It Gets Late Early: Career Tips for Tech Employees in Midlife and Beyond Maureen Wiley Clough

Are you feeling stuck in your career and afraid to make a bold move? John Tarnoff, the career reinvention coach and founder of the Mid-Career Lab, will shake up everything you believe about mid-career shifts, especially if you're rocking that over-40 life!
Get ready to flip the script on job loss and retirement. John shows us that getting fired is not shameful or fatal, as we’ve been made to believe.

John's not just talking the talk – he's walked the walk! He's gone from getting the boot 39% of the time in the rollercoaster world of entertainment to becoming the go-to guru for career reinvention. Talk about a plot twist, right?

And if you think the 60-year career sounds like a snooze fest, you are right! John's challenging that notion. You’ll learn to differentiate yourself in a crowded job market at any age. Spoiler alert: It's all about unleashing your inner superhero (aka your 'superpower'), leveraging relationships, and becoming a thought leader in your zone of genius!

Oh, and did I mention you might want to have your LinkedIn profile open while listening? Trust me, after hearing John's take, that green "Open-To-Work" circle might be the next thing to go!

So, if you are itching for a career change in the ageist tech world or elsewhere, you’ll love this one! We’ve got you covered with all the actionable insights to sustain career growth in a competitive job market, so tune in!

"Find your superpower... That combination of results that you deliver, philosophies of life that you bring to the table, your personality, all of those unique factors. Define that value."
- John Tarnoff
In This Episode:
-Reframing job loss as an opportunity for growth
-How to identify and leverage your superpower
-Applying the 80/20 rule in building your community
-Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your value
-The value of a multigenerational workforce 
-Combating ageism in the tech industry
-How to position yourself as a consultant instead of unemployed
-Approaching job interviews as networking opportunities and consultative engagements
-Cultivating a mindset of continuous value delivery and consultation 
-How introverts can overcome networking challenges
-Adopting a design-thinking approach to career development 
And much more!
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
-Answer John’s four ‘Ikigai’ questions: https://johntarnoff.com/
-Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’ book, “Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life:” https://a.co/d/95mGWsm
Connect with John Tarnoff:
-Website: https://midcareerlab.com/ 
-LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff
Connect with Maureen Clough:
-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/
-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

We're bringing back some comic relief of the highest order by republishing one of the all-time most downloaded episodes of It Gets Late Early, featuring genius comedian Ross Pomerantz, aka Corporate Bro (or just Corp).
If you’re newer here, you probably haven’t heard Ross’s take on getting older in general or in the ageist tech industry…and trust me, you’re gonna wanna fix that. Like, now.

If you don’t know Ross, his persona of Corporate Bro is pretty much legendary in the tech world. After spending a few years in the tech sales trenches, he has been putting out comedic videos satirizing the world of sales and tech and has amassed a massive social media following. He currently partners with brands as huge as Salesforce and DocuSign, delivers keynotes, and advises tech companies.

Since we recorded this episode, Ross has also become a podcaster. He puts out the absolutely hilarious show “Demoted” alongside co-host comedian Corporate Natalie. Definitely check it out - it’s one of my favorites.

If you aren’t into profanity (or are listening around kids), don’t enjoy sarcasm or dark humor, or are easily offended, fair warning: this episode is NOT for you, and we’ll catch you next time.

So, thanks for letting me hit the easy button for a little summer break while also delivering to you an absolute gem of an episode - either for the first time or for another round.

"I do think leadership and experience are often underappreciated. It can be a huge difference-maker in tech in motivating people and giving them perspective and wise words, whatever it may be, but also even catharsis and therapy to the younger folks."
- Ross Pomerantz
In This Episode:
-Why Ross thinks tech companies are youth-dominated
-Where will Corporate Bro be in ten years? Hint: maybe drop the “Bro”
-How Ross’s humor plays differently with Gen Z vs. older people
-Ross’s feelings about facing ageism - and his first “ism”  
-How Ross works well with both younger and older people alike
-Ross’s experience in producing "Sales are Dope" (S.A.D.)
-Ross’s true feelings on influencers and TikTok
-What Taylor Swift and Ross have in common
-How Ross feels about getting older
-Where Ross thinks older employees bring value
-The grind of content creation
And much more!
Resources:
-Sales are Dope (S.A.D.) Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3NoHBNSs00Y7I82f6h_6KyWM3b9pjmmQ
-Gavin DeGraw clip mentioned: https://www.tiktok.com/@corporate.bro/video/7196785042696457518
Connect with Ross Pomerantz:
-Website: https://corporatebro.com/
-Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/demoted/id1725899994 
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corporatebro/
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporate.bro/
-TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@corporate.bro
-Threads - a href="https://www.threads.net/@corporate.bro?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA=="...

The fantastic Jen Saarbach and Kristen Kelly from “The Wall Street Skinny” podcast join me today for a candid and super fun crossover episode on the challenges women face breaking into and growing their careers in the male-dominated industries of Tech and Finance.

Jen and Kristen tell us how they started “The Wall Street Skinny” to democratize access to the world of high finance via their incredible podcast and lighthearted but value-packed social media posts. Turns out there’s more to the industry than we see in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street with Leo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie! Who knew?!

We all shared some of our career horror stories, including Jen’s (which she turned into a hilarious viral video) about how being a few minutes late to an interview can completely derail your shot at a big job. They also share that Wall Street is actually accessible to…English majors?!

But it's not just the hurdles of getting your foot in the door. Once you're in, we all face ageism (either levied against the young or the old, depending on the industry - we’ll reveal what we mean here!) and sexism through microaggressions, lack of mentorship opportunities, and assumptions. We dive into these realities and highlight the importance of age diversity in both industries.

We also discuss AI’s double-edged sword—its potential to both automate away jobs and also revolutionize fields like gene editing.

So whether you're well-established in your career or just getting started, our chat has you covered. Did I mention we had a lot of fun? Join us for our wide-ranging but impactful conversation.

"We have structured society so differently than it was historically so that you aren't hitting the same milestones. You aren't necessarily graduating from college at 22, going to business school at 25, getting married at 30, having kids by 35, retiring at 65. Those milestones have all shifted and are no longer fixed points." 
- Jen Saarbach
In This Episode:
-Challenges and opportunities for women in finance
-Ageism in the tech industry
-Women representation and role models in finance and tech
-The challenges of starting a career in the finance industry
-The apprenticeship model in finance and its impact on career paths
-Challenges of entering finance later in life
-The importance of age diversity in finance and tech
-The role of venture capitalists in guiding founders
-The impact of AI on career paths
And much more!
Learn Finance From The Wall Street Skinny:
-Website: https://www.thewallstreetskinny.com/
-Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wall-street-skinny/id1680425507 
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewallstreetskinny/ 
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewallstreetskinny 
Connect with Jen Saarbach:
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifersaarbach/ 
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-saarbach-realtor 
Connect with Kristen...

Ever wonder what it takes to build and sell a tech company for millions without venture capital? Well, we've got the inside story straight from the source!

Today I'm chatting with Sharon Gillenwater, a trailblazing entrepreneur who did just that - she built and sold her tech company (Boardroom Insiders) for a cool $25 million, all without relying on VC funding! She is the author of Scaling with Soul, which chronicles how she built, scaled, and sold her company.

Sharon's not your typical tech founder - in fact, she didn't even have a technical background when she started her company. But she proved that you don't need to be a coder to succeed in the startup world. 

Sharon shares her unconventional entrepreneurial journey, the challenges she faced as a woman in tech, and the surprising advantage of being an "older" entrepreneur.

We'll also get the scoop on Sharon's viral TikTok fame, the truth about VC funding (hint: you don't always need it!), and her mission to democratize entrepreneurship and create more respectful workplaces.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just curious about the wild world of tech startups, you don't want to miss this episode. Sharon's story is proof that you can absolutely make it big in this industry, even if you don't fit the mold, so tune in!
.
"You don't have to be a Mark Zuckerberg to be an entrepreneur. Or a Sarah Blakely. You can be a Sharon Gillenwater and make all your retirement money and have a great retirement. And you don't have to take venture capital." 
- Sharon Gillenwater
In This Episode:
-How Sharon built and sold a $25m tech company without venture capital
-How to overcome self-doubt and insecurity as an entrepreneur
-Women’s experience in entrepreneurship in the 80s
-The downside of venture capital funding for founders
-How to identify business opportunities
-Employee care strategies and the importance of a positive work culture
-Employment challenges in the tech industry
-Sharon's TikTok fame and content creation journey
-Navigating business exits after venture capital funding
And much more!
Resources:
-Scaling With Soul: How I Built & Sold a $25 Million Tech Company Without Being an A**hole - https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Soul-Million-Company-Without/dp/1964377013 
Connect with Sharon Gillenwater:
-Website: https://www.sharonkgillenwater.com/ 
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonkgillenwater/
-TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sharonkgillenwater 
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonkgillenwater/
Connect with Maureen Clough:
-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/
-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - a...

In a recent study by Fortune, one in five Gen Z’s reported not having spoken to anyone over 50 in the workplace in the last year, while 40% of people over 55 said they hadn't talked to a Gen Z. How did we get here?

How do we bridge this generational divide? Are the five generations at work a challenge to overcome, or are they an overlooked source of strength? 

Today I host the brilliant Professor Megan Gerhardt, founder and author of Gentelligence. Megan challenges the lazy stereotypes that pit generations against each other. She advocates for understanding our differences as an opportunity for mutual growth and innovation. 

One concept that really resonated was Megan's vision for "mutual mentoring" – an approach that replaces traditional top-down mentorship with a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and perspectives. 

So, whether you're a tech titan grappling with a multi-generational workforce or simply seeking to bridge the gap with colleagues from different age groups, this conversation is for you. 

Tune in to learn how you can foster smarter intergenerational conversations to transform your workplace into an environment where every generation feels valued and empowered.

“I believe generations matter, but they certainly are not everything. They are the beginning of the conversation to me, not the end of the conversation.” 
- Megan Gerhardt

In This Episode:
-An introduction to the Gentelligence concept
-The importance of age in the DE&I conversations
-Intergenerational warfare and generational labels
-Practical tools for smarter intergenerational conversations
-How to leverage generational norms
-The impact of remote work on workplace engagement and identity
-How to build intergenerational friendships
-Why mutual mentorship is beneficial
And much more.
Resources: 
-Purchase Professor Megan's book “Gentelligence”: https://a.co/d/ckOhax9 
-Join Gentelligence Academy: https://gentelligenceacademy.com/ 
Connect with Professor Megan Gerhardt:
-Website: https://profgerhardt.com/
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megangerhardt
Connect with Maureen Clough:
-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/
-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1
-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/
-LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/"...

In our hustle-obsessed society, the concept of "work-life balance" has become a twisted, unattainable ideal. From the dawn of our careers, we're fed narratives that glorify overachievement and self-sacrifice for the corporate grind.

But what if we've been sold a lie? What if the real keys to fulfillment lie in dismantling those deeply ingrained notions?

My guest today is Danielle Roberts, the bold anti-career coach. Danielle was well on her way to "having it all" - the prestigious job, the six-figure salary, the big promotion. But at what cost? She found herself drained, unfulfilled, and questioning the very purpose of her relentless grind. 

From debunking the "lazy millennial" myths to questioning if a four-day workweek goes far enough, we explore the systemic issues warping our relationship to work. Danielle shares candid insights on why the perpetual grind robs us of joy and how to start uncoupling your identity from your job title.

Whether you're questioning your own work-life balance, feeling the creep of burnout, or simply craving more purpose beyond the 9-to-5 grind, this conversation is a must-listen. Tune in as we dive into practical strategies for finding joy and fulfillment outside of your career.

“We talk about work-life balance as if work is something to be balanced against life, but we need it (work) to be coherent with life.” 
- Danielle Roberts
In This Episode:
-Danielle’s journey from corporate to anti-career coaching
-Why people are disenchanted with corporate employment
-The tech industry's broken promises, layoffs, and lies
-Navigating career uncertainty and embracing self-worth
-Redefining success and getting comfortable with "failure"
-A holistic approach to career coaching
-Generational differences in the workplace
-Quiet quitting, lazy girl jobs, and a four-day workweek
And much more.
Resources: 
-Buy “Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance” by Lisa Olivera: https://amzn.eu/d/bJIt4PG  
Connect with Danielle Roberts:
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imdanielleroberts/
-Website: https://danielleroberts.co/
Connect with Maureen Clough:
-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/
-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1
-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/
-LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/
-Facebook: a...