Flourish After Fifty

Supporting women to navigate career and life transitions with curiosity, confidence and clarity. Because you deserve to step into your next chapter with the joy and freedom that comes from living more fully on your terms. Hosted by transitions coach and facilitator, Sue West.

Flourish After Fifty is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 26 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts Flourish After Fifty, a business show with 26 episodes published.

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  Episode #26

  26. Kerryn Vaughan: Making Space for What Comes Next

  Oct 1, 202644 minS1

  What happens when you stop pushing forward and give yourself space to ask what really matters now? In this conversation, Kerryn Vaughan shares the story of taking a break from her podcast and discovering that the pause was part of a much bigger process of change. We talk about uncertainty, letting go of what no longer fits, finding purpose beyond a job or role, and the shift from achievement to contribution and legacy. Kerryn also shares her Five Beyonds framework and the question at its heart: what kind of ancestor will I be? Along the way, we explore what it can mean to create space for something new to emerge and to be more unapologetic about how we want to spend the years ahead. Also covered Taking a break when something no longer feels right — even when you don't know what comes next Trimming your life: letting go of things, commitments and relationships that no longer fit Rethinking purpose as something we live and do, rather than simply a job or occupation Moving from achievement and recognition towards contribution, impact and legacy Kerryn's Five Beyonds framework Guest: Kerryn Vaughan Website: https://www.kerrynvaughan.com/ The 5 Beyonds Journey Through Nepal 2027: https://www.kerrynvaughan.com/the-5-beyonds LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryn-vaughan/ A Message from Sue: I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us Sign up for weekly insights and bite-sized advice on how to flourish after fifty: http://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-west-au/

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  Episode #25

  25. Carol Cook AM PLY: Never Let Anyone Tell You What You Can and Can’t Do

  Sep 18, 202640 minS1

  What if the things you’ve been told you can’t do become the very things that shape your next chapter? In this inspiring conversation, I talk with three-time Paralympic gold medallist, Tokyo Paralympic silver medallist, world champion paracyclist, author and speaker Carol Cooke about challenging assumptions around age, disability and what’s possible after 50. Carol began competitive paracycling at 50 and went on to achieve the peak of her sporting success between the ages of 51 and 60, winning three Paralympic gold medals and a silver medal. She shares how a childhood disappointment shaped the mindset she has carried throughout her life, how she moved from swimming to rowing and then unexpectedly into elite paracycling, and how she learned to work with, not against, her body after being diagnosed with MS. She also reflects on finding passion, surrounding yourself with people who encourage rather than limit you, embracing new challenges, and why it’s never too late to start something different. Also covered: How Carol’s childhood gymnastics experience taught her not to let others define what she could achieve. Moving from competitive swimming to para rowing and then, unexpectedly, becoming an elite paracyclist at 49. Experiencing ageism in sport and discovering that, in paracycling, performance mattered more than age. How Carol manages MS while training and competing. The mindset strategies that have helped Carol thrive. Carol’s continuing work beyond elite sport, including wheelchair curling, speaking, writing and the 24-hour Mega Swim, which has raised millions for charity. Keywords: Flourish After 50, ageing, women over 50, mindset, resilience, multiple sclerosis, MS, mega swim, disability, Paralympics, Olympics, passion, ageism, Australia, Canada, gold medal, silver medal, national championships Guest: Carol Cooke AM PLY Website: https://www.carolcooke.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-cooke-am/ A message from Sue: I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us Sign up for weekly insights and bite-sized advice: http://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-west-au/

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  Episode #23

  23. Rebuilding Life After Caregiving and Loss with Janine Hayes OAM

  Aug 21, 202645 minS1

  In this deeply moving conversation, I talk with Janine Hayes OAM, business leader, long-time skydiver and one of Australia’s most accomplished members of the skydiving community, about caregiving, grief and the uncertain work of rebuilding life after loss. After caring for her husband Ken through frontotemporal dementia and motor neurone disease, Janine reflects on advocacy, resilience and the need to care for herself while caring for someone else. She shares how skydiving, nature, family and friendship helped sustain her and what she is discovering about purpose and possibility in her mid-sixties. Janine ends by reading a poignant original poem about moving through grief towards a “beckoning shore.” Also covered Skydiving as a lifelong source of joy, focus, community and respite during difficult times Navigating the healthcare system, advocating for a loved one and the often-invisible workload of caregiving The importance of self-care, professional support and boundaries for carers How friends can offer genuinely useful support by suggesting specific practical help Finding purpose, connection and hope after loss through family, friendship, community and new possibilities Keywords skydiving, caregiving, grief, resilience, personal growth, life transitions, mental health, adventure, community, support serendipity, caregiving, community, skydiving, self-care, women empowerment, resilience, leadership, support, mental health. Guest: Janine Hayes LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/janine-hayes222 Special Announcements FREE WORKSHOP: Introducing The Messy Middle Method Come along to this one hour full of lessons from my five years of coaching, conversations and community with women over fifty as I introduce the Messy Middle Method. 7th September 12.00 noon AEST or 8th September 6.30 PM AEST Learn More Here: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/the-messy-middle-method-workshop NEW PROGRAM: Flourishing in the Messy Middle Flourishing in the Messy Middle is a three-month live online group journey for women over 50 who know something is changing and are ready to explore what comes next. Starts 22 September . Learn More Here: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/flourishing-in-the-messy-middle I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us Sign up for weekly insights and bite-sized advice: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/the-messy-middle-method-workshop

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  Episode #22

  22. Kate Hansen: Letting Go of the “Safe” Job to Make Room for a Career as a Creative

  Aug 6, 202657 minS1

  In this episode, Kate Hansen joins me to talk about what it really takes to walk away from a “safe” job and make room for a career as a creative. She shares her journey from nursing to interior photography, the years of quiet dissatisfaction and pretending to be someone she wasn’t, and the surprising origin story of her blog The Room Illuminated . We explore the power of inherited “success scripts,” the emotional weight of job security, and the extraordinary letter from Kate’s younger self that finally gave her the permission she needed to leap. This conversation is for anyone who feels caught between a sensible role and a life that feels more true. Also covered Wrestling with job security and creative longing in midlife The moment Kate realised she was “pretending to be a nurse” How a dusk-time habit of peeking into warm rooms became The Room Illuminated The forgotten letter from her 22-year-old self that changed everything Inherited family beliefs about work, risk, and responsibility Seeking permission from others versus backing yourself to make a change Guest: Kate Hansen Freelance website: https://www.khansenphotography.com/ The Room Illuminated (Blog): https://theroomilluminated.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katehansenphotography/ Generation Women Australia Website: https://www.generationwomenaus.com/ Special Announcement Just Launched: FLOURISHING IN THE MESSY MIDDLE PROGRAM A three-month live online group journey of reflection, exploration and growth. For women who know something is changing and are ready to explore and connect as they find their way forward. Starts September 22nd. Full details available here: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/flourishing-in-the-messy-middle I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us Sign up for weekly insights and bite-sized advice: http://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/newsletter

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  Episode #21

  21. Sue West's Story of Navigating the Messy Middle of Change After Fifty

  Jul 22, 202640 minS1

  In this special crossover episode, I share the unfiltered story of my own midlife transition, from a decades-long academic career to building a coaching practice for women over 50. Originally recorded for the podcast Primetime with Bec Wilson, I talk openly about single parenting through menopause, caring for aging parents, losing my passion for my career mid-COVID, and the messy, uncertain middle I navigated before finding my new beginning. Also covered: I share how I left a long career to build my coaching practice after 50 and completely redefined what success meant to me I talk through the major transitions I navigated: single parenting, caring for ageing parents, menopause, and a mid-COVID career pivot, and why the internal change matters more than the external one I explain how looking back at old passions helped me find breadcrumbs toward a new path I open up about building new friendships and community later in life, and what worked and didn't for me I share my messages of hope: it's never too late to flourish, and your best years are never behind you Keywords midlife transformation, career change, success after 50, transitions, personal growth, coaching, life balance, self-discovery Special thanks to Bec Wilson for generously allowing me to share this episode. Bec’s newsletter sign-up is available at primetimers.net Epic Retirement Flagship Course: https://epicretirement.net/course-au/ Prime Time with Bec Wilson Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/prime-time-with-bec-wilson/id1710995058 Bec’s books are available from all Australian book sellers: Prime Time: 27 Lessons for the New Midlife, 2025 How to Have an Epic Retirement, 2025. A message from Sue: I offer one-on-one coaching, small-group programs and a monthly online discussion group to support women navigating career and life changes. If you’re at a crossroads and want to create your own path and truly flourish – on your own terms, get in touch: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/contact-us Sign up for weekly insights and bite-sized advice: http://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/newsletter

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