Too Young To Be Old with Diane Gilman, The Queen of Jeans

Do you ever feel invisible, underrated, ignored, forgotten, or irrelevant? Today, Dine Gilman welcome Susan Feldman, a true pioneer and retail innovator, who shares her journey from founding the antique furniture online marketplace, One Kings Lane, to creating Get In the Groove, a platform dedicated to empowering women over 50, curating items from pro-aging businesses and changing the conversation around ageism.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Susan takes us back to her retail lightbulb moment when she was trying to decorate her new home while juggling work and parenting. She realized there was a need for a platform to buy antique furniture online, leading her to invent One Kings Lane. Diane chimes in, sharing how she found real treasures on the platform and had them delivered, making her home truly unique. Susan later sold One Kings Lane to venture into a new realm.

Paving the Way for Modern Aging

With her entrepreneurial spirit, Susan started GetIntheGroove.com to fill another void in the market. She noticed the lack of dedicated spaces for women over 50 and wanted them to feel visible and empowered. Drawing from her experience with One Kings Lane, she curated a space that offers a variety of products and resources tailored to the needs of middle-aged women.

Defying Aging Stereotypes

Diane and Susan discuss how baby boomers are transforming the economy with their “nest eggs”. They emphasize that today's over 50s are healthier, wealthier, and more vibrant than previous generations. Susan shares how Get In the Groove aims to change the conversation around aging and ageism, especially during the challenging storm of menopause and the other life transitions women may go through after 50.

Embracing Pro-Aging

The hosts dive into the concept of pro-aging and the guilt some people feel around using treatments like botox. Susan advocates for doing what makes you feel good and not judging others for their choices. She highlights the lack of advertising and attention given to older consumers by companies.

Empowering the Next Generation

Surprisingly, Get In the Groove's Instagram attracts a substantial following from those under 35. Younger individuals appreciate seeing options for aging and find it a positive experience. Diane and Susan discuss how they wouldn’t have had open conversations about the menopause with their mothers but it is different now with their generation speaking about it. 

The Light at the End of Menopause

Diane quotes Congresswoman Millicent Fenwick, who once said to a young male reporter, "Young man, aging is not for sissies." Susan adds that aging brings challenges, but by banding together with other women, staying curious and active, and pursuing new experiences, we can make it an enjoyable journey.

Susan’s details and links 

Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok: @getinthegroove1

Twitter/X and YouTube: @InTheGroove1

Pinterest: @inthegroove0810

https://getinthegroove.com/ 

https://www.onekingslane.com/

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com

Celebrating 44 Years of Friendship and Diane's Birthday in this special episode of Too Young To Be Old, host Diane Gilman is joined by her long-time friend of 44 years, Pati Rock. As Diane's birthday approaches on August 18th, this episode takes a heartwarming walk down memory lane. Get ready to dive into the captivating stories of their unforgettable friendship and the remarkable moments they shared.

The Bad Girls of the 80s 

Pati describes meeting Diane for the first time in 1979. They met in an elevator which they shared with the man they both happened to be dating. Diane and Pati recall their first impressions of each other, highlighting the magnetic pull that laid the foundation for their enduring bond.

Diane and Pati call themselves the "bad girls of the 80s”. With a friendship spanning four decades, they're ready to reminisce about their wild and vibrant escapades from a time that seems like only yesterday.

Studio 54

The mention of Studio 54 ignites a cascade of memories. Ron, a pivotal figure in the fashion world that Pati and Diane worked in, used to bring the two ladies along with some of their other friends to join him at the iconic nightclub. 

Pati and Diane remember arriving up to Studio 54 in Ron’s white Rolls Royce and getting to skip the line ahead of thousands of people waiting to enter. 

Pati’s Husband Mick Rock 

Diane and Pati talk about Pati's life with her husband Mick Rock. A renowned photographer responsible for immortalizing music legends like David Bowie, Queen, and Blondie, Mick's influence on the music and photography scene is unparalleled.

One story stands out: the "bumblebee girl" photoshoot, as Diane refers to it. Mick's artistic vision combined with Pati's willingness to embrace whimsy resulted in a one-of-a-kind Valentine's card photoshoot.

Fire Island Adventures and Unexpected Highs 

Some more of Diane’s and Pati’s stories take place at Fire Island, where their friend Ron had a summer house. A marijuana-laced coffee cake triggers a series of events that remain etched in their memories. The shared laughter still echoes through the years.

The Power of Friendship 

Pati acknowledges Diane's profound influence on her life. In the competitive garment industry, Diane's integrity and dedication stood out. Diane's generous spirit, evident through her stories and time, continues to shape Pati's perspective.

Diane and Pati reflect on their lives of glitz, glamour, and nonconformity. They acknowledge their departure from the traditional American path and celebrate the unique journey they embarked upon. Their stories stand as a testament to the power of following one's heart.

Mick Rock's Books

Ziggy Stardust / Bowie 1972-1973 (St. Martins Press, 1984)

A Photographic Record 1969-1980 (foreword by Lou Reed) (Century 22 Books, 1995)

Blood & Glitter (foreword by David Bowie) (VisionOn Publishing GB, 2001)

Moonage Daydream / Life and Times of Ziggy Stardust (with David Bowie 2002)

Psychedelic Renegades / Syd Barrett (Genesis Publications, 2002)

Killer Queen (with Brian May and Roger Taylor) (Genesis Publications, 2003)

Rock ‘n’ Roll Eye (Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography, 2003)

Picture This / Debbie Harry & Blondie (foreword by Debbie Harry) (Omnibus Books, 2004)

Raw Power / Iggy & The Stooges (foreword by Iggy Pop) (Omnibus Books, 2005)

Rocky Horror (foreword by Richard O’Brien) (Schwarzkopf & Schwarzkopf, 2006)

Glam!: An Eyewitness Account (foreword by David Bowie) (Omnibus Books, 2006)

Classic Queen (Sterling Press, 2007)

Tamashii: Mick Rock Meets Kanzaburo (Kabuki Theatre Photos) (Hachette Fujingaho, Japan, 2007)

Psychedelic Renegades Special Edition (Gingko Press, 2007)

Mick Rock EXPOSED (Hardcover, Chronicle Books, 2010)

All books available on Mickrock.com.

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com

Lynn Mull made the courageous decision to leave her successful career in financial services to pursue a new path in wellness, ultimately becoming a coach and Reiki Master. In this week’s episode of Too Young To Be Old podcast Diane and Lynn discuss navigating major life transitions, what it is like to be a woman over 50 in corporate America and recognising and using the skills you’ve developed in your life thus far. 

Join Diane and Lynn as they share inspiring insights and experiences, demonstrating that it's never too late to make life-altering changes and pursue a path that aligns with your true passions and well-being.

From Wall Street to Wellness

Lynn Mull spent 25 years in the fast-paced world of financial services on Wall Street. While she acknowledges the valuable lessons and experiences she gained during this time, she started to feel a sense of dissatisfaction and underappreciation. Seeking fulfillment and personal well-being, Lynn began exploring her passions, delving into coaching, breathwork, and overall wellness. Eventually, her exploration led her to the practice of Reiki, where she found her calling and became a Reiki Master.

Taking Small Increments

Stepping out of the corporate world can be daunting, but Lynn approached her transition in small, manageable increments. Instead of making a big leap, she planned her journey in 3 to 6-month periods, which made the process less overwhelming while still leading her toward her desired destination.

Recognizing Her Strengths 

Lynn realized that she possessed the courage and determination to pursue her true passions. Additionally, she discovered that her strength lay in building meaningful connections with others, which played a crucial role in supporting her transition to a new wellness career. 

The Masculine Energy of Wall Street

Lynn reflects on her experiences on Wall Street and notes the prevalence of masculine energy in the corporate environment. She notes that even women in such spaces often adopt the same thinking and behavior patterns as their male counterparts.

Celebrating Accomplishments and Recognition

Diane and Lynn speak about moments that reaffirmed their choices. Lynn recalls running a retreat where a friend's acknowledgment made her feel truly seen and appreciated. Additionally, she mentions launching an oracle deck, a significant achievement that solidified her presence in the wellness field.

Diane share’s the news that Too Young To Be Old podcast was featured on a list of the most influential podcasts for women over 50 this week. 

Challenges for Women Over 50 in Corporate America

Diane and Lynn discuss the challenges faced by women over 50 in corporate America, where ageism and underappreciation are all too common. Despite this, Lynn's experiences show that embracing one's corporate background and skills can be beneficial when embarking on new endeavors.

Advice for Major Life Changes

Lynn offers valuable advice for those going through significant life changes. She suggests seeking clarity for the near future, be it for the next week, month, or year. Engaging with a coach or healer can provide an objective perspective and guidance during times of transition. Diane adds the importance of listening to one's inner voice and being open to the universe's guidance.

Lynn’s Details

Website: https://www.lynnmull.com/ 

Instagram: @_lynnmull

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com

In this episode of Too Young To Be Old podcast, hosted by Diane Gilman, we delve into a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Felicity Nicole, author of Pieces of Me and spiritual healer. Felicity shares her journey from witnessing traumatic events as a child to escaping an abusive relationship and transforming into a healer. Diane opens up about her own experiences, shedding light on the cycle of abuse that can impact our lives in unimaginable ways.

This episode provides a powerful insight into the lasting effects of abusive relationships and the strength required to break free and heal. Felicity Nicole's journey from trauma to spiritual healing offers hope and inspiration for those seeking to find peace, love, and a healthier path forward. Don't miss this transformative conversation between Diane Gilman and Felicity Nicole, two remarkable women who have faced adversity and emerged as healers in their own right. Stay tuned for Felicity's upcoming book and explore her profound wisdom on healing and growth.

Growing Up with Trauma

Felicity Nicole, author of "Pieces of Me," recounts her early life where she witnessed her father attempting to murder her mother when she was just 10 years old. Despite the horror of the situation, Felicity's response was unique; instead of panicking, she felt compelled to clean her mother's blood and soothe her. This instinctive desire to heal others from a young age planted the seeds for her future as a spiritual healer.

Perpetuating the Cycle of Abuse 

As Felicity grew older, she found herself repeating the cycle of abuse and entering into an abusive relationship. Diane relates to this struggle, having experienced difficulties in forming healthy relationships due to the toxic environment she grew up in. Felicity reveals how she and her siblings perpetuated the cycle of abuse even after her father left by inflicting pain on each other as they had learned no other way to cope.

Escaping and Breaking Free

Both Felicity and Diane found the strength to escape their abusive situations. Felicity crafted a well-thought-out escape plan from her husband. She emphasizes the importance of mental preparation in such situations. Diane seized an opportunity to flee when she got her car keys from her mother “to go for a drive”. They discuss the fear that lingers even after leaving and the nightmares caused by PTSD.

Healing and Transforming

Felicity shares how she transitioned from being a victim to becoming a healer. Her journey involved embracing accountability, forgiveness, and finding strength in her role as a mother. Diane, too, sought healing and love, finding a partner who helped her put the pieces back together after a lifetime of searching for father figures that were always abusive.

The Twin Flame Connection

Felicity introduces the concept of a twin flame, where two souls come together to heal and grow. She says this is what Diane’s partner was to her. Diane shares that at the beginning of their relationship he was her caretaker but in the end she became his caretaker when he battled cancer.

Advice for Healing and Healthy Relationships

Felicity offers valuable advice on healing from the past and fostering healthy relationships. She encourages listeners to shift their thought processes, dig deep into their feelings, be vulnerable, let down emotional walls, and connect with their higher selves.

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com

In this episode of the Too Young To Be Old podcast, host Diane Gilman is joined by Jennifer Arthurton, the host of the Old Chicks Know Sh*t podcast. Jennifer shares her inspiring outlook of seeing the menopause as a blessing. Together, Jennifer and Diane explore the change in perspective and the empowerment that comes from living passionately in the third act of their lives. 

Finding Identity and Defying Societal Expectations

Jennifer opens up about her experience leading up to her 50th birthday. Divorced, unemployed, and facing an empty nest, she found herself bedridden due to stress-related illness. Stripped of her previous roles and identities, Jennifer struggled to find her own identity. She realized that society often expects women in their 50s to wind down and fade into the background. Determined to defy these expectations, she founded the Old Chicks Know Sh*t podcast and community.

Overcoming Personal Struggles and Taking Control

Diane also shares her personal story of losing her partner to colon cancer. She experienced feelings of loneliness, sadness, and guilt, which led her to gain weight. However, a wake-up call from her doctor made her realize the importance of taking control of her life. Both Diane and Jennifer understand the challenges of feeling lost and unfulfilled, despite checking off societal milestones.

The Gift of Menopause and Rediscovering Yourself

Jennifer believes that many people go through life unconsciously, focused on external obligations and taking care of others. Menopause, she argues, can be a powerful wake-up call that helps women align with their true selves. It signals a transition from selflessness to self-awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their own needs and desires. Menopause becomes an opportunity to shed societal expectations and embrace personal growth.

Defying Expectations: Not Having Kids or Family

Diane often faced questions and judgment for not having a husband and children. She thought the menopause represented a turning point but people still ask. However, she feels confident in her own choices. 

Embracing the Best Part of Life: Midlife and Beyond

Jennifer believes that midlife is the longest and most rewarding chapter in a woman's life. With a newfound sense of freedom and self-awareness, women can pursue their passions without worrying about external pressures. The conversation emphasizes the value of time and encourages listeners to prioritize activities that stimulate and entertain them, rather than sticking to the safe and expected.

Creating Your Kickass Next Chapter

Jennifer offers practical advice for those feeling stuck and seeking their kickass next chapter. She suggests connecting with oneself through silence, stillness, and solitude to discover personal desires and aspirations. Starting with a vision of a perfect day or morning, listeners can follow their "joy crumbs" to uncover what truly lights them up. Diane adds that it's essential to stop listening to other people's expectations and instead focus on what resonates with one's own journey.

Jennifer's details:

Website: oldchicksknowshit.com

Podcast: Old Chicks Know Sh*t

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com

In this week's episode of the "Too Young To Be Old" podcast, host Diane Gilman welcomes Jennifer Greenhut Tollin as her guest. Both Diane and Jennifer are survivors of Stage 4 breast cancer, having been diagnosed in 2017 and enduring a year and a half of treatment. 

Diane and Jennifer had different circumstances leading into their cancer journeys, both women emerged from their experiences stronger and filled with gratitude. They delve into the transformative power of embracing cancer as a life-altering experience. 

Different Paths to Cancer

Diane and Jennifer discuss their contrasting experiences leading up to their cancer diagnoses. Jennifer, a newly married yoga teacher who diligently received yearly mammograms, was shocked by her unexpected diagnosis of stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer—the most aggressive type.

Diane, on the other hand, discovered a lump and eventually underwent a scan after being convinced by a doctor friend. Her diagnosis came on Christmas Eve, delivered bluntly by a doctor who stated that she had cancer everywhere, leaving her feeling hopeless.

Seeing Cancer as a Blessing

Jennifer opens up about her initial feelings of hopelessness upon receiving her diagnosis. This was made worse by the fact her and her husband had been trying for children and had experienced several failed rounds of IVF. She felt the universe was kicking her when she was down. However, she later discovered that if she had become pregnant, she would likely have died. This revelation shifted her perspective, leading her to see cancer as a life-saving experience and an opportunity for personal growth. Jennifer now believes that everything happens for a reason and embraces the notion that everything worked out as it should.

Approaching Treatment with Gratitude

Diane recalls the high-pressure environment of the chemotherapy ward, often witnessing medical emergencies in the ward. In response, she took on the role of being bright and cheerful, believing that a positive mindset would facilitate the best results for her treatment. 

Jennifer, too, approached her chemotherapy sessions with a sense of surrender and gratitude. She said prayers and expressed her gratitude before each session, opening herself up to receive the treatment rather than viewing it as poison.

The Night Before Chemo

Diane and Jennifer discuss their nights before chemo. Diane gave herself a pep talk, fell asleep and had a motivating dream that inspired her to overcome cancer and reminded her to rise above the situation. 

Jennifer, on the other hand, struggled to sleep and instead turned to writing. She contemplated the person she would become during her illness and trusted the doctors and the treatment process.

The Power of Support

Diane shares the overwhelming response from women after her last TV show. She considers her audience like an extended family and felt a collective support system of 135,000 individuals holding her up during her journey. Jennifer reflects on how she allowed herself to be supported during her treatment and realized that support continues even without the presence of cancer.

Advice for Those Facing Cancer

Jennifer advises individuals facing cancer to seek multiple opinions from oncologists and stay open to the possibility that the experience can be valuable and transformative. She believes that individuals co-create their experiences with life itself. Diane emphasizes the importance of gratitude and kindness, highlighting how expressing appreciation for the medical staff and creating a positive atmosphere can contribute to a more favorable outcome. Diane also shares how cancer burned away negativity in her life, making space for her to shine through her treatment.

Jennifer’s details: 

Book: Everyone needs a Larry 

Company: Zero Negative - spread love through accessories by giving back to cancer care

Website: shopzeronegative.com 

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com.

In episode 6 of the Too Young To Be Old podcast host Diane Gilmore welcomes Joy Loverde, author of Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old? and an extended living advocate and expert. They discuss the various aspects of aging, revealing the options available, the importance of social connections, and the role of technology in enhancing the lives of older adults. Diane sets the tone for the episode, promising shocking, comforting, and surprising insights into aging.

Different ways to handle aging

Diane shares her personal experience of living in a two-story home and grappling with knee issues, leading her to consider her options. Recognizing the diverse financial situations among older adults, Diane and Joy explore the array of choices available for aging individuals.

One option is aging in place- where someone would receive care in their own home. There are some smartphone apps that can help too.  Remote Advice app is one where people can get health information for themselves or a loved one. New York Share app helps pair older people up with a housemate so they don’t have to live alone. 

Joy says you should get to know some professionals now before you do need care at all. These are:

Before hiring anyone ask them do they have a team of people behind them so that if they do quit, your care is uninterrupted and you are familiar with their replacement. 

“Money helps with a lot of problems” 

Discussing the impact of wealth inequality on the aging population, Diane highlights the option of luxury sheltered housing in New York City, where individuals can stay for tens of thousands of dollars per month. Joy points out that this just shows how money can help with a lot of problems. Diane delves into the different levels of care offered, such as independent living, dependent care, memory care, and end-of-life care.

The importance of a social life

Joy emphasizes that aging is not solely about needing care but also about maintaining a vibrant social life. She states the significance of having a strong network of friends who can support and care for each other throughout the aging process. She shares her experience in a Chicago apartment building where residents actively look out for one another, highlighting the importance of community connections.

How the internet helps

Recognizing the difficulties of socializing and staying connected as one ages, Joy suggests finding community through various means. Diane and Joy discuss the increasing opportunities to connect online, leveraging technology to combat loneliness and maintain mental and emotional well-being. Joy adds that even the telephone can play a crucial role in staying connected.

Lessons from COVID-19 and planning ahead

Reflecting on the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Diane expresses her fear of aging alone. Joy offers words of hope and advice, urging listeners to draw on their experiences during the pandemic to better prepare for the future. She emphasizes the importance of creating comfort measures and support systems as one ages.

Dream big and take charge

Diane concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to dream big and manifest their own happiness. She shares her excitement about becoming an influencer on YouTube and Instagram. She reminds everyone of the power they possess to shape their own aging journey and to make choices that contribute to their well-being and fulfillment.

Joys details: 

Website: https://elderindustry.com/

Instagram: @joyloverde

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com.

Welcome to Too Young to be Old podcast, hosted by the Queen of Jeans Diane Gilman. In this episode, Diane is joined by guest Dara Goldberg, a proaging aging guru. Together, they delve into the need for champions of midlife and discuss the representation of older women in the media. They explore how women can ensure their voices are heard, the difference between anti-aging and pro-aging perspectives, and the importance of showcasing both the positive and negative aspects of aging. 

The Need for champions of midlife

Diane emphasizes the importance of champions for midlife, highlighting Dara as an example. They discuss the prevailing notion that growth stops in midlife and question why this belief is perpetuated.

Older women making the headlines

Diane shares examples of mature women making headlines, such as Martha Stewart and May Musk gracing magazine covers, and Michelle Yao and Jamie Lee Curtis receiving awards in the film industry. Dara expresses excitement about these stories. 

How women can make sure their voices are heard

Diane asks Dara how women can make their voices heard, particularly in the beauty industry. Dara emphasizes that women over 50 constitute 70% of the consumer segment, giving them the power to influence brands through their purchasing choices. She encourages women to reach out to brands using "anti-aging" messaging and advocate for products that embrace the aging process instead.

Anti-aging versus pro-aging

Dara introduces her "ProAge beauty brand guide" (updated version will be available soon) that features brands promoting a pro-aging message instead of anti-aging. She believes brands should focus on helping individuals feel beautiful at any age, rather than trying to prevent aging altogether. Dara stresses that everyone's journey and beauty rituals should be respected, as long as individuals feel empowered to make their own choices.

"I Look My Age"

Dara discusses the social media campaign #Ilookmyage, which is a collaboration between Ageism is Never in Style (@ageismisneverinstyle) and The Centre for Ageing Better (@ageing_better), to help dispel the stereotypes that there is a certain 'look' to any given age. They emphasize the importance of being your own cheerleader and celebrating the positive aspects of aging.

The importance of showing the good as well as the bad parts of aging in the media

Dara points out that society tends to focus on the negative aspects of aging in the media, neglecting the positive aspects. Diane shares her perspective that this is the most magical time of her life. 

Brands need to be authentic and respectful

Dara emphasizes the need for brands to be authentic when targeting mature women, acknowledging that they require different products and approaches than other age segments. She advises women to provide feedback to brands that adopt an inauthentic approach and express their preferences for genuine representation. They discuss how The Body Shop changed the name of their mature collection Drops of Youth to Edelweiss due to pushback from older women.

Dara's final message

Dara's final words encourage all women to appreciate the beauty of getting older, asserting that this is a time when women can live by their own rules and embrace their wisdom. She believes it is crucial to pass on this mindset to future generations of women.

Dara’s details

Instagram: @daradoesmidlife

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com.

In this episode of the Too Young to be Old podcast, host Diane Gilman is joined by nutrition and health coach Debi Carlin Boyle, an aging young expert who emphasizes the importance of longevity with quality. The episode covers a range of topics related to aging, longevity, and quality of life.

Aging Young

Debi Carlin Boyle emphasizes the importance of making lifestyle changes to maintain health and energy as one ages. This includes addressing everything that feeds us in life, including food, movement, and other things. She also mentions the concept of bio-individuality, where there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness. “Your food could be my poison, my food could be your poison” Debi says. 

Hormones and Diet Confusion

Debi discusses the impact of hormones on health and how they change as we age. She also talks about the confusion around diets and the need to craft one's own life in this stage of life. 

Diane speaks about how the cancer she had was hormonal so she has had to cut out a lot of foods that alter hormones in the body such as dairy. She doean’t see it as restrictive though and mentions that if she had to choose between eating a big glob of mozzarella or having loads of energy, she would choose the latter.

The Importance of Drinking Water 

Debi Carlin Boyle emphasizes the importance of drinking water and suggests drinking half your body weight in pounds in ounces. So for example if you weigh 120 lb you would drink 60 oz of water per day. She suggests putting lemon or cucumber in the water if people struggle to drink plain water. Much to Diane’s disappointment she says that sparkling water does not count as part of your daily water.  

The 5 Blue Zones

Debi mentions the five blue zones in the world where centenarians live and attributes their longevity to their diet, community, social life, and passion.

Tips for Longevity with Quality

Debi shares her tips for longevity with quality, including creating a goal, working backwards to see what things need to change, and finding a support group if needed. She also suggests Googling what you should do for longevity. 

Debi’s details

The best place to find Debi is on her website balancedlifebydebi.com. 
Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com.

In this episode of Too Young To Be Old podcast host Diane Gilman welcomes kindness advocate Will Sullivan. Will is a Kindness Advocate, Leadership Coach, and Podcast Host who talks about his 25+ years experience leading teams in NYC who served 150 million guests and generated over $1 billion in revenue. He attributes this success to one thing - being the leader who leads from the heart because the team should always come first. 

Diane and Will discuss the concept and place of kindness in the modern world including in corporate environments, on social media and in the rapidly evolving world of AI. 

Will’s Career Change to Kindness Advocate 

Will formerly looked after the public experience in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He discusses how COVID helped him understand the essence of what he did in his role- helping and connecting with people. He decided to do this in a different way, by becoming a kindness advocate. 

A Lack of Kindness in the Corporate World 

Diane asks Will why leaders in the corporate world use meanness to manage employees, based on her own corporate experiences. 

Will, however, believes that it isn’t meanness but more a lack of empathy as a lot of people in positions of power have never experienced working in the front lines of a company. They never had to take care of people. He talks about the importance of putting oneself in the shoes of the customer and those who are helping the customer.

Meanness and Social Media

Diane questions why social media seems to be a breeding ground for meanness. She gives an example of backlash she received on social media for complimenting Martha Stewart's appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Will suggests that people become braver and meaner on social media because they can hide behind a device.

The Impact of AI and Perfection on Society

Diane questions whether it will become more difficult to be your authentic self as we experience more and more perfection with Photoshop and now with AI. She talks about how the brain and eyes get attuned to perfection when we are so used to seeing it in magazines. She worries about the impact of technology on reality and how it can lead to anger and meanness. 

Will, as a kindness advocate, suggests addressing these issues by leading from the heart and focusing on the importance of in-person experiences.

AI and the Definition of Love

Will and Diane talk about the impact of artificial intelligence on the definition of love. Diane wonders if the online connections we have will eventually replace in person love and connection as new tech makes our online experience more immersive. Will highlights the importance of chemistry between people and doesn’t think this will ever be replaced.

Will's Details

Instagram: @aspiringbetterhuman

YouTube: @aspiringbetterhuman

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/will-sullivan-aspiring-better-human/

Website: aspiringbetterhuman.com

Connect with Diane

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube: @thedianegilman

Website: thedianegilman.com.