Cara Gray is a Third Act Consultant who specializes in partnering with uniquely successful executives, professionals, and business owners to intentionally design and implement the next major phase of their lives. Her holistic consulting approach focuses on key areas, including purpose, identity, community, relationships, spiritual life, mental health, and physical well-being. The culmination of her client work is a custom, resource-rich document averaging 20-30 pages, representing 30-40 hours of dedicated analysis and strategic planning. This blueprint serves as a concrete action plan, ensuring that her clients’ transitions are not just financially secure, but profoundly rewarding. Gray holds the designations of Certified Professional Retirement Coach (CPRC) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA™) in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Southern California.

In this episode, Philip and Cara Gray discuss: 

• Redefining life’s next chapter with purpose
• Planning for a meaningful transition
• Adapting to longer, healthier lives
• Reclaiming identity beyond work

Lightbulb Moments:

• The third act of life is not an ending but a fresh beginning. It is a season to live with intention, rediscover fulfillment, and pursue new passions beyond one’s main career. Embracing this stage with openness allows purpose to grow in new and unexpected ways.
• Fulfillment after retirement begins long before work officially ends. Taking time in midlife to prepare emotionally, financially, and mentally makes the transition smoother and more purposeful. With foresight, you can shape a future that feels both meaningful and exciting.
• As people live longer than ever before, planning for the next 20 to 40 years after a primary career becomes essential. This extended season of life offers opportunities for continued growth, learning, and contribution. The key is to be intentional about how that time is used.
• Stepping away from a long-held role can challenge one’s sense of identity and purpose. Using reflective tools like a mind map can help reveal new directions for fulfillment and service. When identity expands beyond what you do, life becomes richer and more whole.

“This time in somebody’s life, when they’re leaving a career or selling a business, isn’t any kind of ending. It can be the start of maybe even a whole new venture.” - Cara Gray

Connect with Cara Gray:

Website: https://www.goodmorningfreedom.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caraliveslife/ 

Email: cara@goodmorningfreedom.com 

Connect with Philip: 

Website: https://www.fornarolaw.com/ 

Podcast Website: https://lbmpodcast.com/ 

"X": https://x.com/FornaroLaw 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/philipfornaro/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fornarolaw3002 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fornarolaw 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fornarolaw/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FornaroLaw 

https://www.facebook.com/philip.fornaro.3/ 

Podcast Production by Turnkey Podcast. Thinking of starting a podcast? Get more info at https://turnkeypodcast.com/ or reach out to Doug Sandler directly at Doug@TurnkeyPodcast.com or call 410-340-6861. 

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