The Intentional Next Act Conversations for Women 50+ Building What's Next

Tabatha Jones

The Intentional Next Act is a podcast for women 50+ who are ready to build what comes next. Hosted by executive strategist and coach Tabatha Jones, each episode shares practical strategies for career advancement, career transitions, entrepreneurship, leadership, and building new income streams. Whether you're looking for a better job, starting a side business, preparing for retirement, or creating more options before making your next move, you'll find honest conversations, real stories, and actionable ideas you can put to work right away. *Formerly Gen-X Remix. Follow Tabatha Jones: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabatha-jones-4485854/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_tabatha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corporate-escape-sherpa

  1. 4d ago

    Jimmy Choos, Tax Write-Offs & the Real Cost of Starting a Business

    Jimmy Choos, Tax Write-Offs & the Real Cost of Starting a Business 📕 GET THE IDEA TO INCOME PLAYBOOK: Get the book on Amazon 🔥 FREE IDEA TO INCOME JUMPSTART + KIT:Get the Jumpstart + Kit Starting a business is exciting. Then somebody starts talking about estimated taxes, retirement accounts, cash flow, business expenses, and whether the Jimmy Choos you bought for a speaking engagement are actually a tax write-off. Apparently, they probably aren't. Rude. 😂 In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Felicia Greenwald, founder of Aventurine Planning, Tax Strategist and Financial Planner, to talk about the financial side of entrepreneurship that doesn't get nearly enough attention. If you're building a business while you're still employed, this conversation is especially important. We talk about why keeping your corporate paycheck while you build can give you more freedom, not less. We dig into what you should be thinking about financially before you leave corporate, how to prepare for taxes once money starts coming in, and why entrepreneurship seems to cost more than you think it will. We also talk about the people waiting to sell new entrepreneurs the next thing that's supposedly going to explode their revenue. Because apparently the minute you start a business, someone appears promising to help you make $10K, $100K or $1 million if you'll just hand over your credit card. In this episode, we talk about: Why I'm such a believer in building before you bounce Creating financial runway before leaving your corporate paycheck Figuring out how much income you actually need to replace What to consider if you have stock options, RSUs or other corporate compensation Why everything seems to cost more when you start a business Red flags when someone promises massive revenue growth Preparing for estimated taxes before they surprise the hell out of you What a business deduction actually does, and what it doesn't Why spending $100 to save $30 in taxes is still spending $70 Tracking your income and expenses before tax season Why your business and financial decisions need to support the life you actually want And yes, we answer the important question: Can I buy a pair of Jimmy Choos, wear them on stage once, and call them a business expense? Felicia is such a fun, practical voice on a topic that can feel intimidating, and this conversation is a great reminder that building a business isn't just about getting clients and making money. It's also about making smart decisions with the money you make. You don't have to blow up your life to build a bigger one. Connect with Felicia Felicia Greenwald is the founder of Aventurine Planning, where she helps business owners and professionals navigate the financial side of entrepreneurship and major career transitions. 💵 Aventurine Planning 🎉 Free Gift: 5 Things Every Business Owner Must Know This conversation is for educational purposes only and isn't individualized financial or tax advice. Consult the appropriate financial or tax professional about your specific situation.

  2. Sep 29

    Your Why Is Not Some Woo-Woo B******t

    Your Why Is Not Some Woo-Woo B******t Your Why isn't just something you write in a journal, slap on a vision board, and forget about. Your Why is for the messy middle. It's what brings you back when corporate has consumed your life for two months and your business has been sitting untouched. It's what keeps you moving when something you launch doesn't sell, someone gives you discouraging feedback, or you start wondering what the hell you're doing. The Idea to Income Playbook 📘 Launches October 1. Order it here:  https://a.co/d/09wRx4at In this episode of The Intentional Next Act, we're talking about why your Why is the first piece of a strong business foundation and why it matters long after the excitement of starting wears off. We’re talking about: Why your Why is your North Star when things get hard The four questions I use to help uncover a meaningful Why Why your experience and perspective matter How your Why helps you recover from setbacks and discouraging feedback Why your Why can stay steady even when your business changes My WHY → WHAT → WHO → HOW framework Why so many new business owners jump straight to HOW and create courses, coaching programs and offers nobody actually asked for Your Why doesn't guarantee success. It doesn't replace strategy. It gives your strategy a reason to exist. Your homework Answer these four questions: Why does this matter to me? Why do I care about this problem or these people? Why am I the person to do something about it? Why could solving it make a meaningful difference? Don't make your answers pretty. Make them true. Then keep them somewhere you can find them when you hit the messy middle. Ready to start building your idea? Grab my FREE Idea to Income Jumpstart + Kit and start working through the foundation of an idea you can actually build while you're still employed. 👉 Get the JUMPSTART HERE Coming October 1 My new book, The Idea to Income Playbook, walks you through my WHY → WHAT → WHO → HOW approach to turning your experience and expertise into something people will actually pay for. Because we are not spending the next five years creating shit nobody asked for. 😂 The Intentional Next Act with Tabatha Jones Career. Business. Money. Reinvention. And candid conversations about figuring out what the hell comes next. Because you don't have to blow up your life to build a bigger one. Want to learn more? Join my free workshop live or recorded options available: https://www.empowered-leader.com/idea2income

  3. Sep 22

    The 3 Biggest Mistakes Smart Women Make When Starting a Business

    The 3 Biggest Mistakes Smart Women Make When Starting a Business Smart, accomplished women are really good at making starting a business approximately 700 times harder than it needs to be. Ask me how I know. 😂 The Idea to Income Playbook 📘 Launches October 1. Order it here:  https://a.co/d/09wRx4at The same skills that helped you succeed in corporate, preparing, researching, mitigating risk and getting things right, can actually get in your way when you're trying to build something of your own. In this episode of The Intentional Next Act, I'm breaking down three of the biggest mistakes I see women make when starting a business and, more importantly, what to do instead. We’re talking about: Waiting for the perfect business idea instead of testing an imperfect one Why your 25+ years of experience is valuable business inventory When preparation becomes a very sophisticated form of procrastination Why you probably don't need another certification. You need a customer. The problem with quitting your job too soon Why your corporate paycheck may be one of your greatest business-building assets How small experiments create evidence, confidence and options You don't need your forever business figured out. You need an idea worth testing, a real human who might need it, and enough courage to put something in front of them. Progress over perfection. Every damn time. Ready to turn your idea into something real? Start with my FREE Idea to Income Jumpstart + Kit. It will help you start working through your idea, your why, and your first intentional steps without quitting your job or building a 47-page business plan. 👉 Get The JUMPSTART HERE Ready to stop thinking and start building? The Idea to Income Sprint is my 5-week program for women ready to turn their experience and ideas into something they can actually test, validate and sell while they still have the security of their paycheck. 👉 JOIN the SPRINT Coming October 1 My new book, The Idea to Income Playbook, is for the woman thinking: I know I want something more. I just don't know how to turn what I know into something people will actually pay for.   The Intentional Next Act with Tabatha Jones Career. Business. Money. Reinvention. And candid conversations about figuring out what the hell comes next. Because you don't have to blow up your life to build a bigger one.

  4. Sep 15

    You’re 50. Not Dead. Let’s Figure Out What the Hell Is Next.

    You’re 50. Not Dead. Let’s Figure Out What the Hell Is Next. What if wanting something different at 50 isn’t a midlife crisis? Maybe it’s a midlife awakening. In the first episode of The Intentional Next Act, I’m talking about why I no longer believe leaving corporate should be the goal, why your 9-to-5 might actually be one of your greatest assets, and why changing your mind about what comes next is not failure. After 28 years in corporate America, I built my coaching business on the side and left at 50 with savings, clients, and a plan. Entrepreneurship taught me something I didn’t expect: Corporate isn’t the enemy. And entrepreneurship isn’t the promised land. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why “starting over” after 50 is complete b******t Why I believe in building before you bounce Using your paycheck to create options instead of escaping too soon Why your next act can include a career, business, consulting, or a big fat AND Redefining what success looks like in this stage of life The question I think we should be asking instead of “What should I do next?” You’ve spent decades building experience, relationships, skills, judgment, and yes, probably a little scar tissue. You are not starting from zero. The question is: What do you want everything you’ve already built to make possible? Ready to explore your idea? Grab my FREE Idea to Income Jumpstart + Kit and start turning that idea rattling around in your head into something real. 👉 Get The Jumpstart Here Coming October 1 My new book, The Idea to Income Playbook, is the practical guide I wish I’d had when I was still sitting in corporate wondering, “Could I actually build something of my own?” I’ll be sharing more as we get closer to launch. The Intentional Next Act with Tabatha Jones Career. Business. Money. Reinvention. And candid conversations about figuring out what the hell comes next. Because you don’t have to blow up your life to build a bigger one.

  5. Feb 3

    Midlife Mindset Reset with Cheryl Fischer

    In this episode of Gen X Remix, host Tabatha Jones, The Corporate Escape Sherpa™, sits down with Cheryl P. Fischer to explore the power of mindset in navigating midlife transitions. Cheryl shares her journey from international business to teaching, and ultimately to coaching, offering a candid look at the challenges and opportunities that come with reinvention. Tabatha and Cheryl discuss practical strategies for overcoming career and relationship hurdles, managing emotions, and embracing self-care. This episode provides actionable tools and insights for midlife women looking to strengthen self-awareness, cultivate resilience, and step confidently into their next chapter. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction and Sponsorship01:11 – Welcome and Guest Introduction01:42 – Cheryl’s Remix Story03:02 – Navigating Career Changes03:53 – Mindset and Coaching Insights05:42 – Challenges and Strategies for Midlife Women09:04 – Identifying and Managing Emotions12:48 – Practical Tips for Self-Care and Personal Growth25:27 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information ________________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Cheryl Fisher 🌐 check out: www.cherylpfischer.com 📱Connect With Cheryl on Instagram: www.instagram.com/cherylpfischer  💼Connect With Cheryl on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cherylpfischer 📱Connect With Cheryl on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheryl.p.fischer _______________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Your Host, Tabatha Jones Career Advancement & Leadership Coach | The Corporate Escape Sherpa™ Helping Gen-X women build businesses (and lives) that actually feel good. 📱 Instagram: @coach_tabatha 📩 Email: tabatha@corporateescapesherpa.com 🌐 Websites: empowered-leader.com | corporateescapesherpa.com

  6. Jan 27

    Body Confidence Remix: Midlife Edition with Terry Tateossen

    In this episode of Gen X Remix, host Tabatha Jones, The Corporate Escape Sherpa™, sits down with Terry Tateossen, founder of The House of Rose, to explore what’s possible when you decide midlife is a beginning — not a decline. Terry shares her powerful story of shedding 80 pounds, breaking free from emotional eating, and reinventing both her health and business at age 42. Together, Terry and Tabatha unpack the realities of perimenopause, the importance of strategic eating, and how self-sabotage quietly shows up when women feel disconnected from themselves. This conversation goes beyond weight loss and wellness. Terry speaks candidly about reclaiming confidence, embracing your true self, and making bold, aligned choices in midlife — even when it feels uncomfortable. Packed with practical steps and mindset shifts, this episode is an inspiring roadmap for women ready to redefine how they feel, live, and lead in their next chapter. ________________________________________ ⏱️ Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction and Sponsor Message 01:11 – Welcome to Gen X Remix 01:39 – Meet Terry: Reinventing at 42 03:05 – Terry’s Transformation Journey 05:55 – Understanding Perimenopause & Midlife Health 09:05 – Coaching, Strategy, and Sustainable Lifestyle Changes 15:15 – Recognizing and Overcoming Self-Sabotage 20:03 – Rediscovering Confidence, Energy, and Spark 24:50 – Embracing Midlife, Aging, and Freedom 33:35 – Final Thoughts & Farewell ________________________________________ 💡 Today’s Sponsor — The Freedom Builder System For just $57/month, get the tools and support you need to confidently leave corporate and build a business that feels good: ✨ Biz Builder AI: A custom AI with five “Sherpas” to help you pick the right business idea, build offers, map your runway, and market yourself without sounding cringe. ✨ Freedom Builder Community: Live support, accountability, and training — like having your Corporate Escape Sherpa in your pocket 24/7. 👉 Learn more: https://www.corporateescapesherpa.com/the-freedom-builder-system ________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Terry Tateossen 🌐 check out: www.thehouseofrose.com 📱Connect With Terry on Instagram: www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get 🎥 Check out: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5cbTm9ZUw&ab_channel=MasterYourPresence ________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Your Host, Tabatha Jones Career Advancement & Leadership Coach | The Corporate Escape Sherpa™ Helping Gen-X women build businesses (and lives) that actually feel good. 📱 Instagram: @coach_tabatha 📩 Email: tabatha@corporateescapesherpa.com 🌐 Websites: empowered-leader.com | corporateescapesherpa.com

  7. Jan 20

    The Job Offer Remix: Own Your Value and Negotiate Like a Leader with John Gates

    In this episode of Gen X Remix, host Tabatha Jones, The Corporate Escape Sherpa™, sits down with John Gates, author and founder of Salary Coach, to pull back the curtain on salary negotiation — and why so many professionals leave significant money on the table. With decades of experience in corporate recruiting and executive compensation, John shares how he helps C-suite executives and senior leaders increase their compensation packages by 10–20% through strategic, collaborative negotiation. He breaks down the myths that keep people — especially women — from negotiating confidently and offers practical scripts that turn uncomfortable conversations into win-win outcomes. Tabatha and John explore how to navigate a competitive job market, understand the recruiter’s perspective, and evaluate job offers beyond base salary. Packed with real-life success stories and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for midlife professionals ready to unlock six-figure opportunities and advocate for their true value. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction and Sponsorship01:10 – Welcome to Gen X Remix01:40 – Meet John Gates: Salary Negotiation Insights03:27 – John’s Career Journey05:33 – The Salary Coach Method06:15 – Negotiation Success Stories13:18 – Gender Differences in Negotiation20:14 – Navigating a Competitive Job Market23:53 – Effective Salary Negotiation Strategies30:22 – Understanding the Recruiter’s Perspective32:19 – Strategies for Accepting Job Offers33:11 – Managing Fear and Anxiety in Negotiations34:31 – Dissecting and Negotiating Job Offers40:48 – Client Success Stories44:53 – Why Negotiation Is Non-Negotiable45:10 – John’s Book: Act Your Wage46:30 – Building Credibility and Consulting Businesses50:48 – Final Advice & How to Connect with John55:02 – Conclusion and Next Steps ________________________________________ 💡 Today’s Sponsor — The Freedom Builder System For just $57/month, get the tools and support you need to confidently leave corporate and build a business that feels good: ✨ Biz Builder AI: A custom AI with five “Sherpas” to help you pick the right business idea, build offers, map your runway, and market yourself without sounding cringe. ✨ Freedom Builder Community: Live support, accountability, and training — like having your Corporate Escape Sherpa in your pocket 24/7. 👉 Learn more: https://www.corporateescapesherpa.com/the-freedom-builder-system ________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with John Gates 🌐 check out: www.salary.coach 📱Connect With John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates-salarycoach/  🎥 Check out: 👉 https://youtu.be/xsc8VycS3QE?si=03n1dF6xbTqGdAM7 ________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Your Host, Tabatha Jones Career Advancement & Leadership Coach | The Corporate Escape Sherpa™ Helping Gen-X women build businesses (and lives) that actually feel good. 📱 Instagram: @coach_tabatha 📩 Email: tabatha@corporateescapesherpa.com 🌐 Websites: empowered-leader.com | corporateescapesherpa.com ________________________________________

  8. Jan 13

    Mikell's Remix: Don't Just Lean In...Push!

    In this episode of GenX Remix, host Tabatha Jones, The Corporate Escape Sherpa™, sits down with Mikell Reed Carroll — pageant coach, international title holder, and attorney — to explore what reinvention really looks like when life throws you a curveball. Mikell shares her powerful story of turning a lifelong passion for pageantry into a thriving business, even after being diagnosed with a rare disease that led to double hip surgeries. From entering pageantry at 20, earning major titles in her 30s and 40s, and ultimately launching Carroll Crown Consulting, Mikell proves that confidence, resilience, and belief in yourself don’t have an expiration date. Together, Mikell and Tabatha discuss the mindset shifts required to pursue big dreams in midlife, how adversity can sharpen purpose, and why self-belief is the foundation of every successful next act. This episode is an inspiring reminder that no matter your age, background, or setbacks — it’s never too late to rewrite your story and build something extraordinary. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown:00:00 – Introduction and Sponsorship01:11 – Welcome to Gen X Remix02:07 – Meet Mikell Reed Carroll03:27 – Mikell’s Pageantry Journey07:18 – Launching Carroll Crown Consulting09:24 – What a Pageant Coach Really Does21:42 – Overcoming Health Challenges & Hip Surgeries28:25 – What’s Next: Future Plans & Final Reflections35:14 – Conclusion & Call to Action 💡 Today’s Sponsor — The Freedom Builder System For just $57/month, get the tools and support you need to confidently leave corporate and build a business that feels good: ✨ Biz Builder AI: A custom AI with five “Sherpas” to help you pick the right business idea, build offers, map your runway, and market yourself without sounding cringe. ✨ Freedom Builder Community: Live support, accountability, and training — like having your Corporate Escape Sherpa in your pocket 24/7. 👉 Learn more: https://www.corporateescapesherpa.com/the-freedom-builder-system _______________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Mikell Reed-Carroll 📱Connect With Mikell on Instagram: @carrollcrownconsulting  ________________________________________ 🔗 Connect with Your Host, Tabatha Jones Career Advancement & Leadership Coach | The Corporate Escape Sherpa™ Helping Gen-X women build businesses (and lives) that actually feel good. 📱 Instagram: @coach_tabatha 📩 Email: tabatha@corporateescapesherpa.com 🌐 Websites: empowered-leader.com | corporateescapesherpa.com

Trailer

5
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16 Ratings

About

The Intentional Next Act is a podcast for women 50+ who are ready to build what comes next. Hosted by executive strategist and coach Tabatha Jones, each episode shares practical strategies for career advancement, career transitions, entrepreneurship, leadership, and building new income streams. Whether you're looking for a better job, starting a side business, preparing for retirement, or creating more options before making your next move, you'll find honest conversations, real stories, and actionable ideas you can put to work right away. *Formerly Gen-X Remix. Follow Tabatha Jones: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabatha-jones-4485854/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coach_tabatha YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corporate-escape-sherpa