned NAPO specialist certificates in Life Transitions, Residential Organizing, Move Management & Home Staging, and Brain-Based Conditions. 

In addition to leading her team to help people through life transitions at this stage, Lori serves her community and organizations through volunteer roles on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and on the Board of Directors for Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, and previously served on the Board of Trustees for the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. 

In this episode of Surfing the Quicksand, Kathy Vines chats with Reanna Evoy, a branding and creative professional, about the transformative journey through perimenopause and menopause. Reanna shares how she navigates this life stage with authenticity, creativity, and humor, highlighting the importance of self-expression, community, and redefining midlife. 

They explore how societal expectations often fail to represent real women’s experiences during menopause, the power of visual storytelling to capture emotions and lived experiences, and the ways midlife can become a period of growth, self-worth, and reinvention. The conversation also touches on actionable strategies for motivation, embracing challenges, and creating supportive communities that celebrate the wisdom and creativity of women over 40. 

Reanna also shares her vision for her new project, Hot Flash, a magazine and platform that blends art, community, and education about midlife experiences, and how her personal and professional experiences converge to inspire women to embrace this stage with confidence. 

Key themes include: 

• Representation Matters: Traditional media often misrepresents menopause; embracing authentic visuals and stories creates space for real experiences. 

• Creativity as a Lifeline: Art, photography, and self-expression are powerful tools for navigating change and cultivating self-worth. 

• Community is Transformative: Midlife challenges become opportunities for co-creation, mentorship, and intergenerational dialogue. 

• Action Over Anxiety: Tackling fears directly builds confidence and opens doors for growth. “You gotta make it to make it.” 

• Redefining Identity: Midlife is a chance to question purpose, redesign career paths, and shed old identities for a more authentic life. 

• Nature as Reset: Walking in nature, connecting with the ocean, or grounding in outdoor spaces is an essential practice for mental clarity and emotional balance. 

Resources and Links Mentioned 

Reanna’s Instagram: @ReannaTime 

Hot Flash Instagram: @HotFlashMag 

Hot Flash website: HotFlashMag.com 

Branding company: SuperBonjour.com 

Personal website: Reannatime.com 

About Reanna Evoy 

Reanna Evoy is an award-winning creative director specializing in strategy, branding, and content. As a creative director, storyteller, and brand architect, she brings clarity to purpose-driven brands by partnering with CEOs, founders, and business leaders to articulate their vision, purpose, and point of view. Her background in editorial has shaped her practice, making her return to print with Hot Flash both grounding and essential.  

Her philosophy challenges grind culture, instead championing what she calls Life-Centered Design: a practice that integrates creative services with mindfulness-based experiences.  

For Reanna, creativity isn't separate from life. It's a daily practice of awareness, observation, and empathy that creates work with genuine connection. Now navigating her own perimenopause journey while building Hot Flash, an editorial project exploring the perimenopause journey, midlife experiences, and personal transformation, Reanna brings both professional expertise in storytelling and lived experience to conversations about midlife, transformation, and creative practice as a form of mindful engagement. 

In this episode of Surfing the Quicksand, Kathy Vines talks with Susan Miele, author and identity researcher, about the ways midlife changes, whether menopause, career transitions, or life disruptions, affect identity and personal agency. Drawing from her own experiences as a former C-suite executive and her journey through career transitions, Susan explores how major life events (loss, grief, and hormonal changes) reshape our sense of self and challenge the stories we tell ourselves. Susan explores how we can consciously choose how to navigate these changes, redefine our stories, and create opportunities for growth. 

Listeners will learn how identity is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves, why feeling “stuck” is often a result of an outdated narrative, and practical strategies to get unstuck, reclaim agency, and explore possibilities, even when life feels unpredictable. 

Whether you’re considering a professional reinvention, a personal reset, or simply want to understand how identity evolves over time, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and actionable tools to help you rewrite your story and embrace new possibilities. 

Key Takeaways:  

• Identity is fluid, not fixed. We can rewrite the story we tell ourselves about who we are at any point in life. 

• Choice is powerful. Whether in menopause, career, or personal life, we get to choose how we move forward, without judgment. 

• Feeling “stuck” often stems from old narratives. Recognizing these stories is the first step to getting unstuck. 

• Small pauses create breakthroughs. Walking away, sleeping on a problem, or letting the mind rest can lead to sudden clarity and momentum. 

• Practical identity work spans home and work. How we tell our story affects family management, careers, and daily life choices. 

Resources and Mentions 

Susan’s website: https://www.SusanMiele.com   

Susan’s Substack: https://susanannmiele.substack.com/  

Susan’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-a-miele-phd/  

Resources to help workplaces on training and content: MiDOViA https://www.midovia.com/  and The Menopause Society https://menopause.org/  

About Susan Miele 

Susan Miele, PhD is a passionate advocate for normalizing menopause in the workplace. A former Chief People Officer with an extensive career in corporate leadership, she now speaks and writes about the profound impact menopause has on workplace culture, inclusion, and the retention of senior-level women. Susan challenges organizations to understand that menopause is not just an individual issue, but a vital factor in workplace well-being and gender equity.