At 52, I worried I was done. That impressive-sounding job title I'd held for years? Gone quicker than you can say global consulting firm. What followed was equal parts terrifying, humbling, and — if I'm being honest — one of the greatest adventures of my life. Turns out, following a successful career, we have big lives still to lead. And big doesn't mean more or better. It means what matters — to us.

Lately I’ve been experimenting with a slower start to my mornings—stretching, breathing, and listening to what my midlife body might be asking for. What began as a wellness intention opened into a deeper reflection on self-care, spaciousness, and the question many of us eventually face: what might it look like to do something not for productivity or anyone else… but simply for ourselves?

A new eye floater became an unexpected reminder that time keeps moving. What began as mild irritation turned into a quiet question about how I’m spending my days — and what might matter more now. A reflection on aging, awareness, and choosing curiosity over resistance.

A few weeks away has a way of softening the edges—and sharpening what matters. Less stuff, more noticing. A little discomfort, a little awe, and the quiet realization that what we carry home might not be what we packed to begin with.

As the year winds down and everything feels December-crazy, hope might be the last thing on your mind. It usually is for me, too. But something unexpected shifted for me this year—and it has me wondering what hope might still offer, if we give it a little oxygen.

Gratitude isn’t always easy—or tidy. It asks us to admit our dependence on others, embrace humility, and let go of pride. In this article, I explore why true gratitude takes courage, how it deepens connection, and what research reveals about what humility actually looks like in action.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the moments that test our confidence — the ones where we almost step forward, or wish we had. It made me wonder… maybe confidence isn’t something we have before we act, but something that grows because we do.

This past week, my conversations with two newly retired business leaders got my Emily-brain whirring. Both had long, respected careers—but one is struggling with identity and usefulness, while the other is energized by authentic connections that outlasted his title.

The difference? Transactional vs. non-transactional relationships. My musing: if the tilt isn’t balanced toward the non-reciprocal, our later years may be more fraught.

Three voices — a DEI leader, a writer, and a poet — reminded me that it’s okay to feel our pain. Even when life feels heavy, naming the hurt, honoring the heart, and leaning on others can help us move forward.

Turning 64 got me thinking—not just about birthdays, but about life, death, and what it really means to feel alive. Inspired by a thought-provoking essay, a bold TV series, and a simple gift from my sons, this post explores how paying attention to ordinary moments can help us live with aliveness—no bucket list required.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for closets—it’s for your network, too. Whether you’re in career transition or simply looking to refresh connections, now’s the perfect time to rethink your community. In this post, I share a simple three-step formula for networking success—plus practical tips to make it feel authentic and doable.

Ever felt like something’s missing but can’t name what? You might be experiencing ambiguous loss—a grief without clear closure that many of us are feeling right now. In this post, I unpack what it means, why it’s so hard, and three ways to navigate the uncertainty with resilience, reflection, and intentional action.

When life feels out of control, one thing that helps is reconnecting—with intention. In this post, I share the three ‘people buckets’ that guide me: my Peeps, Uncharted Connections, and Business Allies. Each brings something unique to our lives, and when nurtured with care, they make the world feel a little less overwhelming.

Some days, the usual career tips just don’t feel right—today is one of those days. Instead, I’m turning the question to you: How are you, really? When was the last time you paused to ask yourself that? In this post, I share why making space for that reflection matters—and invite you to join me for a real conversation.”

As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on an image from childhood: The Little Engine That Could. It’s a reminder that while determination matters, none of us climbs life’s big hills alone - we need champions and challengers by our side. In this post, I share why this season is the perfect time to imagine what’s possible and ask yourself three powerful questions for the year ahead.