In this episode of the podcast, host Trevor Young is joined by Paul Sutton, an independent social and digital marketing consultant and host of the Middle Man podcast.

Paul's podcast sideline focuses on helping midlife men and their partners navigate the challenges of midlife to lead more fulfilling lives.

Throughout their conversation, Paul shares insights into his personal journey of self-discovery and how it led to the creation of his podcast.

He discusses the lack of resources available for men during the midlife transition and how the Middle Man podcast aims to fill that gap by covering topics such as mental health, physical wellness, and modern masculinity.

Trevor and Paul dive into the importance of understanding one's purpose and passion, especially in midlife.

Paul reflects on overcoming depression and the feeling of being directionless, leading him to start the podcast as an experiment.

The episode also touches on how societal changes and the redefinition of masculinity impact men today.

Paul emphasises the importance of building a movement to support midlife men by creating a platform for open dialogue and sharing experiences.

Whether you're exploring a new phase of life or seeking ways to connect with your own passions, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone navigating midlife transitions.

Tune in to hear more about Paul's journey, the inspiration behind Middle Man, and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Likewise, if you're interested in starting a podcast as a sideline 'passion play', Paul also shares some great tips and insights on this front as well.

CHECK OUT THE MIDDLE MAN PODCAST - https://middlemanpodcast.com/

In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence and automation, it's easy to feel like we're losing our edge as human professionals.

But what if I told you that the key to standing out and thriving in this AI-driven landscape isn't about competing with machines, but rather embracing our uniquely human qualities?

This is the theme of this fascinating conversation with Mark Schaefer, a marketing strategy consultant, keynote speaker, and author of the newly-released book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World.

Mark's insights shed light on how we can leverage human connection and creativity to carve out our niche in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

At the heart of Mark's philosophy is the concept of being audacious.

But what does that really mean in the context of our professional lives? It's not about grand gestures or risky stunts. Instead, it's about creating moments of awe in our everyday interactions and work.

Mark defines audacity as "something that creates a moment of awe in your life." It's about doing something that makes people sit up and take notice, something that sparks curiosity and connection.

In a world where AI can churn out competent work at lightning speed, it's these human touches that truly set us apart.

Also touched on during this conversation is Mark's own journey, how he started blogging at age 49 and how it changed his life immeasurably.

Inspiring stuff!

Here are a few quotes from Mark:

• "You can't outsmart AI. You have to out human AI."
• "What's a little thing we can do to add awe to someone's day? To just create that spark of an emotional connection between us."
• "The great mindset today is to do something so interesting, so generous, so unmissable that other people can't wait to talk about it, because those are the great storytellers and that is what is believed."

VISIT MARK'S WEBSITE - https://businessesgrow.com/

If you like what you hear on the podcast, I'd love it if you could rate and review the show via your podcast app (especially if you're on Apple Podcasts) - thank you!

Are you feeling stuck in your corporate career, yearning for a change that aligns with your passions?

Karen Muldoon's journey from tech executive to functional nutrition practitioner might just be the inspiration you need!

In this episode, I sit down with Karen to explore her transition from a successful 30-year career in the corporate world to launching her own business focused on helping professional women navigate menopause.

We discuss the challenges, triumphs, and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Embracing a new path

Karen shares insights on:

• The moment she realised it was time for a career change
• How her personal health journey sparked a new passion
• The importance of continuous learning and investing in yourself

Building a business from scratch

We delve into:

• The process of choosing the right educational program
• Strategies for launching an online business, including the use of social media advertising
• The power of community and creating a safe space for clients

Overcoming challenges and self-doubt

Karen offers advice on:

• Dealing with the fear of putting yourself 'out there' online
• The importance of perseverance in the face of setbacks
• How to leverage your existing skills in a new industry

Whether you're contemplating a career change or looking to start your own business, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical tips.

Karen's story demonstrates that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Key takeaways:

• The value of investing in coaching and education when starting a new venture
• How to build an online presence and attract clients through various platforms
• The importance of giving yourself time to grow and evolve in your new role

If you're ready to explore new possibilities and take control of your professional future, this episode is a must-listen.

Karen's journey proves that with passion, determination, and the right support, it's possible to create a fulfilling career change while in your 50s.

Connect with Karen on LinkedIn