Welcome to episode 33 of Your Encore Life. We have a very special treat for you in this episode and the next few. Mark Ross, my coach, peer, and friend will be your guest host. As you may remember from and interview I did with Mark in episodes 5, 6, and 7, he is what I consider one of the top resources for planning and living your encore life. The theme of these episodes are "What's Next? It's a Process", with today and the weeks ahead covering the topics:

Reflecting on Early Interests: Today's episode

Following episodes will discuss:

2. Finding Your Direction

3. Experimenting with Possibilities

4. Making Adjustments and Looking Ahead.

Mark A. Ross, RLA, MBA, CPLC, ACC

Mark Ross is owner of Next Thing Group, which helps midlife professionals transition into a new season of life and work. He specializes in serving those who want to explore, launch or advance their Encore Career so they can enjoy the time freedom to pursue what matters most in their second half. Prior to this, Mark served in progressive leadership roles during his 30 year career with the City of Houston, culminating as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director. During his tenure he influenced and helped orchestrate the expansion and improvement of the developmental and operational systems to deliver services for the City of Houston's park system. In his earlier career as an entrepreneur, Mark established a niche business to serve the architectural design market by providing custom design and fabrication of interior and exterior furnishings. He is a native Houstonian, holds an MBA from Texas Woman's University, a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Texas A&M University and is a registered Landscape Architect in Texas. He is also a certified Professional Life and Leadership Coach from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute and credentialed with the International Coaching Federation.

Mark has enjoyed being married for over 34 years to Jeannie from Jackson Mississippi and is the proud father of two grown daughters. He is active in his local church, is a native Houstonian, an artist, an avid walker, follows professional surfing, and loves pretty much anything that is process oriented.

I have included Mark's bio and how he can be contacted as well as resources he spoke about in the show notes.

And now, here's Mark Ross:

Resources:

• Mark Ross - Next Thing Group
• Mark's Linkedin Profile
• Mark's Facebook Page
• Dan Miller - 48 days.com
• Don't Retire, REWIRE - Jeri Sedlar, Rick Miners
• Contact Craig