This episode explores how to navigate a career pause after widowhood, divorce, caregiving, or another major life transition—and how to return to work with clarity and confidence. Donna speaks with Dr. Ann Marie Peters, an executive coach, leadership strategist, organizational psychologist, and author who combines research and lived experience to help people relaunch professionally. Together, they discuss the emotional side of career breaks, the practical steps for re-entering the workforce, and why networking, mindset, and self-reflection matter just as much as updating a resume.In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Dr. Ann Marie Peters' personal journey from corporate work to staying home with her children, entrepreneurship, consulting, and earning her PhD later in life
• Why a career pause can be a deliberate choice rather than a failure
• How to determine whether you truly want to return to work—or are responding to guilt and outside expectations
• The inspiration behind Dr. Peters' book about career pauses and returning to the workplace
• Identity loss and imposter syndrome after stepping away from a career
• Why confidence is like a muscle that can be strengthened through small, consistent steps
• The hidden skills people develop during a career pause, including caregiving, resilience, organization, and problem-solving
• How to align your next career move with your values, purpose, and need for balance
• The importance of networking when returning to the workforce
• How volunteering can help rebuild professional confidence and sharpen skills
• The 90-day plan featured in Dr. Peters' book
• Why you should ask people for advice—not necessarily a job
• How to create a resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional presence that reflect your full experience
• Why it's okay to test a new direction, "dip your toes in the water," and pivot when something doesn't feel right

Key timestamps

00:00 – Why this conversation matters for people facing career transitions

01:00 – Meet Dr. Ann Marie Peters

02:42 – Giving yourself permission to pause after loss or family change

03:05 – Asking, "Why do I want to return?"

05:15 – Creating a flexible work arrangement in 1995

07:13 – Leaving work to raise children and returning as an entrepreneur

08:36 – Going back to school and earning a PhD later in life

09:22 – How dissertation research inspired Dr. Peters' book

11:14 – The joys, challenges, and hidden skills of a career pause

13:40 – Turning a pause into a reset and relaunch point

14:49 – Identity loss, imposter syndrome, and rebuilding confidence

15:19 – Why confidence grows through baby steps

17:58 – Balancing work and family after the loss of a spouse

18:27 – Creating a proposal when your current role no longer works

19:54 – The importance of balance, authenticity, and purpose

21:16 – Inside the book's 90-day plan

22:43 – Using LinkedIn and career platforms effectively

24:59 – Rebuilding professional skills through volunteering

25:42 – The top three priorities for returning to work

27:34 – Where to find Dr. Ann Marie Peters and her book

28:30 – Final thoughts for widows, widowers, and people navigating career pivotsThree key

Connect with Dr. Ann Marie:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annmariepeters

Facebook: We'll Be Right Back

TikTok: @amp_is_back

Instagram: backwithamp

This conversation explores how criticism shows up in intimate relationships, why it often triggers defensiveness, and how to shift toward vulnerability instead. Donna Jean Kendrick speaks with Dr. Jessica Higgins about emotionally focused therapy, attachment patterns, and practical ways widows and widowers can navigate dating and new relationships more skillfully.Dr. Higgins brings over 20 years of experience in relationship coaching and psychology, and she shares concrete examples from her own marriage and clinical work to make the ideas immediately usable.

Timestamps

00:00 - Meet Dr. Jessica Higgins and the focus on kinder, more connected relationships

01:20 - Why this conversation matters for widows and widowers dating again

02:51 - Donna Jean shares how widowhood and low self-worth affected her early relationships

03:41 - What criticism really is in a relationship

04:36 - Why criticism often masks pain and a need for responsiveness

05:34 - The criticism defensiveness loop and why both people feel dissatisfied

06:20 - Why criticism is valuable in some settings but not in intimacy

08:06 - The push pull between wanting connection and protecting against hurt

09:32 - How vulnerability creates a clearer signal than complaint or critique

10:45 - What happens when someone leads with their tender spot instead of armor

12:13 - Why family modeling, culture, and personality shape relational habits

14:06 - How competitive or hierarchical habits can spill into relationships

15:30 - Why vulnerable reveals often create a different response quickly

16:54 - Putting your vulnerable side forward without putting everything on the table at once

18:35 - Why Donna Jean's original question was about receiving criticism too

19:04 - How to respond when criticism is aimed at you without getting stuck in defensiveness

21:08 - The "ninja move" of pausing, staying curious, and not assuming reflection means agreement

22:29 - Questions that uncover meaning instead of staying stuck in facts

23:31 - Why the meaning behind a request matters more than the request itself

24:21 - What emotionally focused therapy is and how it differs from tapping

25:53 - The pursuer distancer cycle and attachment fears underneath conflict

28:32 - How EFT aims for enactments that send clear emotional signals

29:59 - Why this approach can be counter to standard dating advice

31:32 - Why Donna Jean and Dr. Higgins both think authenticity can start earlier than people expect

32:25 - The pool analogy for deepening intimacy gradually and safely

34:19 - A free guide for turning criticism into vulnerable requests

35:36 - The purpose of Dr. Higgins' podcast and her 11 plus years of weekly conversations

36:48 - Closing thoughts on practical wisdom, research, and storytelling

Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

In this episode of Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™, Donna welcomes mortgage expert and neighbor Gary Coggin for a compassionate, practical conversation about one of the most overwhelming parts of widowhood: what to do about the mortgage and home after a spouse dies.With more than 40 years in mortgage banking, Gary explains how widows, widowers, and families can better understand their options, reduce panic, and make informed decisions with the help of trusted professionals.

What you'll learn in this episode

• What happens to a mortgage when a spouse passes away
• Why you usually don't need to panic if both spouses were on the mortgage
• How to contact the mortgage servicer and when to call an attorney
• How mortgage professionals can help if payments become difficult after a life change
• When a reverse mortgage may be a helpful option
• How reverse mortgages can support aging in place
• Why family conversations matter when heirs may be impacted
• How income sources like Social Security, pensions, and annuities can affect mortgage qualification
• Why mindset and comfort level matter just as much as numbers

Key takeaways

1. Don't panic after a spouse's death. Gary explains that losing a spouse does not automatically trigger a mortgage call. If payments continue, homeowners are generally not in danger of immediate action from the lender. 2. Reach out to trusted professionals early. Donna and Gary stress the importance of contacting your attorney, mortgage servicer, financial advisor, and a mortgage professional you trust. A coordinated approach can help reduce confusion and stress. 3. Reverse mortgages are often misunderstoodGary breaks down how reverse mortgages actually work, including how they can help older homeowners tap into equity, eliminate monthly mortgage payments, and remain in their homes. 4. Family communication is essentialIf heirs may be affected, it helps to include them in the conversation early. Gary explains that understanding everyone's concerns can make the process smoother and less emotional. 5. Wealth is more than being debt-freeDonna and Gary discuss how real estate can be a powerful part of a long-term financial strategy, and how money decisions should support both security and quality of life.

A memorable example from the episode

Gary shares a real-world example of helping a homeowner qualify for a mortgage by working with her annuity and educating the underwriter on how those funds could support her situation. The story shows how the right guidance can uncover options that might otherwise be overlooked.

Listener action steps

If you're facing widowhood, a home transition, or questions about your mortgage:

1. Don't panic.
2. Contact the professionals you know, like, and trust.
3. Ask questions about your mortgage, income sources, and home equity.
4. Explore whether your current home, a refinance, or a reverse mortgage may fit your long-term goals.

About Gary Coggin

Gary Coggin is a mortgage professional with over 40 years of experience helping first-time homebuyers, homeowners, and families navigate the mortgage process with education, empathy, and care. He also hosts his own podcast, The Gary Coggin Mortgage and Real Estate Show.

Contact Gary Coggin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-coggin-301b5411/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/philadelphiamortgage/

Give a call on the old-fashioned telephone: (215) 275-4402

"Don't panic and start to reach out to the people that you know, like and trust."

Contact Donna

Websites:

https://sephtonfinancial.com/

https://donnajeankendrick.com

_______________________________

Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

Donna Jean Kendrick talks with Michael Flores, a counselor, family therapist, and founder of Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling, about helping families navigate widowhood, divorce, co-parenting, and court-ordered counseling. Michael shares how his own childhood experiences shaped his mission and why he centers therapy on what children need, not just what adults want.This conversation is especially useful for single parents, widows, widowers, step-parents, grandparents, and therapists supporting blended or high-conflict families. The big idea is simple: when parents align on the goal, kids have a much better chance to heal.

Timestamps

00:00 - Donna Jean introduces Michael Flores and the families he helps

00:56 - Michael's background, training, and why counseling became his calling

02:49 - A quick name joke and the start of Michael's personal story

03:42 - Childhood loss, blended family dynamics, and growing up around family change

05:06 - Discovering psychology and realizing counseling was the right path

07:00 - Building Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling across Texas

07:52 - Job, career, and mission - what makes work meaningful

09:59 - How Michael approaches families facing divorce, widowhood, and co-parenting

10:24 - Why he centers therapy on the child's needs first

11:21 - Parental alignment versus co-parenting

12:01 - How therapy is structured with parents, kids, and family sessions

13:30 - Court-ordered reunification work and starting with the parents

14:29 - Gathering family history and deciding who joins sessions next

15:34 - Stepparents and grandparents as overlooked caregivers

17:03 - How Michael's father leaned on grandparents after loss

18:25 - Guilty parenting, helicopter parenting, and lawnmower parenting

20:26 - Donna Jean's own widowhood parenting experience and losing structure

22:08 - Creating a new normal after major family change

22:37 - Two questions that help people stay out of counseling: self-audit and stop avoiding

25:03 - Solution focused therapy and how it shifts attention to hopes and outcomes

26:31 - Working with resistant clients and why resistance may be on the therapist side

27:29 - A case example of role reversal with a daughter and her father

28:54 - The 4R exercise and how it quickly builds empathy

30:23 - Michael's book One Question Away and his upcoming professional book

31:19 - Silent sessions and helping clinicians work with high-conflict families

32:44 - The podcast Beyond Divorce, Embracing Change and why the team created it

34:45 - Where to find the podcast and how episodes connect across topics

36:00 - Michael's mission to help families, interrupt harmful patterns, and support healing

37:54 - Donna Jean reflects on the spiritual side of the work and generational impact

Connect with Michael:

Michael's Social Media and Website:

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

Michael's Podcast:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

_______________________________

CONNECT WITH DONNA 🤝 Facebook: / donnajeankendrick LinkedIn: / donna-kendrick Instagram: / donnajeankendrick _______________________________ CONTACT DONNA ☎ Website: https://sephtonfinancial.com/ Phone: (215) 948-3945 Complimentary Consultation/Contact Us: https://calendly.com/donnakendrick/10... Downloadables and Resources: https://sephtonfinancial.com/resources/ _______________________________ Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

In this episode of Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™, Donna welcomes Raymond Lavine, host of Planning with Purpose and two-time EXPY award winner, for a candid conversation about long-term care planning. Rather than getting lost in policy jargon, the discussion focuses on why these conversations matter now—especially for widows, widowers, and families navigating major life transitions. Together, they explore caregiving, vulnerability, legacy, and the importance of having a plan that protects both your loved ones and your future.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why long-term care planning is really about love, responsibility, and protection
• The difference between caregiving for children and caregiving for adults
• Why people often avoid planning for care until it becomes urgent
• How long-term care planning can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making
• Why family conversations about care, legacy, and end-of-life wishes matter
• How planning ahead can support both the person needing care and their family
• The role of estate planning in shaping care, memorial, and transition decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Long-term care is not just a financial issue—it's an emotional and family issue.
• A plan gives you more control, more dignity, and more options.
• Avoiding the conversation can create stress for family members later.
• Caregivers should be treated with respect and appreciation.
• Planning for care, legacy, and memorial wishes can bring peace of mind.
• Even difficult conversations become easier when they're handled early.

Memorable Moments:

• Donna shares her own experience of becoming a widow at 40 and thinking about who would care for her if she got hurt or became ill.
• Raymond explains how caregiving changes when the person needing care is an adult.
• The conversation turns personal as they discuss planning funerals, legacy, and how people want to be remembered.
• Raymond shares a story about a client whose long-term care plan helped his family through a difficult transition.

About the Guest and Contact Info

Raymond Levine is the host of Planning with Purpose and a two-time EXPY award winner. He helps people think through long-term care planning in a way that supports real-life transitions, caregiving needs, and family peace of mind.

• Co-Author of the Amazon Best-Selling Book, Empathy and Understanding in Business
• Podcast Host of Planning with Purpose
• 2 Time EXPY® Award Recipient
• https://fountainofvitality.com/video/long-term-care-plan-considerations-and-challenges-ep-35-fountain-of-vitality
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S98UnoiyTrQ

In this episode of Widow, Wisdom and Wealth™, host Don sits down with Dana Frost, founder of the Forced Joy Project, to talk about grief, resilience, and the power of community after loss. Dana shares the story behind her husband Brad's terminal cancer diagnosis, the "forced joy" mindset they created during his final 100 days, and how that practice evolved into a meaningful mission supporting widows, widowers, and others navigating life after loss.

Listeners will hear how the Forced Joy Project grew into a community with retreats, the Joy Scout Club, and creative tools for honoring loved ones through Book of Stories. Dana also explains why healing often happens in connection, not isolation, and how shared experiences can help people move through grief while still building a full, joyful life.

This conversation is heartfelt, honest, and surprisingly hopeful—especially for anyone looking for comfort, community, or a reminder that joy can still exist after profound loss.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Dana Frost's "forced joy" philosophy began during her husband's illness
• Why the Joy Scout Club was created for widows and widowers
• What to expect from Dana's retreats, including Joy Scout Camp and Widows in the Wild
• How Book of Stories helps families preserve memories and stories of loved ones
• Why community can be a powerful part of healing after grief
• How Dana continues to find joy in everyday life

Notable quote:

"Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion."

Resources mentioned:

• Forced Joy Project: https://forcedjoyproject.com
• Book of Stories: https://bookofstories.com

About the guest:

Dana Frost is the founder of the Forced Joy Project, a community and resource hub for people navigating grief and life after loss. Through retreats, online support, and memorial storytelling, she helps others find connection, meaning, and moments of joy in difficult seasons.

Links:

www.forcedjoyproject.com www.bookofstories.com www.joyscoutclub.com www.facebook.com/forcedjoyproject www.instagram.com/forcedjoyproject www.instagram.com/memorialbooks

In this heartfelt episode, Lisa Woolery shares her journey of overcoming widowhood, raising children, and rediscovering purpose through her mission of supporting widows. Her story offers powerful insights on healing, community support, and embracing a new chapter with hope and resilience.

Main Topics:

• Lisa Woolery's personal widowhood story and early relationship with her husband Eric
• The importance of honesty, shared responsibility, and mutual support in coping with loss
• Building community and leaning on neighbors and friends for strength
• The concept of a widow's comeback and her inspiring memoir and resources
• Practical tips for widows to actively participate in shaping their new lives

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Lisa Woolery and her story of widowhood and rebuilding

00:30 - The significance of sharing her mission and the platform of Widow Wisdom and Wealth

01:22 - Seven years after loss: reflections on grief and rebuilding life

02:08 - Lisa's personal story: meeting Eric at age 14 and their lifelong love story

03:40 - The impact of Eric's sudden death and moving to Kansas City

05:05 - Their journey as a family, career changes, and adopting children from Russia

06:28 - Challenges during Eric's political career and move across states

07:55 - Navigating widowhood: the loss and the subsequent life adjustments

10:06 - Key lessons from Lisa's experience: honesty, responsibility, and support

11:06 - Honest communication with her children after Eric's death

12:28 - Practical strategies for managing responsibilities and setting boundaries

13:26 - The importance of neighborhood support and community involvement

16:34 - Asking for help and building a network of support

18:11 - The impact of vulnerability and openness in healing

19:09 - Creating a support system: writing names down and delegating help

20:35 - Practical examples of community help in times of crisis

21:56 - The power of neighborly acts and community bonds

22:15 - Introducing Lisa's book, The Widow's Comeback, and her mission to inspire widows

25:16 - Resources for widows: journal, grieving calendar, and guided support

26:13 - Lisa's current work: fiction trilogy and courses for widow reinvention

27:07 - How to connect with Lisa and follow her resources

28:09 - Final advice: Be an active participant in your healing and new life

29:02 - Words of encouragement from Lisa Woolery

Resources & Links to Connect with Lisa Woolery:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon Author Page

Discover how Tiffany Rampey transformed her grief into a movement that empowers widows to travel the world responsibly and joyfully. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of resilience, the innovative Travel More Method, and practical tips for leveraging points and miles to unlock global adventures.

Main Topics:

• Tiffany's personal journey from widowhood to reinventing her life through travel
• The development and principles of the Travel More Method
• How widows can use points and miles to travel affordably
• Overcoming mindset blocks like guilt and fear after loss
• The importance of travel for healing, education, and creating lasting memories
• Practical steps for responsible credit card use for travel rewards
• The role of flexibility and adaptability in family travel

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Tiffany Rampey and her journey from widowhood

00:29 - Tiffany's early life, career, and the impact of her husband's sudden passing

02:20 - The emotional and practical reasons behind embracing travel after loss

03:34 - How travel helped Tiffany escape grief and community judgment

04:32 - Meeting her current husband and discovering travel's potential for financial reset

05:34 - The credit card strategy that made international travel accessible

06:55 - The core of the Travel More Method: using points and miles to unlock affordable travel

07:34 - Simplifying the system: one card, minimum spend, full repayment

09:02 - How points can fund trips to Europe, luxury hotels, and more

10:02 - Overcoming mindset blocks: guilt, judgment, and permission to travel

11:45 - The empowering importance of creating joyful, experiential memories for kids

12:27 - Real-life travel lessons from international adventures and challenging situations

14:11 - The value of flexibility, resilience, and living fully through travel

15:28 - Balancing structure and spontaneity in life post-widowhood

16:09 - Tiffany's mission statement: empowering widows to find relief and build joyful lives

In this episode of "Widow Wisdom and Wealth," Dana Friedman shares insightful advice on managing real estate decisions during emotional life transitions, particularly after widowhood or divorce. Whether you're considering selling your family home, downsizing, or exploring 55+ communities, Dana's expertise offers practical guidance and emotional support.

Main Topics Covered:

• How to use the long-term capital gain exclusion within the first two years of widowhood
• Strategies for accurately determining home value amidst fluctuating markets
• Important updates and improvements that can increase your home's basis and sale value
• The role of decluttering and emotional resources during urgent moves
• Key considerations in choosing 55+ communities, including HOA fees and amenities
• Building a trusted team of professionals for a smooth transition
• Tips for recent widows/widowers on making quick decisions and processing emotional hurdles
• Dana's concierge-style service connecting clients nationwide and internationally

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Dana Friedman and her work supporting families in transition

01:01 - Capital gains exclusion rules for surviving spouses within two years of loss

01:57 - Dana's background and her focus on empathetic real estate support

03:36 - Importance of honest communication in family situations involving divorce or widowhood

05:17 - How to prepare clients emotionally and practically for home selling

06:19 - Approaching home valuation and market analysis in divorce scenarios

07:15 - Guiding clients on affordability and market value considerations

08:14 - Factors influencing home value, including market demand and renovations

09:39 - Using comparative market analysis (CMA) to reevaluate house worth

12:08 - Impact of updates and improvements on home basis and sale price

14:48 - Resources and professional help for decluttering during emotional times

16:19 - Celebrating life and downsizing with memorial events and donation options

18:24 - Decision-making exercises for stay or go in widowhood

19:52 - Processing emotional readiness for moving and emotion-driven timing

20:37 - Dana's network of trusted professionals for every step of the transition

22:22 - Understanding 55+ communities, amenities, and costs

25:44 - Final advice

Connect with Dana:

Cell: 215-901-4522

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaFriedman1124

Instagram: @DBF136

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-friedman-aba59849/

_______________________________

CONNECT 🤝

Facebook: / donnajeankendrick

LinkedIn: / donna-kendrick

Instagram: / donnajeankendrick

_______________________________

CONTACT ☎

Website: https://sephtonfinancial.com/

Phone: (215) 948-3945

Complimentary Consultation/Contact Us: https://calendly.com/donnakendrick/10...

Downloadables and Resources: https://sephtonfinancial.com/resources/

_______________________________

Donna Kendrick is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and owner of Sephton Financial located at 314 Washington Ln, Jenkintown, PA 19046. If you'd like to contact Sephton Financial you can do so online at SephtonFinanical.com or by calling 215 948 3945 Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Financial Specialists LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Sephton Financial, LLC and Cetera are not affiliated. The views depicted in this material are for information purposes only and are not necessarily those of Sephton Financial. They should not be considered specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Neither Sephton Financial nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. The guests on the podcast are not affiliated or registered with Cetera Financial Specialist. Any information provided by the guests are in no way related to Cetera Financial Specialist or its registered representatives.

In this episode of Widow Wisdom and Wealth, we dive deep into resilience, life pivots, and practical strategies for navigating business and personal challenges after loss. Erika Andresen shares her inspiring journey from military service and law to becoming a business continuity expert, emphasizing the importance of planning, action, and living in alignment with your passions.

Key Topics

• The parallels between business continuity planning and handling life's disruptions
• Erika's personal story of evolving careers and overcoming hardships
• How resilience builds through proactive planning and practice
• Practical steps to increase your resilience, including estate and business succession planning
• The emotional aspects of managing relationships and assets after loss
• The importance of testing your plans regularly for preparedness
• Aligning your life and business with your purpose and passions
• Strategies for widows and widowers to support their mental health and community connections
• Erika's insights on making sense of big life changes and trusting your intuition

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Erika Andresen and episode overview

02:32 - Erika's background in law, military, and disaster preparedness

04:47 - Drawing parallels between business resilience and widowhood challenges

06:40 - Erika's personal journey of career pivots and overcoming loss

08:33 - How her military and emergency management experience inform her current work

09:54 - The impact of unexpected life changes and the importance of adaptability

12:23 - Moving from military service to entrepreneurship amid personal upheaval

14:26 - Pivoting after personal loss and managing family estate issues

16:11 - Explaining risk management and probability in disaster preparedness

17:25 - Supporting aging parents with estate planning and emotional resilience

19:27 - The significance of planning, testing, and practicing for crises

21:14 - Practical advice on creating and maintaining resilient personal and business plans

22:12 - The difference between recovery and thriving after disruptions

23:22 - How to test and improve continuity plans regularly

24:46 - Building stronger relationships through shared planning and communication

26:39 - The importance of documenting plans and addressing emotional barriers

28:04 - Erika's advice on authentic career pivots and trusting your intuition

29:30 - How finances and lifestyle adjustments support reinvention

31:01 - The power of reflection and celebrating progress in resilience journeys

31:43 - Resources available through Erika's website for ongoing support

Resources & Links

Erica Andresen's Website:

• https://www.eaasc.com