MEaningful MEtirement

Ceci Zak
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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,

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    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

    31 min

  2. 5d ago

    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

    44 min

  3. 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

    35 min

  4. Jun 4

    Rise Again by Choosing Yourself After Life Changes Everything - Taren Grom

    What happens when everything you thought defined you… is suddenly gone? In this deeply honest and inspiring episode, Taren Grom shares what it looks like to rebuild your life after back-to-back “life quakes”—selling her company, losing her mother, and losing the identity she had carried for decades. There was no roadmap. No plan.Just a blank page—and a choice. Taren opens up about: Moving through grief, numbness, and uncertainty Letting go of identity tied to career and titles Choosing herself—her health, her time, her joy Rebuilding a life rooted in energy, freedom, and intention From double hip replacement… to daily movement… to preparing to jump out of a plane—this is what it looks like to come back to life. Because the truth is: Your next chapter doesn’t begin when things are perfect—it begins the moment you decide to rise. About Taren Grom Taren is the co-founder of PharmaVOICE and a respected industry storyteller who spent more than two decades elevating the voices of innovators and changemakers across the life sciences sector. After a pivotal period of personal and professional transition, she stepped into a new chapter defined by resilience, reinvention, and self-prioritization. Today, Taren is focused on living fully—investing in her health, exploring new experiences, and finding meaningful ways to give back, particularly in support of women and community impact. She embodies what it means to move forward—not by having all the answers, but by having the courage to keep going and transitioning. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    36 min

  5. Jun 2

    Redefine Success on Your Terms in Your 3rdTHIRD - Simon Davidoff

    There comes a moment—quiet but undeniable—when you realize: This life I built has been meaningful… and I want even more. In this episode, Simon Davidoff shares how he honored that feeling—and chose to expand, not settle. No dramatic exit. No perfect plan.Just the decision to keep growing. We talk about: Letting your identity evolve beyond your success Trusting yourself before you feel ready Expanding into freedom, curiosity, and new possibilities Because this next chapter isn’t about leaving your life behind—it’s about building on it in a bigger, more intentional way. About Simon Davidoff Simon is a global business leader turned entrepreneur with decades of experience in AI, digital innovation, and infrastructure. After a highly successful corporate career, he chose to expand into a new chapter—one driven by freedom, curiosity, and continuous growth. Today, he advises emerging companies, launches new ventures, and embodies the belief that your next chapter isn’t about starting over—it’s about becoming more of who you’re meant to be. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    33 min

  6. May 30

    Lead Your Next Chapter With Purpose and Power - Charlene Prounis

    There comes a moment when success stops feeling like enough. And you start asking: Is this really how I want to live the next chapter of my life? Charlene Prounis didn’t ignore that question—she answered it. After building a powerful career in leadership and business, she made a bold shift—from external success to internal alignment. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Redefine success on your own terms Lead with intention in your next chapter Let go of outdated identities Use your experience to create deeper impact Because here’s the truth: Your next chapter isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more of who you are. About Charlene Prounis Charlene is a seasoned CEO and transformational business leader known for driving growth, innovation, and high-performing teams. With decades of executive leadership experience, she has guided organizations through meaningful change while fostering purpose-driven cultures. She currently serves on the Industry Advisory Board of Real Chemistry and holds multiple nonprofit leadership roles, including Vice Chair of CUNY Queensborough Community College and Vice Chair of The Floating Hospital. She is also a former board member of W20 Group. Passionate about leadership and personal evolution, Charlene is dedicated to helping others navigate transition with clarity, confidence, and intention—bringing both strategic insight and deep self-awareness to everything she does. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    35 min

  7. May 29

    Reinventing Yourself in Your 3rdTHIRD - Consciously Create it! - Rick Wright | Episode 3

    Let’s cut to it! If you’re asking “what’snext?”—you don’t need more time. You need to take ownership. In this episode, I sit down withmy mentor (and coach!), Rick Wright, who had to let go of everything he thoughtdefined him and start over. We talk about: ·      Why your identity may beholding you back ·      How to step into theunknown (even when it’s uncomfortable) ·      What it means to create alife you don’t need a vacation from Here’s the truth: Your next chapter doesn’t justhappen—you intentionally create it. About Rick Wright Rick is a trusted advisor and lifetransformation expert with 40+ years of experience helping people reinventtheir lives. After his own major life shift, he let go of his long-heldidentity and rebuilt a life rooted in presence, joy, and intentional choice.Today, he helps others do the same—simplifying the process of creating a lifethat actually feels good. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter#cecizak

    39 min

  8. May 28

    Turning Life’s Unexpected Changes into Your Most Meaningful Chapter - Linda Miller

    What if the moment that disrupted your life…is actually the moment that sets you free? When Linda Miller’s career suddenly ended, she didn’t see it as the end of something—she saw it as the beginning of everything. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore how to move from shock to possibility, how to rebuild your life with intention, and how to find joy in the simplest, most meaningful moments. You’ll discover how to: Embrace change instead of resisting it Create structure, purpose, and rhythm in a new chapter Reconnect with what truly fulfills you Find deeper meaning through giving, connection, and presence This isn’t about starting over.It’s about starting fresh—with wisdom, clarity, and choice. Because your best chapter isn’t behind you…it’s waiting for you to step into it. About Linda Miller: Linda is a former senior executive turned intentional life creator who embodies resilience, optimism, and purpose-driven living. After an unexpected career shift, she chose to embrace MEtirement with openness and gratitude—focusing on connection, community, and giving back. From leadership roles with organizations like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to sharing her love of music with others, Linda is a powerful example of how to transform change into a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and meaning. #metirement #thirdthird #3rdTHIRD #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    29 min

  9. May 26

    Rebuilding Your Life After Change: Create Confidence, Clarity & Emotional Strength in your 3rdTHIRD - Greg Rutchik

    Going through a major life change— A LIFEQUAKE - and quietly wondering how to hold it all together? This episode is your reality check and your roadmap. Because the truth is—you don’t need to have everything figured out. You need tools to move through it. I’m joined by attorney and advisor Greg Rutchik, and we’re breaking down what it actually takes to build a “bulletproof” life—emotionally, physically, and mentally—when things don’t go as planned. You’ll learn how to sit with hard emotions (instead of avoiding them), use a powerful mental image to reset your confidence, and shift from “this is happening to me” to “this is shaping me.” This isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about learning how to navigate uncertainty with strength, resilience, and self-trust—starting today. About Greg Rutchik Greg Rutchik is an experienced attorney, entrepreneur, and advisor who has spent decades helping businesses grow and navigate complex decisions. A trusted mentor and host of a podcast on the art of negotiation, Greg is deeply committed to personal growth, emotional resilience, and helping others move forward with clarity, strength, and purpose. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    32 min

  10. May 26

    Feeling Fear?: Turn Uncertainty into Confidence in Your 3rdThird - Jill Schulman

    Feeling stuck, uncertain, or asking yourself “what now?” in this next phase of life? This episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is—fear isn’t the problem. Avoiding it is. I’m joined by leadership expert and former U.S. Marine Jill Schulman, and we’re giving you the exact mindset shifts and simple tools to stop letting fear shrink your life—and start using it to expand it. You’ll learn how to turn fear into a signal (not a stop sign), build bravery like a muscle, and take small, powerful actions that actually create confidence. This isn’t about waiting until you feel ready. It’s about doing one brave thing today that changes everything about your future. About Jill Schulman: Jill is a leadership expert, keynote speaker, and former U.S. Marine Corps officer who teaches the science of bravery. She’s the bestselling author of The Bravery Effect and helps individuals and organizations turn fear into a performance advantage by building bravery as a trainable skill. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak #thebraveryeffect #jillschulman #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    38 min

  11. May 26

    Taking Back Your Energy & Create a Life That Actually Feels Good in your 3rdTHIRD - Marla Wright

    Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or like you’ve lost yourself somewhere along the way? This episode is your wake-up call. Because the truth is—you’re not exhausted from doing too much. You’re exhausted from doing too much of what doesn’t matter. I’m joined by Marla Wright, and we’re breaking down what it really takes to reclaim your energy, set boundaries, and start living a life that actually feels aligned. You’ll walk away with simple, actionable shifts to stop overgiving, reconnect with yourself, and make choices that support your next chapter—not drain it. This isn’t about adding more to your life. It’s about finally letting go of what’s been holding you back. About Marla Wright: Marla Wright is a self proclaimed “joyologist”, a former bio/pharmaceutical executive, a dedicated mom, and loving wife who has consciously created a life of love, adventure and freedom - a role model for MEtirement. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60#LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    38 min

  12. May 12

    MEaningful MEtirement: Why Your Best Life Should be in Your 3rdTHIRD - intro

    What if retirement isn’t the end of something… but the beginning of who you were always meant to become? In this powerful introduction to the MEaningful MEtirement podcast, Ceci Zak challenges everything we’ve been taught about aging, retirement, and what life after achievement is supposed to look like. Because if we’re living longer than ever before—why aren’t we talking more about how to live these years with joy, fulfillment, purpose, and freedom? This podcast isn’t about slowing down. It’s about consciously creating a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and deeply your own. Why retirement needs a new definition: MEtirementThe overlooked emotional side of life transitionsWhy growth, purpose, and reinvention never expireHow health, relationships, and environment shape fulfillmentWhat it means to intentionally create your best life in your 3rdTHIRDWhy retirement may actually be your greatest opportunity yetIf you’ve ever asked yourself What now?—this podcast is for you. Hosted by Ceci Zak, Meaningful MEtirement explores how to redefine retirement through conscious creation. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and deeply personal stories, the podcast helps listeners navigate life’s biggest transitions with more intention, self-awareness, and courage. Focused on the emotional, physical, psychological, and purposeful aspects of aging, Meaningful MEtirement is designed for those who believe their next chapter isn’t about stepping back—it’s about becoming more of who they truly are. Because your 3rdTHIRD may be the most meaningful chapter yet. #3rdTHIRD #MEtirement #60for60 #LifeDesign #NextChapter #cecizak

    5 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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,

Information

  • Creator
    Ceci Zak
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ceci Zak
  • Show Website
    MEaningful MEtirement

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