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

Are you struggling to articulate your unique value proposition after decades of professional experience?

You're not alone. Many seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders find themselves grappling with the "curse of knowledge" - having so much expertise that it becomes challenging to communicate their core offering clearly.

In this episode, I sit down with global credibility expert and executive coach Mitchell Levy to explore the power of clarity and credibility for over-50 entrepreneurs and professionals.

We delve into the importance of honing your message and positioning yourself effectively in today's fast-paced business landscape.

Unlocking the Power of Clarity

Mitchell shares insights on:

• The concept of a Customer Point of Possibilities (CPOP) and how to craft one in under 10 words
• Why casting a wide net in business often backfires, and the benefits of "picking a lane"
• Strategies for aligning your business offerings with your personal brand

Building Credibility in the Digital Age

We also explore:

• The 10 core values of credibility and why integrity is the cornerstone
• How authenticity and vulnerability contribute to your professional reputation
• Practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn to showcase your expertise

Embracing Lifelong Learning

And finally, Mitchell emphasises the importance of continuous growth, sharing:

• His approach to running multiple businesses while staying professionally relevant and up to date
• The value of surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives, including younger generations
• Why attending conferences and pursuing certifications can spark new ideas and opportunities

Whether you're looking to refine your personal brand, boost your credibility, or navigate the next phase of your career, this conversation offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage.

Tune in to gain clarity on your unique value proposition and learn how to communicate it effectively in today's competitive marketplace.

CONNECT WITH MITCHELL - https://mitchelllevy.com/

Are you a seasoned professional feeling the pressure to stay relevant in today's rapidly changing business landscape?

You're not alone.

As someone with decades of experience under your belt, you've accumulated a wealth of knowledge, skills, and wisdom.

But in a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed and AI is reshaping industries, how do you leverage your expertise while staying current?

___________________

This episode is a little different. The key message is the importance for business owners and professionals aged 50 and over to stay relevant by keeping up with technology, particularly AI.

To bring this idea to life, I've created a recap of a previous interview with Valerie Khoo, who I've dubbed the 'Queen of Reinvention'.

This recap, generated by Google NotebookLM, will really bring home to you the power of AI in action, as it pertains to content creation.

In addition, you get to listen to key take-outs from my chat with Valerie (episode 288 - What successful professional reinvention looks like in practice) - this has been Crank The 3rd's most popular episode thus far.

So, whether you're considering a career pivot, launching a new venture, or simply want to stay relevant in your field, this episode offers valuable insights for professionals at any stage.

Tune in to gain inspiration and practical tips for navigating the exciting road ahead in your business, career, and lifestyle design.

Oh, and don't forget to keep abreast of what's happening in the world of AI - use it to your advantage!

This episode is for anyone who's closing in on 50 years of age, or maybe you're older but your professional purpose still eludes you.

Perhaps you've been running a business for ages but you want to extend your entrepreneurial boundaries and pivot into doing something different, something that is more interesting and meaningful than what you're doing currently?

If so, you're going to love this conversation with Mark Masters, founder of You Are The Media, as we discuss his journey of discovering purpose through continuous effort.

Mark's story is a testament to the power of persistence, as he shares how a side project evolved into a thriving community-driven business.

Mark takes us through his transformation from running a small but traditional marketing and advertising agency to building a fully sustainable marketing learning community called You Are The Media.

He emphasises the importance of finding your voice and choosing yourself, rather than waiting for opportunities to come knocking.

Evolution of a side project

We discuss how Mark's newsletter, which began in 2013, gradually grew into a multifaceted platform including:

• A paid membership space
• Live events across the UK
• Educational initiatives

Mark highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing a side project into a full-fledged business, stressing the value of patience and persistence.

Building a community-centric business

A key theme of our conversation is the shift from a "me-centric" to a "we-centric" approach in business.

Mark shares insights on:

• Creating opportunities for community members to step up and lead
• Fostering a culture of mutual support and learning
• The importance of trust in delegating responsibilities

Finding purpose and staying relevant

For professionals in their third decade of business, Mark offers valuable advice on:

• Aligning your values with your work
• The power of continuous learning and adaptation
• Embracing new challenges to maintain relevance

We also touch on the loneliness of entrepreneurship and how joining communities can combat isolation and fuel personal growth.

Key takeaways for aspiring community builders

Mark provides practical tips for those looking to start their own communities:

1. Choose a medium you're passionate about and can consistently produce
2. Align your project with your core values
3. Focus on participation and engagement, not just content creation
4. Be patient and prepared for the long haul
5. Join other communities to learn and grow

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to find their purpose, build a community-driven business, or stay relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM MARK

"I realized that the strength is when you feel a part of a community with everybody, with everyone else on your side. Community is central to what I do."

"I am an example of how a community became the business and that's really empowering."

"Side projects can be risky, but they can also create the most joy and reward that we've ever stepped into."

"I'm with my heroes now and that's a liberating place to be."

CONNECT WITH MARK

• Website
• LinkedIn

Transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship can be daunting, especially when you're in your early 50s and have been handed a 'pink slip' from your employer of two decades.

But for Graham White, this leap became an opportunity to reinvent his professional life and create a thriving solo communications consulting practice..

In this episode, Graham shares his journey from being a seasoned PR executive to launching his own business at 53.

He offers valuable insights for professionals considering a similar path, emphasising the importance of self-belief, strategic planning, and leveraging decades of experience.

Key takeaways from Graham's entrepreneurial journey:

• Embrace change: Sometimes, unexpected career shifts can lead to new opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
• Leverage your network: Tap into professional relationships built over the years to find clients and collaborators.
• Start lean: Keep overheads low and focus on delivering value to clients from day one.
• Find your niche: Specialise in areas where you have deep expertise to differentiate yourself in the market.
• Maintain work-life balance: Structure your business to allow for personal time and pursuits outside of work.

Graham also discusses the emotional journey of leaving a long-term corporate role, the importance of having a supportive family, and how to navigate the initial challenges of solo entrepreneurship.

Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Assess market opportunities before making the leap
• Secure a good accountant for financial guidance
• Build a network of fellow entrepreneurs for support and advice
• Be prepared to handle all aspects of the business yourself
• Stay open to collaboration and new opportunities

Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply curious about the realities of starting a business later in life, Graham's story offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for navigating this exciting transition.

CONNECT WITH GRAHAM ON LINKEDIN

Thank you for listening to CRANK THE 3RD - in this quick solo edition, I recap the episodes published since relaunching the podcast, previously known as 'Reputation Revolution'.

Catch you in the next episode!