CRANK THE 3RD: Exploring the entrepreneurial + creative side of life post 50

As someone over 50, with oodles of experience and wisdom to share, should public speaking form a part of your 'portfolio' career? In this episode of Crank The 3rd, host Trevor Young sits down with Carmen Sederino, a performance master, speaking strategist, and founder of Illuminated Story. Carmen shares her journey from being a shy child to a trained actor to now, where she is helping individuals transform high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. Key Discussion Points: Carmen’s Background: She talks about her early career in retail leadership and her formal training in acting, which helped her excel in speaking and coaching roles.Professional Speaking Landscape: Carmen and Trevor explore the shifting dynamics in professional speaking post-pandemic, emphasising the blend of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.The Role of AI: Carmen discusses how AI can generate speeches but emphasises the irreplaceable nature of human connection and quality in speaking engagements.Strategies for Engaging Speaking: - Moving from information-based presentations to creating immersive experiences. - Focusing on authenticity over aspiration, highlighting the importance of genuine connection and vulnerability. - Creating meaning in messages rather than simply conveying matter.Illuminated Story Method: Carmen shares her approach to transforming presentations by focusing on both script content and engaging delivery techniques to create a memorable impact.Advice for Aspiring Speakers: Reflect on personal experiences, think about the message you want to share, and understand your audience to craft a unique speaking approach. Practical Tips: Utilise sound and video strategically to enhance presentations.Engage with audiences through storytelling and interactive elements.Rehearse thoroughly to ensure a seamless and impactful delivery. Carmen's advice? Ditch the PowerPoint, tell a story: "You are so much more interesting than your PowerPoint." Carmen’s Contact Information: Visit Illuminated Story for more insights and access to a masterclass on improving public speaking skills. Conclusion: This episode is a deep dive into mastering the art of professional speaking, blending theatrical techniques with authentic storytelling to create lasting impressions.

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 changeHow her personal health journey sparked a new passionThe importance of continuous learning and investing in yourself Building a business from scratch We delve into: The process of choosing the right educational programStrategies for launching an online business, including the use of social media advertisingThe 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' onlineThe importance of perseverance in the face of setbacksHow 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 ventureHow to build an online presence and attract clients through various platformsThe 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 wordsWhy 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 cornerstoneHow authenticity and vulnerability contribute to your professional reputationPractical 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 dateThe value of surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives, including younger generationsWhy 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 spaceLive events across the UKEducational 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 leadFostering a culture of mutual support and learningThe 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 workThe power of continuous learning and adaptationEmbracing 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: Choose a medium you're passionate about and can consistently produceAlign your project with your core valuesFocus on participation and engagement, not just content creationBe patient and prepared for the long haulJoin 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 WebsiteLinkedIn

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 leapSecure a good accountant for financial guidanceBuild a network of fellow entrepreneurs for support and adviceBe prepared to handle all aspects of the business yourselfStay 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!

Look up the word 'eclectic' in the dictionary and there will be a picture there of this week's guest - her name is Valerie Khoo, and when it comes to professional evolution, Valerie is the Queen of Reinvention! Valerie has who has successfully navigated careers in accounting, PR, journalism, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and the visual arts. She’s a published author and the founder of the Australian Writers' Centre, which has trained over 100,000 students worldwide since opening its doors in 2005. Valerie also hosts the popular podcast - So You Want to be a Writer - which has over three million downloads - and, if that wasn’t enough, she was for several years the curator of Sydney's Lunar Festival, which is one of the city's major arts and cultural events. Valerie’s creative journey took an unexpected turn when she picked up a paintbrush and discovered her passion for visual art. If you’re keen to better understand what it takes to reinvent yourself professionally - perhaps you’re keen to get out of corporate and do something new, or take on a different project outside of the business you run - if building a portfolio career is on your radar - then you will love this inspiring conversation with Valerie Khoo! CONCLUSION: Valerie's story is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability in forging a fulfilling and creative career. Her journey encourages us to explore new avenues, embrace lifelong learning, and challenge conventional career paths for personal and professional growth. VALERIE'S QUOTABLE QUOTES: “Always give in to your curiosity because for sure it’s leading you somewhere that you’re actually meant to go.” “It’s never too late. It’s just never too late.” “Embracing new things and learning new things is so important for your health.” “I think mentors are really important, and that was something I discovered way too late in life.” “You can leap. You don’t have to ladder climb.” CONNECT WITH VALERIE ON INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/valeriekhoo

Welcome to the belief and conviction episode of Crank The 3rd! While many of us have, after three decades in the business trenches, experienced a decent amount of professional success, not everyone is fulfilled. A lot of middle aged people remain stuck in their comfort zone, and are not playing as big a game as they could be. Or, in the words of this week's guest, they're not living a "10 out of 10 life". So I invited Richard Sauerman on to the show to deliver a 'kick in the pants', and he delivers! Richard - aka 'The Brand Guy' - is a thinker and an humanist, with a massive interest in people and 'the human condition'. He has written two books and appears in the media on brand-related issues. Richard has done the strategic thinking, brand planning and communications for over 200 brands in his career, but he's probably best known these days as a high-voltage motivational speaker (and reality TV contestant!). Wow! We covered some ground in this episode, with lots of laughs, F-bombs, motivational nuggets and food for thought, all delivered at pace! Across the course of the conversation, Richard: Discusses overcoming fears of mediocrity and societal pressures, urging listeners to challenge limiting beliefs and embrace risks for growth. Emphasises authenticity, particularly for those over 50.Explores the link between happiness and service to others, drawing on research in positive psychology.Shares insights from Ralph Kelly’s Stay Kind organisation, and James Clear’s “Atomic Habits,” emphasising daily acts of kindness and continuous improvement. Addresses the challenge of forming connections, particularly in workplace settings, and how small gestures can improve relationships. As the oldest contestant on the TV's Married at First Sight (Australia), Richard reflects on his experience of being on the show and the personal growth it prompted, especially after being diagnosed with ADHD at 63. This revelation, he says, reshaped his understanding of his life, marriage, and career, leading him to advocate for increased awareness of adult ADHD. Richard plans to write a book to educate others about ADHD and its misconceptions, using writing as a therapeutic outlet. Strap yourselves in folks, this conversation is high energy! ___________________ QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM RICHARD: “So if you like waiting for some day or one day to be a 10, you might not get the chance.” “A lot of people are not fulfilled and happy and satisfied in the way they want to be, despite and in the face of their successes.” “Don’t delay. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Don’t wait for the next day or next week.” “Stop trying to be right ... just choose to be happy.” “You can change the world in your way through those little small acts.” “Tiny steps, small actions.” ___________________

In this episode, I chat with Jackie Goddard, founder of Power to Speak, a coaching business focused on helping individuals, particularly authors and entrepreneurs, communicate confidently and effectively. Jackie emphasises the importance of owning one’s story and voice, overcoming fears of public speaking, and the transformative power of storytelling. Through her experiences, she illustrates how vulnerability and authenticity can enhance connection and engagement in both personal and professional realms. Jackie highlights the value of experimentation, risk-taking, and continuous learning in building a successful business and personal brand. She also embraces change, and discusses the significance of stepping out of comfort zones, trying new things, and adapting to changing circumstances. QUOTABLE QUOTES: “If you don’t believe it, the audience won’t believe it either.”- JACKIE “There is no failure, only feedback.”- JACKIE  “Done is better than perfect.”- JACKIE “If you don’t believe what you’re doing, then the audience won’t believe it either.”- JACKIE  “We are all our own unique selling point, and it’s those stories that make us unique because we all have had a different journey.”- JACKIE Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn.

Creative director and self-confessed corporate troublemaker, Stanley Johnson, joins us on the podcast to chat all things curiosity, networking, and the impact of pop culture and social media on maintaining relevance.  Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings, Stanley highlights the role of creativity and diverse experiences in tackling business challenges. The conversation explores the evolution of advertising due to the emergence of digital media, with Stanley sharing his changed perception of Twitter and the enduring value of blogging. He discusses the importance of writing and social media for honing communication skills, the need for creativity and risk-taking in corporate settings, and critiques society’s tendency for snap judgments. Stanley also touches on his transition from agency work to freelancing, his passion for music, and the challenges of staying relevant later in life, underscoring the significance of cultural engagement and maintaining curiosity. KEY TIME-STAMPED MOMENTS: 02:06 The role of a creative director 07:11 From weights and measures to creativity 10:11 Curiosity as a key to creativity 14:07 Navigating social media and digital trends 19:00 The impact of blogging 22:14 Staying tech savvy 26:31 Taking risks in creativity 29:30 Judgment without context 31:00 The creative journey: embracing change 32:40 Finding home in the hills 35:01 A day in the life of a creative consultant 44:09 Staying relevant in your third chapter 49:02 The value of experience and risk ABOUT STANLEY: Stanley Johnson is a seasoned creative director and co-founder of the creative consultancy stan/lee, based in Melbourne, Australia. With several decades' experience in the industry, he has led innovative campaigns for major brands, including a transformative role at major tech company, MYOB. Known for his strategic insight and storytelling prowess, Stanley is also an advocate for nurturing young talent in the creative field. QUOTABLE QUOTES: “If I worry about what people are going to think, then I’ll never do anything interesting.” “You’re as old as you think you are and it’s as simple as that.”

Welcome back to the podcast formerly known as 'Reputation Revolution', now called CRANK THE 3RD! In this episode, I explain what the rebranded show is all about: Who's it for, and what can you expect from future episodes from now on. About the 'new' podcast: CRANK THE 3RD is the show for motivated individuals aged around the 50 mark and over - those who have been in the business and professional trenches for some three-plus decades and have the metaphorical ‘scars on the knuckles’ and the ‘scuffs on the knees’ to prove it! You've seen and done a lot over the journey, and now have reached an age and stage of life where you might be thinking: “What next?” ... Do I continue with, sell, or downsize my business?Do I pivot my career so I can focus on doing something more meaningful?Do I adopt a portfolio approach to my work and build out numerous streams of income?Do I wind back my workload and develop a side-hustle around one of my passions?Do I take the plunge and move to another country altogether and work from there?Do I write that book I’ve always wanted to do, or start a YouTube channel and become a full-time ‘content creator’? Bottom line: Those of us in this stage of professional life have oodles of experience under our belts, having racked up years’ worth of practical knowledge and vocational expertise, not to mention we’re a lot more sure of ourselves and confident in our own abilities. But, we also live in a fast-paced volatile world. Technology is ever-changing, and the AI wave has only just begun. A sense of uncertainty is never far away. We know that if we stand still, we run the risk of losing relevance. No matter how savvy, experienced and connected we are, certain challenges remain. But on the upside, the number of opportunities staring us in the face is enormous, and unprecedented! The goal of CRANK THE 3RD is to inspire energised, forward-thinking 50-somethings to continue to think expansively and creatively about their current situation, and to ponder, plot and plan the exciting road they have ahead of them.

In this week's episode, we expand on the idea of taking your personal brand global. And to help me do that is ANNE SCOTTLIN, who helps thought leaders and experts launch and monetise world class video podcasts and live streaming shows. Anne has a bulging CV. Apart from being an active podcaster and live streaming host herself, she's also an author, coach and speaker, executive consultant with a number of companies ... and spent 10 years as a working actress in Hollywood! As we recorded this conversation, Anne had just launched her new show - 'Launch It! The Podcast Maestro!' (CHECK IT OUT ON YOUTUBE HERE) Apart from covering Anne's wide and varied professional journey - a 'must listen' for anyone who is multi-passionate and not a fan of niching down! - we unpack what's involved in going global with a video podcast or live-streamed show. Video broadcasting technology today is amazing, which in turn provides experts and thought leaders with the opportunity to scale their brand and their business beyond domestic borders. Be inspired and learn more from Anne in this episode of the Reputation Revolution show! LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNE: WebsiteTwitterYoutube show