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.

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we reflect on the highlights and lessons of Season 2, marking an important milestone in our journey. Marci and Sarah share their personal mantras from 2024 and discuss how these themes have shaped their experiences over the past year. We celebrate the growth fostered through this podcast and the deeper connections formed within our community. Both of us dive into our individual life transitions and the mental health practices they've embraced. The episode highlights the unique paths to success and the importance of surrounding oneself with uplifting influences while navigating change. Listeners will gain insights from our guests on authenticity, community, and embracing life's challenges as privileges. As we close this season, we encourage reflection on personal growth and intentions for the year ahead, expressing gratitude to our listeners for their support. We look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025.

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we have an amazing conversation with Kerry Seitz, Vice President of Women's Leadership at the Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership. With over two decades of coaching and consulting experience, Kerry shares her insights on personal growth, career transitions, and emotional resilience. We discuss the significance of authenticity and self-reflection in navigating non-linear career paths and how emotional awareness can drive personal development. Kerry also illustrates her points with a personal story that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging feelings during life changes. Join us as we explore practical communication strategies and the concept of resilience, reframing setbacks as valuable learning opportunities.

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com

In this episode of Happy Beyond 40, we speak with Eric Jackson, also known as Coach J, who shares his nearly 40-year journey in football coaching and mentorship. We discuss his impactful experiences at prestigious institutions and his current role as a college and career readiness coach in Michigan.

Eric emphasizes his philosophy of creating inclusive cultures filled with joy and curiosity, which encourages students to discover their potential. He recounts transformative stories from his coaching career, illustrating the profound effects of mentorship. Eric’s insights on gratitude, resilience, and community underscore the importance of nurturing relationships.

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com

Today, we're thrilled to have Ayce Kyptyn, a somatic sexologist and advocate for emotional and sexual well-being, join us on the podcast.

Ayce's journey from losing everything—his job, health, family, and home—to finding professional help and rebuilding his life has shaped his passion for supporting others through similar struggles. Inspired by "Sex, Love, and Goop" on Netflix, Ayce undertook intensive training in somatic sexology, discovering the profound impact of self-love and intimacy.

In this episode, we'll delve into Ayce's story of overcoming societal taboos, understanding erotic blueprints, and the transformative power of the "pleasure first" approach. Join us as we explore how reconnecting with one's body can foster genuine intimacy and improve overall well-being. Listen in for an inspiring conversation on the importance of being fully present with our emotions, desires, and ultimately, ourselves.

We would love to hear from you! Drop us a line at: ⁠⁠⁠conversationsandconnections02@gmail.com

As we are evolving, the show needed to as well! So we are excited to announce that we are rebranding to...Happy Beyond 40!!

Join us as we continue to bring you the same amazing content with more amazing guests!