In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, Shannon Bayer, with over 20 years of experience in leadership development, shares her unique career journey—from her start in animal science, a stint in law, and evolution into leadership consulting and writing a book. She discusses how networking, strategic connections, and staying true to oneself have shaped her success.

Shannon emphasizes the importance of managing career transitions, particularly after job loss, and offers practical advice for navigating layoffs. She also touches on the power of storytelling, owning your unconventional path, and how managing change requires a strong understanding of your values and commitment to the process.

In this podcast episode, Laura Best shares her journey of transforming her life by embracing her passion and creating the Passion Collective community. She reflects on how she shifted from a corporate environment, where she felt her voice and energy were stifled, to a space where she could reconnect with herself and help others find their passions. Laura discusses the misconceptions around passion, emphasizing its power as a motivational force that drives us toward meaningful activities.

She also explores the concept of "passion stacking," where you integrate what you love into your daily life, and offers practical tips on pursuing your passions without giving up everything else. Her insights encourage listeners to find clarity in their passions, overcome self-doubt, and make time for what truly energizes them.

Sbuscribe to Laura's newsletter The Passion Seeker: https://www.passioncollective.co/newsletter

In this episode, we welcome guest Johanna Hising DiFabio, who shares her evolving perspective on the new year, leadership, and personal growth. She reflects on how she has become more focused on adding value in the right places, embracing curiosity, and celebrating diverse cultures—shaped by her international school upbringing. As someone who oversees two executive degree programs at MIT's Sloan School of Management, Jo discusses the importance of nurturing leaders who impact society. She emphasizes the significance of trust, mentorship, and self-reflection, particularly for women navigating challenges in traditionally male-dominated fields. Jo shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with MS and what fuels her ongoing quest for learning as she continues to evolve in her career.