On the Brink with Andi Simon

Andi Simon
  • 5.0 (18)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semimonthly

Are you navigating change—personally or professionally? On the Brink is your space for discovering new ways to see, feel, and think about your business, your work, and your life. Host Andi Simon, award-winning author, corporate anthropologist, and change expert, brings you inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders who are reimagining what's possible. Explore how purpose, reinvention, and a human-centered approach can guide you through transitions and help you thrive. New episodes weekly.

  1. Aug 9

    How to Build a Life After Retirement

    What happens after you retire—and suddenly no one is telling you where to be or what to do? Jim and Marilyn Riley have created a next chapter filled with friendship, travel, curiosity, learning, family and fun. But they didn't get there in exactly the same way. Jim transitioned out of the company he had built, eventually handing leadership to his son and realizing that sometimes the best thing a former leader can do is get out of the way. Marilyn, a retired nurse, found new purpose through creativity, golf, book clubs, volunteering and her grandchildren. Together, they offer an important lesson: a fulfilling retirement doesn't just happen. You build it. In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, we talk about creating community before you need it, maintaining separate and shared interests as a couple, staying curious and active, traveling with intention, and why there really should be a "Retirement 101." If you're approaching retirement—or already there and wondering what comes next—Jim and Marilyn's story may help you rethink what this stage of life can become. Ready to rethink your own next chapter? Learn more about Andi Simon's new book, Rethink Retirement: It's not the end but the beginning of what's next, and discover more stories, insights, and resources to help you create a life filled with purpose, people, and possibility. Visit AndiSimon.com to learn more, and follow On the Brink with Andi Simon wherever you listen to podcasts. If this conversation made you think differently about retirement, please share it with someone who might be wondering, "What comes next?"

  2. Aug 3

    Bart Oates and Dr.Vincent McInerney Didn't Retire. They Reimagined Their Life Purpose!

    What happens when a successful career ends—but your purpose doesn't? In this inspiring episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon welcomes former NFL three-time Super Bowl champion Bart Oates and renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Vincent McInerney for a conversation about life beyond professional success. Together, they explore what it really means to move into a new chapter—not by retiring from life, but by redefining it. They discuss the importance of purpose, lifelong learning, community, faith, health, and continuing to make a difference long after a career has ended. Whether you're approaching retirement, beginning a career transition, or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope for designing a meaningful future. Retirement isn't about stopping. It's about discovering new ways to contribute, grow, and live with intention. Change begins with a new way of seeing. As a corporate anthropologist, I believe that the stories we hear have the power to reshape the stories we live. If you're ready to rethink retirement—or simply rethink what's next—I hope you'll join me again on On the Brink. Until next time, stay curious, keep learning, and remember: your next chapter may be your most meaningful one yet.

  3. Jul 22

    From Expertise to Influence | Bill Sherman on Thought Leadership

    What transforms expertise into influence? In this episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I sit down with Bill Sherman, one of the leading voices in thought leadership and co-author of The Thought Leadership Handbook. Together, we explore what it really means to become a thought leader—and why it has very little to do with titles or self-promotion. Bill shares how curiosity, passion, and a commitment to helping others are the true foundations of thought leadership. We discuss why writing a book is only the beginning, how ideas grow into movements, and why your expertise can continue to make a difference long after you've left an executive role or retired. We also examine the role of AI. While artificial intelligence can summarize what has already been discovered, it cannot replace the human curiosity, judgment, and lived experience that drive innovation and meaningful change. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, consultant, coach, author, or someone beginning your next chapter, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about the value of your ideas—and the impact they can have on others. In this episode you'll discover: • What thought leadership really is—and what it isn't • Why curiosity is the engine behind every great idea • How to turn expertise into lasting influence • Why your next chapter may be your most impactful one As always, my goal is to help you see, feel, and think in new ways so you can turn your observations into innovations.   About the Host Andi Simon, PhD, is a corporate anthropologist, author, speaker, and executive advisor who helps leaders, organizations, and individuals see, feel, and think in new ways so they can navigate change with confidence. She is the founder and CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants and the author of Rethink Retirement, On the Brink, Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business, and Women Mean Business. Learn more: • Website: https://www.simonassociates.net • Rethink Retirement: https://www.rethinkretirement.net • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/ • Subscribe to the Rethink Retirement Substack: https://rethinkretirement.substack.com If you enjoyed this episode, please follow On the Brink with Andi Simon, leave a review, and share it with someone who is ready to see change through a fresh lens.

  4. Jul 21

    Retirement Isn't About Stopping—It's About Staying in the Game | Bob Hurley Sr.

    Retirement Isn't About Stopping—It's About Staying in the Game | Bob Hurley Sr. What happens when one of the greatest basketball coaches in America steps away from coaching? For Bob Hurley Sr., retirement wasn't the end of his purpose—it was an opportunity to live it in new ways. In this inspiring episode of On the Brink, I sit down with legendary St. Anthony High School basketball coach Bob Hurley Sr. to explore what it really means to create a meaningful next chapter. While many know Bob for his 1,100+ career wins, national championships, and extraordinary coaching legacy, his greatest victories have always been measured by the lives he changed. Together we discuss: Why purpose doesn't retire when your career ends The importance of building community throughout every stage of life How structure creates freedom after retirement Why volunteering, mentoring, and staying connected keep us energized The wisdom we gain through experience—and why the world still needs it Whether you're preparing for retirement, already retired, or simply thinking about your next chapter, Bob's practical wisdom and lifelong commitment to helping others will leave you inspired. Retirement isn't about leaving life behind. It's about discovering where your experience, purpose, and passion can make the greatest difference next. "Your career may end. Your purpose doesn't."

  5. Jul 13

    Who Am I After Work? Leslie Traub on Reinvention

    Retirement isn't simply the end of a career—it can be the beginning of a profound personal transformation. In this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon welcomes transformational facilitator Leslie Traub for a thoughtful conversation about identity, purpose, and life's "liminal spaces"—those uncertain moments between who we've been and who we're becoming. Drawing on decades of leadership development and coaching, Leslie explains why so many people struggle with transitions, how external achievement can give way to deeper purpose, and why learning to embrace uncertainty opens the door to growth. Whether you're approaching retirement, experiencing an unexpected career change, or simply asking "What's next?", this conversation offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insights for designing a meaningful next chapter. If this conversation resonates with you, please subscribe to On the Brink with Andi Simon, leave a review, and share this episode with someone navigating an important life transition. Together we can continue to see, feel, and think in new ways.

  6. Jul 2

    Stephanie McCullough: Retirement Is More Than Money

    Retirement isn't simply about having enough money. It's about creating a life worth living. In this episode, award-winning financial planner Stephanie McCullough joins me to explore why today's retirement requires more than a financial plan. We discuss the emotional challenges of leaving work, why so many people struggle to spend the money they've saved, and how identity, purpose, and community shape a meaningful next chapter. If you're preparing for retirement—or already there—this conversation may change the way you think about your future.

  7. Jun 26

    The Promise and Peril of AI in Business

    Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than most leaders realize. But are we adopting it wisely? In this episode of On the Brink, Andi Simon welcomes marketing strategist Shelly Tench and AI educator Heather Owen for a practical conversation about the opportunities—and risks—of generative AI. They explore how AI can help small businesses compete, improve marketing, and increase productivity, while explaining why human oversight remains essential. If you've wondered whether AI will replace people, how much you can trust ChatGPT, or how to avoid costly mistakes, this episode offers thoughtful guidance without the hype. Learn how to embrace AI as a powerful tool while keeping human judgment, creativity, and connection at the center of your business. About the Host Dr. Andi Simon is a corporate anthropologist and founder of Simon Associates Management Consultants. Through her consulting, speaking, writing, and On the Brink podcast, she helps leaders and organizations see opportunities others miss and navigate change with confidence. 🌐 SimonAssociates.net 📚 Author of Rethink Retirement, Women Mean Business, and On the Brink 🎙️ Subscribe to On the Brink with Andi Simon on your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show and leave a review. Your support helps more people discover conversations that inspire fresh thinking.

  8. Jun 5

    The Keys to Aging Well: Purpose, Connection, and Lifelong Learning

    What does it really mean to age well in America today? In this thought-provoking conversation, Andi Simon sits down with Cathy Rowe, Executive Director of New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well, to explore how longer lives are reshaping retirement, communities, and our sense of purpose. As more Americans live 20 to 30 years beyond traditional retirement age, the question is no longer "Can I afford to retire?" but "What am I retiring to?" Cathy shares insights on age-friendly communities, social connection, lifelong learning, and why purpose matters as much as financial planning. This episode is a fresh look at retirement, longevity, and creating a meaningful next chapter. Key Topics: • Rethinking Retirement • Age-Friendly Communities • Purpose After Work • Loneliness and Social Connection • Lifelong Learning • Aging Well • Community Engagement • Longevity and Healthy Aging • Retirement Planning Beyond Finances Connect with Andi Simon Ready to rethink what's next in your life, career, or retirement? 📘 Rethink Retirement: It's Not the End, It's the Beginning of What's Next 🌐 Simon Associates Management Consultants: www.simonassociates.net 📰 Subscribe to Andi's Substack: Rethink Retirement 🎙️ Learn more about On the Brink with Andi Simon and explore past episodes. 📧 Contact Andi: asimon@simonassociates.net Interested in Andi's Rethink Retirement Masterclasses, retreats, or speaking engagements? Visit SimonAssociates.net or reach out directly. #RethinkRetirement #AgingWell #Longevity #PurposeAfterRetirement #AgeFriendlyCommunities

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About

Are you navigating change—personally or professionally? On the Brink is your space for discovering new ways to see, feel, and think about your business, your work, and your life. Host Andi Simon, award-winning author, corporate anthropologist, and change expert, brings you inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders who are reimagining what's possible. Explore how purpose, reinvention, and a human-centered approach can guide you through transitions and help you thrive. New episodes weekly.

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