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What if retirement isn't about stopping—but rewiring? Discover how Pat Shea is "rewiring" retirement—finding purpose, freedom, play and joy while becoming the CEO of her next chapter. Pat Shea joins Andi Simon to explore what happens when a successful career gives way to the freedom to design what comes next. From becoming the "CEO of yourself" to making room for purpose, play, relationships and serendipity, Pat shares how she is creating her next chapter—and finding joy along the way. If you may have another 30 years ahead of you, how do you want to live them?

What happens after you retire—and suddenly no one is telling you where to be or what to do? Jim and Marilyn Riley have created a next chapter filled with friendship, travel, curiosity, learning, family and fun. But they didn't get there in exactly the same way. Jim transitioned out of the company he had built, eventually handing leadership to his son and realizing that sometimes the best thing a former leader can do is get out of the way. Marilyn, a retired nurse, found new purpose through creativity, golf, book clubs, volunteering and her grandchildren. Together, they offer an important lesson: a fulfilling retirement doesn't just happen. You build it. In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we talk about creating community before you need it, maintaining separate and shared interests as a couple, staying curious and active, traveling with intention, and why there really should be a "Retirement 101." If you're approaching retirement—or already there and wondering what comes next—Jim and Marilyn's story may help you rethink what this stage of life can become. Ready to rethink your own next chapter? Learn more about Andi Simon's new book, Rethink Retirement: It's not the end but the beginning of what's next, and discover more stories, insights, and resources to help you create a life filled with purpose, people, and possibility. Visit AndiSimon.com to learn more, and follow On the Brink with Andi Simon wherever you listen to podcasts. If this conversation made you think differently about retirement, please share it with someone who might be wondering, "What comes next?"

What happens when a successful career ends—but your purpose doesn't? In this inspiring episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon welcomes former NFL three-time Super Bowl champion Bart Oates and renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vincent McInerney for a conversation about life beyond professional success. Together, they explore what it really means to move into a new chapter—not by retiring from life, but by redefining it. They discuss the importance of purpose, lifelong learning, community, faith, health, and continuing to make a difference long after a career has ended. Whether you're approaching retirement, beginning a career transition, or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope for designing a meaningful future. Retirement isn't about stopping. It's about discovering new ways to contribute, grow, and live with intention. Change begins with a new way of seeing. As a corporate anthropologist, I believe that the stories we hear have the power to reshape the stories we live. If you're ready to rethink retirement—or simply rethink what's next—I hope you'll join me again on On the Brink. Until next time, stay curious, keep learning, and remember: your next chapter may be your most meaningful one yet.

What transforms expertise into influence? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sit down with Bill Sherman, one of the leading voices in thought leadership and co-author of The Thought Leadership Handbook. Together, we explore what it really means to become a thought leader—and why it has very little to do with titles or self-promotion. Bill shares how curiosity, passion, and a commitment to helping others are the true foundations of thought leadership. We discuss why writing a book is only the beginning, how ideas grow into movements, and why your expertise can continue to make a difference long after you've left an executive role or retired. We also examine the role of AI. While artificial intelligence can summarize what has already been discovered, it cannot replace the human curiosity, judgment, and lived experience that drive innovation and meaningful change. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, consultant, coach, author, or someone beginning your next chapter, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the value of your ideas—and the impact they can have on others. In this episode you'll discover: • What thought leadership really is—and what it isn't • Why curiosity is the engine behind every great idea • How to turn expertise into lasting influence • Why your next chapter may be your most impactful one As always, my goal is to help you see, feel, and think in new ways so you can turn your observations into innovations.   About the Host Andi Simon, PhD, is a corporate anthropologist, author, speaker, and executive advisor who helps leaders, organizations, and individuals see, feel, and think in new ways so they can navigate change with confidence. She is the founder and CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants and the author of Rethink Retirement, On the Brink, Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business, and Women Mean Business. Learn more: • Website: https://www.simonassociates.net • Rethink Retirement: https://www.rethinkretirement.net • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/ • Subscribe to the Rethink Retirement Substack: https://rethinkretirement.substack.com If you enjoyed this episode, please follow On the Brink with Andi Simon, leave a review, and share it with someone who is ready to see change through a fresh lens.

Retirement Isn't About Stopping—It's About Staying in the Game | Bob Hurley Sr. What happens when one of the greatest basketball coaches in America steps away from coaching? For Bob Hurley Sr., retirement wasn't the end of his purpose—it was an opportunity to live it in new ways. In this inspiring episode of On the Brink, I sit down with legendary St. Anthony High School basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. to explore what it really means to create a meaningful next chapter. While many know Bob for his 1,100+ career wins, national championships, and extraordinary coaching legacy, his greatest victories have always been measured by the lives he changed. Together we discuss: Why purpose doesn't retire when your career ends The importance of building community throughout every stage of life How structure creates freedom after retirement Why volunteering, mentoring, and staying connected keep us energized The wisdom we gain through experience—and why the world still needs it Whether you're preparing for retirement, already retired, or simply thinking about your next chapter, Bob's practical wisdom and lifelong commitment to helping others will leave you inspired. Retirement isn't about leaving life behind. It's about discovering where your experience, purpose, and passion can make the greatest difference next. "Your career may end. Your purpose doesn't."

Retirement isn't simply the end of a career—it can be the beginning of a profound personal transformation. In this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon welcomes transformational facilitator Leslie Traub for a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and life's "liminal spaces"—those uncertain moments between who we've been and who we're becoming. Drawing on decades of leadership development and coaching, Leslie explains why so many people struggle with transitions, how external achievement can give way to deeper purpose, and why learning to embrace uncertainty opens the door to growth. Whether you're approaching retirement, experiencing an unexpected career change, or simply asking "What's next?", this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights for designing a meaningful next chapter. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe to On the Brink with Andi Simon, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating an important life transition. Together we can continue to see, feel, and think in new ways.

Retirement isn't simply about having enough money. It's about creating a life worth living. In this episode, award-winning financial planner Stephanie McCullough joins me to explore why today's retirement requires more than a financial plan. We discuss the emotional challenges of leaving work, why so many people struggle to spend the money they've saved, and how identity, purpose, and community shape a meaningful next chapter. If you're preparing for retirement—or already there—this conversation may change the way you think about your future.

Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than most leaders realize. But are we adopting it wisely? In this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon welcomes marketing strategist Shelly Tench and AI educator Heather Owen for a practical conversation about the opportunities—and risks—of generative AI. They explore how AI can help small businesses compete, improve marketing, and increase productivity, while explaining why human oversight remains essential. If you've wondered whether AI will replace people, how much you can trust ChatGPT, or how to avoid costly mistakes, this episode offers thoughtful guidance without the hype. Learn how to embrace AI as a powerful tool while keeping human judgment, creativity, and connection at the center of your business. About the Host Dr. Andi Simon is a corporate anthropologist and founder of Simon Associates Management Consultants. Through her consulting, speaking, writing, and On the Brink podcast, she helps leaders and organizations see opportunities others miss and navigate change with confidence. 🌐 SimonAssociates.net 📚 Author of Rethink Retirement, Women Mean Business, and On the Brink 🎙️ Subscribe to On the Brink with Andi Simon on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover conversations that inspire fresh thinking.

What does it really mean to age well in America today? In this thought-provoking conversation, Andi Simon sits down with Cathy Rowe, Executive Director of New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well, to explore how longer lives are reshaping retirement, communities, and our sense of purpose. As more Americans live 20 to 30 years beyond traditional retirement age, the question is no longer "Can I afford to retire?" but "What am I retiring to?" Cathy shares insights on age-friendly communities, social connection, lifelong learning, and why purpose matters as much as financial planning. This episode is a fresh look at retirement, longevity, and creating a meaningful next chapter. Key Topics: • Rethinking Retirement • Age-Friendly Communities • Purpose After Work • Loneliness and Social Connection • Lifelong Learning • Aging Well • Community Engagement • Longevity and Healthy Aging • Retirement Planning Beyond Finances Connect with Andi Simon Ready to rethink what's next in your life, career, or retirement? 📘 Rethink Retirement: It's Not the End, It's the Beginning of What's Next 🌐 Simon Associates Management Consultants: www.simonassociates.net 📰 Subscribe to Andi's Substack: Rethink Retirement 🎙️ Learn more about On the Brink with Andi Simon and explore past episodes. 📧 Contact Andi: [email protected] Interested in Andi's Rethink Retirement Masterclasses, retreats, or speaking engagements? Visit SimonAssociates.net or reach out directly. #RethinkRetirement #AgingWell #Longevity #PurposeAfterRetirement #AgeFriendlyCommunities

What happens when the identity tied to your business card disappears? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Andi Simon sits down with branding expert Brooke Foley to explore retirement, reinvention, and why today's next chapter is really a "relaunch." Together, they discuss personal branding, purpose, identity, and how individuals and businesses must rethink value in a rapidly changing world. A thoughtful and inspiring episode for anyone navigating change, career transitions, business transformation, or even personal retirement.

In this powerful episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I speak with Dr. Sharita Warfield, a board-certified emergency and lifestyle medicine physician, author, and coach who helps high-performing women reclaim their health, energy, and purpose before burnout takes over. After more than 30 years in emergency medicine, Dr. Warfield experienced her own turning point—realizing that success and constant achievement were coming at the expense of her well-being. She shares how that moment inspired her to create the THRIVE Framework, helping leaders and professionals move from merely surviving to truly thriving. Together, we explore burnout, stress, executive wellness, identity, resilience, intentional living, and why so many successful women have been "applauded into exhaustion." We also connect these ideas to retirement, reinvention, and finding purpose in every stage of life. If you are feeling depleted, overwhelmed, or questioning how to sustain success without sacrificing yourself, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Andi speaks with Tonya Thomas, founder of Team Delegate, about how entrepreneurs and business leaders can delegate more effectively, scale their businesses, and stop becoming the bottleneck. They explore the difference between reactive and proactive executive assistants, how AI is changing executive support, and why leaders need more time to think strategically instead of doing everything themselves. A valuable conversation for consultants, coaches, CEOs, and growing businesses looking to improve productivity, leadership, and business growth.

Rethinking Retirement: Why It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself Featuring Louise Olson What happens when you step away from the role that once defined you? Why is this thing called "retirement" such a challenge? For many, retirement feels like an ending. But in this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, my guest Louise Olson shows us something very different—it can be the beginning of a bold, expansive, and deeply meaningful next chapter. Louise's journey is not a straight line. And that's exactly why it matters. She didn't begin her professional career until age 45. Before that, she was a stay-at-home mother in a traditional family, where the expectation was clear: care for the home, raise the children, and leave career-building to others. But life has a way of nudging us forward. And Louise listened. Starting as a secretary at Motorola, she stepped into opportunities she didn't even know she was ready for—eventually becoming an international meeting planner, traveling the world, and working on global programs including those with Interpol. And here's what makes her story so powerful: She didn't wait to be chosen. She raised her hand, took bold action, and learned as she went. Reinvention and Retirement are not Just a Moment—They are a Mindset Louise's story is a masterclass in what I call rethinking retirement. When she stepped away from a major global client after 16 years, she faced the same question so many of us do: "Who am I now?" It's one of the four essential questions I explore in Rethink Retirement: Who am I without my business card? What will I do every day? Where do I still matter? Who is my community? Louise didn't rush to answer them. She explored them. She leaned into curiosity, not certainty. She experimented, not perfected. And she reminds us of something we often forget: You are not a victim of your circumstances—you are the creator of them. The Courage to Begin Again (At Any Age) At an age when many people slow down, Louise sped up. She climbed Machu Picchu at 63 Built an international career after 65 Launched retreats and community programs in her 70s Continues to travel, teach, and inspire women globally Her message is simple, but profound: It is never too late. Not to learn something new. Not to build something meaningful. Not to become someone different. What holds most people back isn't age—it's mindset. Retirement should be your From Structure to Self-Design Your Retirement One of the biggest challenges people face in retirement is the loss of structure. For decades, your calendar is filled for you. Then suddenly… it's empty. Louise sees this not as a problem—but as an invitation. "You are going to have to create your retirement," she shared. "And you've never had to do that before." That blank space? It's where your next life gets designed. But design requires intention. Louise starts her days with a simple practice: Gratitude for the day ahead Clarity on what she wants to create A willingness to try something new It's not about having all the answers. It's about taking the next step. And retirement is a great accelerator for you to redesign this next stage in your life. Finding Your Tribe Again, and It Is More Than Other Retirees Perhaps one of the most powerful insights from our conversation was about community. When we leave our careers, we often lose more than a job—we lose our network, our daily interactions, our sense of belonging. Louise recognized this early. Retirement meant she needed a new community. So she didn't wait for a community to find her—she built one. Through her "Wise Wandering" retreats and meetup groups, she's creating spaces where women can: Explore new identities Share their transitions Build meaningful relationships Feel seen and understood Because retirement without community can quickly become isolation. And none of us are meant to navigate this stage alone. What Can You Learn from Louise? Louise's journey offers a few powerful lessons: Say yes before you feel ready Follow curiosity—it will lead you forward Don't wait for permission to reinvent yourself Build your community intentionally Design your days with purpose, not habit Most importantly: Retirement is not about stopping. It's about choosing. Ready to Rethink Your Next Chapter? If Louise's story resonates with you, I invite you to take the next step. Join me for my upcoming Masterclass, where we'll explore how to: Redefine your identity beyond your career Create meaningful structure in your days Clarify your purpose and impact Build a community that supports your journey Or start with the book: Rethink Retirement—available now. Because this stage of life isn't the end of something. It's the beginning of what's next. Have a story about your own transition? I'd love to hear it. Share it with me—because together, we learn to see, feel, and think in new ways. Connect with me: Join my Substack Newsletter Rethink Retirement Website: www.simonassociates.net Book Website: www.andisimon.com Email: [email protected] Learn more about our books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Now--it is time to share our new book with you! Rethink Retirement: It's Not The End--It's the Beginning of What's Next

What happens when successful professionals retire—and realize they're not ready to stop? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I speak with Vistage Chair Jeannette Hobson about the evolving meaning of retirement—and why so many people are unprepared for what comes next. Jeannette shares her remarkable journey of career pivots, lifelong curiosity, and leadership—and how those same qualities are essential for navigating life beyond work. We explore why retirement isn't an ending, but a transition—one that requires more than a financial plan. It requires a life plan. If you are thinking about retirement—or already there—this conversation will help you rethink what comes next.  In This Episode: Why curiosity is the key to lifelong reinvention The hidden risks of retiring without a life plan How to prepare before you leave your role The importance of purpose, structure, and community Why "age is irrelevant" in designing your next chapter Connect with Andi Learn more about Dr. Andi Simon's work, books, and upcoming workshops: www.andisimon.com

In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, Lisa Woodruff, founder of Organize 365, shares a powerful reframe of what it means to be organized. Moving beyond clutter and to-do lists, she explores how organization is a learnable skill that can reduce "overwhelm", improve time management, and create space for purpose and meaning. Drawing on her research in applied psychology and years of hands-on experience, Lisa introduces practical systems to manage the "invisible load" of daily life, treat your household like a business, and redesign your routines for greater productivity and well-being. This conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating life transitions—including retirement—who wants to regain control, build better habits, and create a more intentional and fulfilling life. How are you going to manage organizational chaos in your home? Listen in and learn more. The Real Problem: We Know Organization Matters—But Don't Know How to Get Organized In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had a fascinating conversation with Lisa Woodruff, founder and CEO of Organize 365 and author of Escaping Quicksand. What began as a discussion about organizing quickly became something much deeper: a rethinking of how we live, work, and care for ourselves across every stage of life. Because organization, as Lisa shows us, isn't about tidying up—it's about reclaiming your time, your energy, and ultimately, your purpose. Lisa shared a powerful statistic: 87% of Americans believe organization is a learnable skill—but fewer than 18% feel they are organized. That gap is where overwhelm lives. Most people think the goal is to "get everything done" so they can relax. But Lisa reframes the problem entirely: The real question is: how do we manage our households as the economic and operational systems they truly are? This is where her work becomes transformational. Your Home Is an Enterprise—Eliminate Organizational Chaos One of the most important insights from our conversation is this: Your household is not just a home—it is an economic entity. You manage: Finances Operations (maintenance, food, logistics) People (family, caregiving, relationships) Strategy (planning, scheduling, life transitions) Yet unlike in business, no one trains us to run it. Lisa's solution? Treat your home like a business—and yourself like its CEO. That mindset shift alone can begin to reduce chaos and create clarity. Where to Begin: Simple, Practical Steps Lisa offers a refreshingly realistic starting point: Acknowledge the scale of what you're managing You are running a complex system—give yourself credit. Start small—but stay consistent Even 20 minutes a day creates momentum. Focus on systems, not perfection The goal is progress, not a perfect home. Invest in your future self Every small act of organization today reduces stress tomorrow. This conversation is not just about organizing your home. It's about: Taking ownership of your time Designing your daily life Creating space for meaning and purpose Or, as Lisa so beautifully puts it: "Invest today in what you want to have tomorrow." Key Takeaways Organization is a learnable skill—but most people are never taught how to do it Your household functions like a business—and needs systems to operate effectively The biggest source of overwhelm is the invisible mental load, not just physical tasks Self-care is not indulgence—it's essential, holistic care for yourself Structure and systems are critical, especially during life transitions like retirement Small, consistent actions can create exponential improvements in your life To Learn More About Lisa Woodruff: Lisa's profile:   linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff Website: organize365.com (Company) Connect with me: Join my Substack Newsletter Rethink Retirement Website: www.simonassociates.net Book Website: www.andisimon.com Email: [email protected] Learn more about our books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Now--it is time to share our new book with you! Rethink Retirement: It's Not The End--It's the Beginning of What's Next Out on Amazon and WalMart, and in your local bookseller and Rethink Retirement: The Workbook