By: Press Room

The traditional concept of retirement is evolving, particularly for today’s corporate leaders. For decades, retirement was viewed as the end of one’s professional journey, an inevitable pause from an intense career to a life of relaxation. However, this view is rapidly changing as many executives seek to redefine retirement as an opportunity for reinvention rather than a conclusion. With the peak of the baby boomer generation, born around the 1960s, reaching retirement age in 2025, this shift has gained momentum, making retirement a crucial turning point not only for financial planning but for personal growth and future purpose.

The Changing Landscape of Retirement for Executives

Retirement used to be primarily focused on securing financial stability. However, corporate leaders are beginning to place equal emphasis on the emotional and personal dimensions of this transition. Today, the retirement decision is increasingly influenced by strategic talent management within organizations. Employers are more involved than ever in determining when and how executives retire, often with an eye on leadership succession and organizational stability.

Regardless of whether retirement is carefully planned or arrives unexpectedly, this life change can be overwhelming. Executives face a unique set of challenges, not only in financial terms but in how they handle their health, emotional well-being, and relationships. MyNextSeason, co-founded by Dr. Leslie Braksick and Mark Linsz, recognizes these challenges and offers guidance to help senior leaders transition smoothly into their next phase. Their approach is designed to support leaders in finding new opportunities and purpose after an intensive career.

The Role of MyNextSeason in Executive Transitions

For over a decade, MyNextSeason has been dedicated to assisting top executives as they navigate retirement and other career transitions. Their process goes beyond financial planning, focusing on the purpose that many retirees seek. With the release of their book Revealing Your Next Season, Dr. Braksick and Linsz have captured the essence of what it means to transition from a high-powered career to a meaningful post-retirement life.

As Dr. Braksick explains, “One of the greatest transitions leaders will face in their adult lives is retirement. Many people spend decades planning for how they will manage this transition financially, but very little time considering how to create a fulfilling life beyond retirement.” The book aims to fill that gap, providing advice on making the transition not only smooth but enriching.

Linsz echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of their clients: “Our clients are remarkable people. The transition is never easy, but they are constantly reinventing themselves and finding ways to keep making an impact.”

Inspiring Stories of Post-Retirement Transformation

MyNextSeason’s work is not just theoretical; it is rooted in the real experiences of executives who have successfully navigated their transitions. Ben Markham, a former Vice President at ExxonMobil, is one such example. After his retirement, Markham and his wife relocated to Ghana, where they spent 18 months volunteering. During this time, they identified a crucial need in the community: access to electricity and playground equipment. In response, Markham partnered with students and faculty from Brigham Young University to develop playground equipment that generates electricity through children’s play. With this innovation, Empower Playgrounds has since provided power and improved education for more than 22,000 students in rural Ghana.

Markham’s story illustrates how a seemingly small idea can create a profound impact when executives apply their skills to new challenges. “I was an engineer, and I saw where a little bit of engineering could make a big difference,” Markham said. His journey is just one of the many success stories shared in Revealing Your Next Season, offering inspiration to others considering what their post-retirement life might look like.

Lessons Learned from Executives in Transition

As MyNextSeason marks its 10th anniversary, the company has gathered valuable insights from its clients’ experiences. Executives transitioning from demanding careers into a new phase of life face a complex set of emotions and practical concerns. Below are some key lessons learned from leaders who have successfully navigated this process:

1. Be intentional: Begin discernment while there is still runway in your current role.

2. Leave well: How you finish/transition determines how you begin your Next Season.

3. Manage early emotions: The early days are difficult. Anticipate and plan for those. Take a Pause. It Matters.

4. Avoid rushing into “what’s next”: Many executives feel pressure to jump into something new. Sometimes, after stepping away from a major role, you need a prolonged pause while you reground yourself and focus on your personal health, wellness, and life.

5. Be selective: Deciding what to say “yes” to and what to decline is an important part of shaping the next phase.

6. Rely on others: Trusted networks and family support are essential during the transition.

7. Tap into your network: Tap into it in new ways. Expand it now for future possibilities.

8. Prioritize health and well-being: The shift in lifestyle offers a chance to focus on physical and mental health. As you enter this period of transition, there is no more important time to double down on your health than now.

9. Rebrand yourself: Post-retirement is an opportunity to redefine who you are and what you contribute. Don’t limit yourself to who you were; showcase who you want to be in this season.

10. Involve your spouse or partner: The transition affects family life, making it important to engage loved ones in the process.

These lessons emphasize the importance of approaching retirement with intentionality and grace rather than seeing it as an abrupt end to a career.

Guiding Leaders to a Fulfilling Next Season

As corporate leaders approach retirement, the need for thoughtful planning extends far beyond financial considerations. The professional insights provided by Dr. Braksick and Linsz through MyNextSeason reflect a broader understanding of what it means to retire with purpose. Their decade of experience has shown that, while the transition may be challenging, it is also an opportunity for reinvention and continued contribution to society.

By working with HR departments and companies, MyNextSeason helps leaders navigate this transition in a way that aligns with both personal goals and corporate objectives. This forward-thinking approach not only ensures a smooth exit for executives but also enhances employee retention, as others see their peers supported and respected through their retirement journey.

Contact MyNextSeason

For more information on how MyNextSeason can help you or your organization manage executive transitions, visit their website at www.mynextseason.com. You may also purchase Revealing Your Next Season on Amazon today!

Published by: Martin De Juan