MEaningful MEtirement™

Ceci Zak
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The MEaningful MEtirement podcast helps people in or approaching retirement move from uncertainty, loss of identity, and emotional drift… to clarity, purpose, and confident action—one decision at a time. Each episode is designed to deliver: One breakthrough insight One identity shift One action you can take immediately All possible through the generosity of @HIGHFIVEMEDIA Avon, Co,

  1. 2d ago

    Choose Joy: How Carol Brannigan Rebuilt a Life She Loves After Loss, Change, and Lifequakes

    What do you do when life doesn't go according to plan?After losing loved ones, navigating unimaginable lifequakes, and walking away from a career she loved after 28 years, Carol Brannigan made a courageous choice: keep moving toward joy.In this heartfelt conversation, Carol shares how she reinvented her life in her 3rdTHIRD, moved across the country, built a thriving community, embraced adventure, and learned that joy isn't something you wait for—it's something you actively create.If you're facing change, loss, caregiving responsibilities, or wondering what's next, this episode will remind you that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship—it's about continuing to live fully in spite of it.You'll learn:• Why finding joy is a choice• How community can transform your next chapter• The surprising power of starting over• Why your best life may be waiting on the other side of changeBecause sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply keep on keeping on.About Carol BranniganCarol spent nearly three decades helping bring Broadway productions to life before creating an entirely new chapter in her 3rdTHIRD. An avid skier, tennis player, hiker, traveler, and lover of the performing arts, Carol embraces life with resilience, adventure, and gratitude. Through profound personal loss, caregiving, and multiple lifequakes, she has remained deeply committed to family, community, and finding joy in every chapter. As the proud mother of two children and a cherished friend to many, Carol inspires others by proving that it is never too late to consciously create a life filled with purpose, connection, and possibility.

  2. Jul 14

    Leading Beyond the Corner Office: Nick Colucci on Purpose, Mentorship & Legacy

    Most people spend decades building a successful career. Few take the time to thoughtfully design what comes next. In this episode of MEaningful MEtirement, Ceci Zak sits down with Nick Colucci—former CEO of Publicis Health, Medical Advertising Hall of Fame inductee, HBA Honorable Mentor, philanthropist, and lifelong leader—to explore what happens when professional success gives way to something even more meaningful. After a remarkable career mentoring leaders, building organizations, and transforming healthcare communications, Nick made a conscious decision to retire on his own terms. But rather than slowing down, he redirected his time, talents, and energy toward family, philanthropy, education, and helping others succeed. In this conversation, you'll learn: • How to navigate the transition from professional identity to personal purpose • Why mentorship may be one of the most meaningful legacies we leave behind • The importance of intentionally designing your next chapter • How service and contribution evolve throughout life • What it means to continue growing after achieving career success Nick's story is a powerful reminder that retirement isn't an ending—it's an opportunity to apply a lifetime of wisdom, experience, and leadership in ways that create lasting impact. Because the greatest measure of success may not be what you accomplish, but the people you inspire along the way. About Nick Colucci Nick is the former CEO of Publicis Health and a respected leader in the healthcare communications industry. A Medical Advertising Hall of Fame inductee and Healthcare Businesswomen's Association Honorable Mentor, Nick is widely recognized for his extraordinary commitment to developing future leaders. Today, he continues to give back through philanthropic efforts, educational initiatives, community leadership, and dedicated time with his family. His journey offers a compelling example of how purpose, service, and mentorship can continue to flourish throughout the 3rdTHIRD of life.

  3. Jul 2

    Live Boldly. Start Before You're Ready with Ellen Keszler

    What if the biggest opportunity in your 3rdTHIRD isn't slowing down—it's finally becoming who you were meant to be? In this episode, accomplished executive, board leader, traveler, and adventurer Ellen Keszler shares how life's unexpected transitions became the catalyst for extraordinary growth. After leaving corporate life at 44 and navigating a major life reinvention, Ellen chose curiosity over fear, adventure over comfort, and possibility over limitation.From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and moving to the Colorado mountains to embracing photography, lifelong learning, and a year of intentional adventures at age 60, Ellen's story is a powerful reminder that the best chapters of life can still be ahead of us. This conversation is filled with wisdom about confidence, resilience, purpose, and how to use the gift of time to create a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. About Ellen Keszler Ellen is an accomplished corporate director, advisor, and former executive whose career has spanned travel, technology, entrepreneurship, and corporate governance. She has held leadership roles with companies including Travelocity and has served on numerous public and private company boards, helping organizations grow, innovate, and thrive. Today, Ellen is known for her adventurous spirit, lifelong curiosity, passion for travel and photography, and commitment to living fully. Whether she's exploring a new corner of the world, learning a new skill, or encouraging others to embrace life's next chapter, Ellen embodies what it means to create a meaningful and vibrant 3rdTHIRD.

  4. Jun 30

    Choose Your Next Chapter Before Life Chooses It for You - Charlotte Sibley

    What if retirement isn’t about slowing down… but finally creating a life that feels like you? At 65, after decades of leadership and breaking barriers in corporate America, Charlotte Sibley faced a question many avoid: Who am I when work is no longer my identity? In this conversation, Charlotte shares the surprisingly simple process that helped her step into MEtirement with intention—before fear, loss, or uncertainty took over. We talk about: The 3 lists that changed her futureWhy financial planning alone isn’t enoughFinding purpose beyond your titleLearning to say no—and finally learning to just beHow community carried her through grief, caregiving, sobriety, and reinventionHer message is clear: Don’t wait until life forces change.Create your next chapter while you still have the health, curiosity, and freedom to live it. About Charlotte Sibley Charlotte Sibley is a former global pharmaceutical executive, public company board member, mentor, and longtime advocate for leadership development and women in healthcare. After a 40+ year corporate career—including pioneering roles for women in healthcare and finance—Charlotte intentionally redefined her third third through board service, mentorship, travel, community, and purpose-driven living. Now approaching 80, Charlotte embodies what MEtirement can look like at its best:living with curiosity, giving back generously, and continuing to grow long after traditional retirement begins. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

  5. Jun 25

    Reclaim Your Next Chapter When Life Asks You to Let Go - Wendy White

    What happens when you reach this stage of life—and realize it’s not about slowing down… it’s about becoming more of who you are? In this powerful MEtirement conversation, Wendy White shares what it really looks like to navigate the “in-between”—that space where your old identity no longer fits… and your next chapter isn’t fully clear yet. This isn’t about retirement. This is about MEtirement. We talk about: Letting go of roles that once defined you Sitting in uncertainty instead of rushing to fix it Reconnecting with who you are—without titles, expectations, or noise Choosing your next chapter with intention, not default Because the truth is—this stage of life isn’t about what you’re leaving behind…it’s about what you’re finally ready to claim. If you’re asking “what’s next?”—this episode will help you start answering that question from the inside out. About Wendy White Wendy is a seasoned entrepreneur leader and trusted advisor who has spent her career helping individuals and organizations navigate complex transitions with clarity and intention. Now in her own MEtirement chapter, Wendy brings a deeply personal and grounded perspective to what it means to let go of past identities and consciously create what comes next. Blending professional insight with lived experience, she helps others move through change—not by rushing to answers, but by reconnecting with who they truly are—so they can build a life rooted in meaning, fulfillment, and freedom. She embodies the essence of MEtirement:not retiring from life—but stepping fully into it. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

  6. Jun 15

    Choose Yourself Before It’s Too Late: Fear, Freedom & Living Your Truth - Andrea Mallozzi

    What happens when you stop following the rules everyone else believes about retirement, success, money—and start listening to yourself instead? In this episode, Andrea Mallozzi shares the deeply personal shift that led her to walk away from decades of expectations and toward a life built on freedom, experiences, and authenticity. From surviving breast cancer to questioning society’s “truisms” around work and financial security, Andrea opens up about choosing time over accumulation, stillness over striving, and alignment over approval. If you’ve ever wondered Is this really the life I want?—this conversation will stay with you. Why fear shouldn’t be the barrier to your next chapterThe surprising joy found in stillness and silenceHow health challenges changed Andrea’s definition of successWhat it means to choose experiences over expectationsWhy your “third third” may be the first time you truly choose yourself About Andrea Mallozzi Andrea is a former communications executive, lifelong learner, and deeply reflective thinker who has spent decades balancing achievement with curiosity, creativity, and growth. After navigating a significant health challenge and years in high-pressure corporate environments, Andrea made the courageous decision to redefine success on her own terms—choosing freedom, experiences, and authenticity over convention. Today, she embraces her “3rdTHIRD” with intention, exploring what it means to live aligned with personal values, pursue long-held dreams, and create a life driven by meaning rather than expectation. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that reinvention is possible at any age. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

  7. Jun 11

    Redefine Work, Let Go of Ego, and Choose What Actually Matters - Ana Goizueta Clark

    Ana Goizeuta Clark doesn’t sugarcoat things—and that’s exactly why this conversation hits. After decades building a successful career on Wall Street, Ana faced a reality many people avoid:What happens when your identity is tied to your profession… and that chapter ends? In this episode, she walks through: The discomfort of stepping away from a high-powered career The ego hit of going from high income to zero The struggle with relevance—and why it’s mostly self-created The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and change How becoming an EMT reshaped her sense of purpose Her perspective is clear:You don’t stop working—you just shift where and how you contribute. And if you’re willing to let go of ego, get comfortable with vulnerability, and focus on service…you may find something more meaningful than what you left behind. About Ana Goizeuta Clark Ana is a global business leader with over three decades of experience in financial services, including senior roles on Wall Street where she built a reputation for strategic leadership and results. After stepping away from her corporate career, Ana transitioned into service as a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), applying her decision-making skills in high-pressure, real-world situations. Her work today reflects a shift from achievement-driven success to purpose-driven contribution—grounded in faith, service to others, and a willingness to challenge her own assumptions about identity, relevance, and what truly matters. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

  8. Jun 9

    Reimagining Retirement as Your Greatest Opportunity - Mitch Lee

    Most people think retirement is the finish line. Mitch Lee saw it as the starting line. After decades of leadership, success, and building a career, Mitch made a bold shift—he chose to stop letting work define him and start living a life built around purpose, passion, and impact. And here’s the truth he discovered:You don’t need more time… you need more intention with your time. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Stop tying your identity to your career Use the skills you built in life to design a better one Find purpose through service and giving back Create structure so your days actually matter Let go of ego so you can fully enjoy your life And one powerful reminder you won’t forget:Don’t wait too long. Because the life you’ve been working toward?It’s ready for you now. About Mitch Lee: Mitch is a former senior executive at Raytheon, and graduate of the United States Military Academy. After a highly successful career leading large teams and scaling business growth, Mitch transitioned into a purpose-driven third chapter centered on service, leadership, and community impact. He is deeply involved with Project Hero, where he has led hundreds of rides supporting veterans—many coping with invisible injuries like PTSD—helping them find healing through connection and movement. Known for his love of travel, athletics, and mentorship, Mitch embodies what it means to live a life of joy, fulfillment, and freedom—by choosing purpose over ego and impact over identity. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

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5
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About

The MEaningful MEtirement podcast helps people in or approaching retirement move from uncertainty, loss of identity, and emotional drift… to clarity, purpose, and confident action—one decision at a time. Each episode is designed to deliver: One breakthrough insight One identity shift One action you can take immediately All possible through the generosity of @HIGHFIVEMEDIA Avon, Co,

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