Mature Preneurs Talk With Diana Todd-banks

In London for the 2012 Olympics Jill was moved by the manner in which the Olympics can inspire passion in a host nation. The effects of the global financial crisis were still being felt and it was tough for some families to fund their children’s sporting activities so she decided to create at first in the UK, ‘Inspire a Star’, a donation based platform to help fund children’s’ sporting dreams. That platform will be launched in Australia soon. In her prior work life Jill was a partner with KPMG, Deloitte and Andersen companies that offered Audit Tax & Advisory Services, as well as help companies transform their business models and take advantage of new market opportunities. Her background became a perfect fit, when in 2016 Jill realised she could help make many more things possible by becoming involved in crowd funding full-time. Moving into the start-up world as co-founder and CEO of ReadyFundGo, Australia’s reward based crowdfunding platform for business start-ups and community projects Jill is making a

For some, writing a book can change your life it all depends on the topic and some other factors. This was the case with Irene. Listen to her volunteering stories and how she progressed toward 50. Approaching 50, Irene looked at her bucket list to see which items or item on her list had the greatest draw for her and one stood out it was writing and self publishing her first book, which she ultimately called “​Zipping it Up: ​How to lose 5 pounds fast - and look great in that little black dress!” Lots of people write books, so what is the point of difference (POD) with Irene’s book? No matter many how many times your topic has been talked about, or how many different authors have written on the topic, there haven’t been any said in your voice before. That’s the point of difference. Everyone has a particular take on a topic and that’s how she or he needs to view their POD. Adopting that view is strong and empowering. Writing a book can open many unexpected new doors and given time, people will reach out to you,

How does a creative, experienced, literacy educator, (without a business background) have the grit to leave a safe, successful career to be a Company Director of a children’s book publishing business and after 50? Taking that step away from long-term job security can be scary but exciting because doors can open up. But taking that step can be empowering even energizing which has allowed Susan’s creative energies to flow more easily. So how did Susan choose to focus on her new enterprise? Her answer is one that everyone needs to heed particularly those who are wondering what to do next.  Ask yourself given your experience and knowledge is there a gap somewhere that you could fill someway, somehow? Susan saw a large gap where there was and is a large group of disengaged/reluctant young school readers who needed engaging who needed simpler, supportive chapter books that they see their peers reading and that they can actually read themselves and be enthused by that. Since taking that big step Susan has become mor

Eddie Lees mind produced some insightful thoughts when he was coming out of an aesthetic - from drama to serious reality to very creative thinking and that’s when he conceived his new business idea of creating a ‘now sorted’ platform. Having been a superannuation consultant for years he knew his life had to change and he had to change his priorities. For anyone reaching the 50-age milestone, everyone needs to address his or her priorities in life and work suggests Eddie. Given Eddie’s emergency heart surgery he realised if he died, his wife would have no idea where all their very important documents were kept. Most people are in the same boat.  He was undecided what to do so he started thinking, is there a problem I can solve, is there something I keep complaining about or others complain about that I could solve; is there an issue I can solve that will make a person’s life more simpler, or is there a way I can give back someway?  All valuable questions, which helped Eddie resolve to develop a program into an

Stepping out of a long corporate career can free the mind of mental clutter and allow you to find or come across other interesting opportunities. Lisa Sweeney did that and stumbled across Business in Heels, now a very successful women’s networking business. An organisation that won’t have a glass ceiling,” thought Lisa, the more she looked into it the more it appealed.  First she bought a couple of franchises and ran events for a year Then, seeing potential to grow the business further, as well as the sense of fulfilment she derived from helping other women succeed in business, Lisa was inspired to buy the company. So she did with her business partner, Jo Plummer.  Having made that move into her own business Lisa is finding many women are frustrated with their ability to make a difference and is why they are setting up their own business. The corporate world are losing a very large pool of talented women says Lisa. Now the partners get to provide support by helping women market and brand their own businesses

Ludwina Dautovic definitely has! Ludwina feels while her latest entrepreneurial project is one that will not be her greatest achievement but it is the one that will have the biggest impact on a global scale. But with one kidney down and out and then 8 years later being clear of the ‘nasties’, that entire experience, as with many major health challenges can become a massive benchmark in terms of knowing what you can survive, achieve and create in terms of new beginnings, new niche projects.  Despite many years being involved in entrepreneurial endeavors Ludwina decided just before her 50th birthday ‘The Room Xchange’ was her big kahuna - her website is the same name. Given just in Australia there are over 7 million spare bedrooms in Australia lying idle Ludwina definitely found a niche. The statistics for the world are astronomical. But being investor ready and raising capital are definitely the two most difficult challenges for a small business, major difficulties even pleasant surprises occur also. Part of t

Ronan Leonard understands risk and reward where your true value lies in what you put your time and money into (but not gambling). Learning that while being paid to travel the world and meet 2000 people each week, he started a small business managing 2 casino tables, yet Ronan was just 23 when the cruise ship he was working on began to sink off the wild coast of South Africa. The Captain and most crew deserted leaving him to help rescue passengers and fellow staff. Undaunted he continued working on cruise ships as a casino manager then went on to manage over 50 casino tables becoming the largest gaming events company in Australia. Understanding the benefit of connecting to a tribe, which didn’t exist on that sinking cruise ship, he transitioned into another world and is why now Ronan is obsessed with connecting small business owners together to collaborate. Believing 99% of business problems are solved if you connect to a tribe he created a virtual or online Mastermind platform via his eccountability.io   Join

At 69, Susan Goldfein regularly asked those questions, despite having retired with a doctorate in Speech Pathologist, which had afforded her a successful career as a clinician, adjunct professor, and consultant. For any newly retired people those questions do pop up. When you have no idea what to do with your life going forward, taking some time to explore YOU, your passions, loves, dislikes and skills it’s worth every second you do that. Susan found she had a knack for writing humour, but didn't foresee this new career it wasn't part of any grand plan.  At 71 this now witty writer turned what had become a past time into a web site, called Susan’s Unfiltered Wit, where she shares her essays with an audience. Then at 77 having authored an award-winning book entitled “How Old Am I In Dog Years: And Other Thoughts About Life From The Far Side of the Hill” she occasionally asks what the heck am I doing? Why not sit in a beach chair doing a puzzle, but then reminds herself of the many new life benefits she’s gaine

Retirement for some does mean slowing down, but that’s not the case for Stephen Peterson. It means making a fresh start, trying something new, a range of new interests, and grasping those with open arms and seeing where they all take you. Being Open. You could be in for positive surprise he says. By the time we all reach 50, change may have been a recurring theme but arriving at that so called ‘5 0’ also means you have a blank canvas in front of you ready for you to paint it however you want. That is if you want to view this new life chapter that way and that’s the best way. The baby boomer generation impacted on every aspect of society we came in contact with through the decades and, says Stephen we haven’t finished yet. Now we’re changing the very concept of life as we mature further get energized finding some incredible ways to live life.  In western society many over 50’s are doing all that and is why this demographic represents the largest in marketing history for starting new businesses or ventures of s

Mac Prichard is the founder and publisher of Mac’s List an online community for people looking for rewarding creative and meaningful work. While much of the focus is on jobs in a few US states the articles, blogs, courses and podcast content applies to anyone wherever they are located in the word. They are extremely useful and insightful.  Life is full of transitions, and managing even navigating those changes successfully can be very difficult certainly as you progress through life, career, work, and even for those wanting to change direction. How you find or even choose what to do next can be difficult if you haven’t been in the job-hunting field for a long time. If that applies to you then listen to this podcast. At 50 and beyond you have powerful assets, wisdom, life experience, skills, which is why it’s important to focus on your assets. Packed with practical suggestions, Mac and Host Diana discuss the topic of an encore career which many over 50’s, are either needing to create or for other reasons, want

But Corbie Mitleid Did It, But How Do You Do That? You clean out your LifeCloset to find what is there in everything you did or do.  Actress, legal assistant, comic book writer, video producer, executive recruiter, and ordained minister,  – Corbie Mitleid did it, but nothing seemed to fit, until she discovered what she wanted to leave behind in every encounter.  Her turning point was 9/11 - she crossed the bridge from Fear to Fearlessness and flew, and realised there was no time to waste so became an intuitive counsellor and inspirational speaker and has never looked back! Listen to the podcast as Corbie offers 7 great questions for anyone who is wondering what to do next in their life. Go to her website corbiemitleid to access her Book ‘Clean Out Your Closet.” Until you have lived a life with twists, turns, stumbles and triumphs, you won’t know what you are really made of and by the age of 50, most have some idea.  Corbie talks about how to get clear on your Purpose, along with finding Clarity, Adaptability,

As a veterinarian, Dr Gelderman’s journey started with his clients and team telling him was an atrocious communicator and now he teaches others how to improve their influence and impact by mastering the art of communication.  What did he do to transform himself? The criticism Dr Gelderman received didn’t sit well and this became the catalyst to immerse himself in studying the science of communication and non-verbal communication. Doing so enabled Diederik to turn his practice into a highly successful business winning two major awards. He went on to train other veterinarians how to build successful practices, including overseas. Keen to study more about non-verbal language, a strong form of communication he became one of two certified body language trainers in Australia and the only Big 5 certified personality trainer. Launching Body Language Australia (with a website of the same name) he now works with individuals, small and large organisations and groups who want to improve their impact and their influence.

In Part I, Tony White talked about working all his life as an award-winning director, animator, teacher and author but at the age of 70 he decided to take all the skills he accumulated in the animation industry over many decades to see where that exploration might take him. Tony‘s other ‘love’ was astrology, but not the standard 'prediction', 'fortune-telling,' 'Star Sign' kind of astrology that we usually see. Instead it is deep, transformative, life-changing kind of serious astrology that doesn't normally get mentioned but this very creative gentleman does just that in this podcast – he discusses how the astrology aspect of his life emerged and developed to where it is today, the breadth, and scope of this perhaps transformative astrology. At 70, Tony decided to come out of the astrological closet and share his stories, knowledge and experiences with the world. Listen to the podcasts for the actual addresses of his websites startoonz and mystarchild. The second site focuses on the parents of young children,

As an animator, award-winning director, teacher and author Tony White reached the age of 70 and decided to take the skills he accumulated for decades in the animation industry and focus on another love - astrology! But this is not the standard 'prediction', 'fortune-telling,' 'Star Sign' kind of astrology but a deep, transformative, life-changing kind of serious astrology that doesn't normally get mentioned let alone discussed. Life takes twists and turns and for Tony a remarkable Irish herbalist/astrologer, who basically healed his mother when all the doctors and hospitals had given up on her, sparked his intense interest. The man saved her life, her recovery was miraculous, as the Herbalist used astrology to diagnose, treat and counsel his Mother through her healing process. That incited Tony’s curiosity and desire to learn this form of astrology, and for several years so he studied with the Irish herbalist/astrologer. Years later fearing ridicule this animator hid his interest from everyone in the animatio

Benjamin Oxley was a Professional Opera Singer for 30 years singing alongside Andrea Bocelli and Tony Bennett and many other well known operatic stars, but there comes a time when another direction beckons. This was the case for Benjamin. When many people approach 50 or when a time, place and career needs rethinking, what do you? Look at your passions even those when you were young.  What steps do you take, how do you decide what’s next? Ben’s approach was practical, which he suggests others do when in the same position. Talk and Talk, do an appraisal of what you do, what you love, and what others have suggested, then go away for a few days, get clarity. For Ben, he came across his ‘sweet spot’ drawing on event management, performing experience, compassion and much more. That spot landed firmly on a much needed service and business where rarely families pre-plan not only their funeral or loved ones funeral but the more difficult choice of music until one or two days before it’s all required – all of which com

Elly Johnson had a fascination with uncovering the truth started as a rookie policewoman at 22 when she discovered the importance of having skills to effectively evaluate the truthfulness and credibility of the information received. Elly Johnson’s strong interest led her to create a business in 2001 that teaches people involved in high stake situations to distinguish between truth and lies when it matters most, and it did with law enforcement officers, intelligence agents, security assessors and high-level business people. Now she helps singles on the dating scene avoid the hazards of lies and deception in their search for true love. Like many in their midlife, Elly viewed approaching 50 as an opportunity to overhaul herself and her life – it can become a distinctive turning point. For her it certainly was, where health, fitness, moving states, changing her name, a new man all became integral to those changes as was rebranding her business and learning how to overcome her fear of presenting on camera. Doing t

Sandy Sanderson suffered a health crash due to the stress of the GFC in 2008. After a severe event that hospitalised her, she was told by her cardiologist, there were no drug solutions for people with her heart arrhythmia, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroid and ‘electrical system’ issues, and that these electrical system glitches were very common problems for people around the world. He told her to just, “put up with it like everyone else.” Sandy took up the challenge to find a natural solution and immersed herself into books and studies about the body’s electrical system. During her research she uncovered a plethora of documented medical research – much of which addressed one key link, yet that information was not widely publicised so she was determined to change that to allow others to also benefit. What was the key link? All paths pointed to magnesium as the fundamental master mineral that is essential for electrical system regulation and heart rhythm.  Sandy also found that transdermal magnesium chloride offere

Shel Horowitz is on a mission! Inspired by his "impossible" success in protecting a threatened local mountain forever, Shel expanded his focus to harness the profit motive as a powerful tool for turning hunger and poverty into sufficiency, war into peace, and catastrophic climate change into planetary balance. Founding the website Going Beyond Sustainability "Enlightened self-interest can get it done, while guilt and shame fail," he says. During the chat he offers some wonderful insights into this topic. For over a decade, Shel a/k/a “The Transformpreneur,” says he has shown businesses how to go green affordably and effectively, let alone market that green commitment to win new customers, turn those customers into fans, and turn those fans into ambassadors for you. But consumers can learn too and be part of the solution, by showing them how to green their own lives while actually improving quality of life. To get you started Shel has created a small book which Mature Preneurs Talk listeners can access free he

Dr Letitia Wright says the over 50s have the knowledge, the network and wisdom to support Crowd Funding! You make great decisions and people know you can make it work. To achieve that however, the over 50s, in fact most people, need a better understanding of how Crowdfunding works. Why, because now it’s a massive industry raking in billions of dollars, in 2015 alone $36 billion dollars changed hands through Crowd Funding campaigns. Three years later the figures are even more staggering. Having been named in the 100 Crowdfunding Experts list for the last 3 years in a row Dr Wright says with 6 different kinds of crowd funding in existence, and all having their own rules and guidelines and all catering to differing audiences, understandably the subject can be very confusing. During this podcast Dr Wright mentions different crowd funding platforms, which are complex and which simple. But she stresses before beginning a campaign it’s vital to be clear about your project, and while that sounds simple it is more com

Dr Letitia Wright says the over 50s have the knowledge, the network and wisdom to support Crowd Funding! You make great decisions and people know you can make it work. To achieve that however, the over 50s, in fact most people, need a better understanding of how Crowdfunding works. Why, because now it’s a massive industry raking in billions of dollars, in 2015 alone $36 billion dollars changed hands through Crowd Funding campaigns. Three years later the figures are even more staggering. Having been named in the 100 Crowdfunding Experts list for the last 3 years in a row Dr Wright says with 6 different kinds of crowd funding in existence, and all having their own rules and guidelines and all catering to differing audiences, understandably the subject can be very confusing. During this podcast Dr Wright mentions different crowd funding platforms, which are complex and which simple. But she stresses before beginning a campaign it’s vital to be clear about your project, and while that sounds simple it is more com