Melanated Midlife

Akilah Willery
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to your ultimate resource for midlife career transitions, downsizing hacks, personal growth, and empowerment for women of color who are over 50. Join me, Dr. Akilah Willery, your midlife reinvention strategist, as I guide you through the challenges and opportunities of midlife re-alignment. We'll explore career pivots, minimalism and financial wellness. You'll find actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tips designed to help you embrace change with confidence. This content is tailored for midlife professionals, who are ready to redefine success and live life on their own terms. From career growth and job searching in the digital age to self-care, personal development, and life design, this channel will support you every step of the way. Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML

  1. Jul 21

    How to Use Your Network to Find Your Next Career Opportunity: My Exact 7-Day Script

    Download your free guide mentioned in this episode: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/networking Unlock the power of networking to find your next opportunity! In this video, I share essential strategies for leveraging your network effectively, and all of these steps can be done in 7 days. Key takeaways: * Understand the importance of networking in career advancement. * Learn how to identify and connect with key contacts in your field. * Discover actionable tips to maintain and nurture your professional relationships. I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible. If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place. Start here, it is free: Download the "Collect Your Receipts" guide and start building the career case you have been sitting on: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceipts Get the book: "Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHML Book a free 30-minute strategy call: https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:33 The importance of networking 01:00 Identifying key contacts 01:30 Tips for maintaining relationships

  2. Jul 13

    How much is the Menopause Tax costing you in your career and life?

    So what is the hidden financial impact of menopause? In this episode, we are sitting down with menopause expert Siam Maxie about the often-overlooked costs associated with this life transition. From trial and error spending, to the 'menopause tax,' we dive deep into how menopause affects your finances, career and well-being. Connect with Siam: Website: https://siammaxie.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siam-maxie-1a101116/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheMenopauseCatalyst ____________________________________________________________ I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible. If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place. Start here, it is free: Download the "Collect Your Receipts" guide and start building the career case you have been sitting on: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceipts Get the book: "Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHML Book a free 30-minute strategy call: https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8

  3. Jun 29

    She left her comfort zone to go from Teacher to Judge: One woman's career leap that paid off big

    Dive into the inspiring journey of Judge LaTosha McGill Clayton, the Democratic candidate for the 501st District Court in Fort Bend County. Discover how she transitioned from a career in education to becoming a judge, and what midlife means to her. Judge LaTosha McGill Clayton has been a proud resident of Fort Bend County for over 40 years and is a product of the Fort Bend Independent School District. A former Teacher of the Year at Lake Olympia Middle School, Judge Clayton began her legal career in 2005 by founding The McGill Law Firm [practicing primarily Family Law as well as Criminal, Personal Injury, and Wills and Probate.  She later served as a Legal Enforcement Attorney with the Harris County Domestic Relations Office before being appointed Associate Judge of the 505th Judicial District Court in 2021. _____________________________________________________________________________ I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible. If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place. Start here, it is free: Download the "Collect Your Receipts" guide and start building the career case you have been sitting on: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceipts Get the book: "Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHML Book a free 30-minute strategy call: https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8

  4. Jun 22

    The Midlife Resume Fix that Makes Hiring Managers Stop Scrolling: Audit Your Resume in 10 Minutes

    Get the "Resume Self-Audit" guide: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/resume-self-audit In this episode, I'm teaching you how to transform your resume from a list of duties into a compelling story of your achievements. If you've questioned whether your resume shows your age, then this is a quick how-to lesson for you. Learn the five essential steps to catch hiring managers’ attention and showcase your true value, after a long career, with specific numbers and powerful language. Key takeaways: * Why traditional resume phrases like "assisted with" are outdated and ineffective * How to identify and eliminate "red flag" effort-based statements * The importance of attaching numbers and metrics to demonstrate impact * Using dynamic action verbs to convey authority and initiative * The "so what" test: ensuring each bullet communicates results * Structuring resume bullets: who you are, what you did, and the outcome * Top three resume highlights: showcasing your highest value contributions * The free, printable worksheet for conducting your own resume audit * Encouragement for women over 40 to highlight their career impact Timestamps: 00:00 - Why your resume is lying about your professional impact 00:29 - The difference between a job description and your personal story 01:01 - The five-step audit to transform your resume’s effectiveness 01:45 - How to identify effort-based phrases that need replacing 02:22 - The importance of adding numbers and outcomes to your bullets 03:01 - The "so what" test: making each statement matter 03:37 - How to craft dynamic, impactful resume statements 06:54 - Words that communicate authority and leadership 07:24 - Structuring bullets: strong verbs, scope, and results 08:15 - Example transformation: from task to impact statement 09:09 - Avoiding vague statements and emphasizing results 09:59 - The checklist: does each bullet pass the "so what" test? 10:36 - Prioritizing your top three impact-driven bullets 11:44 - Recognizing the wealth of experience women hold, often unrecognized 12:25 - Access to the free worksheet and how to perform your own resume audit 13:09 - Encouragement to share experiences and use the free guide 14:04 - Offering free strategy calls and ongoing support for your career success

  5. May 18

    The Real Reason I Do This Work (It's Not What You Think)

    Are you a midlife woman looking to transition into a new career? In this video, I share insights on how to navigate career changes after 50, especially for former educators. I am sharing the deep regret I still feel for all the chances I didn't take because I thought I was choosing the safer option. If you are ready for support on your midlife career journey, visit my website: http://melanatedmidlife.com Book a free strategy call with me: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_AzranynocLZAtNeP3GKOkYGBMxvLY80eVM5w8k7hrD0YSQ/viewform Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:28 Conversations with women over 50 01:27 The question of inspiration 02:41 Welcome to the Melanated Midlife 03:06 The common story of educators 04:03 The culture of self-sacrifice 05:26 The pull to do something new 06:23 How I got into this work 07:11 The truth behind my journey 08:08 Choosing the safer path 09:36 Regret of missed opportunities 10:42 The importance of making brave choices 12:22 The women I work with 13:48 The realization of dissatisfaction 15:09 The unfiltered guidance I provide 16:31 The misconception about resumes 18:15 Starting from experience 20:10 The importance of taking action 21:57 Free workshop invitation 23:14 Scheduling a call for support

  6. May 4

    Her Midlife Awakening after Parenting, Loss and Breast Cancer

    In this episode, you will meet a former coaching client of mine! Angela Trahan shares the story of her journey into midlife, self-discovery, and the huge awakening she experienced by investing in herself after turning 50. Angela is the Founder of Phoenix Consulting Group, LLC, a Leadership Strategist, Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths® Coach, and SEL Certified practitioner. With over 20 years of experience in both nonpublic and public education systems, Angela has led at the highest levels of school and district leadership, most recently serving as an Assistant Superintendent for K–12. Her expertise spans organizational transformation, federal program management, and team development, equipping her to support leaders and organizations across industries. Chapters 00:00 The Reward of Pouring into Others39:08 The Shift to Self-Service44:12 Taking Action and Making Decisions49:13 Living Your Best Life54:27 Uniqueness and DNA of Strengths01:04:49 Final Words and Encouragement

  7. Apr 27

    Women's Health and Menopause 101 w/ Dr. Anushree Kumar

    We are talking about the impact of menopause on women's health, and the challenges in menopause treatment. Dr. Anushree Kumar shares her journey to specializing in menopause care and highlights the importance of understanding the symptoms and impact of perimenopause and menopause. The discussion also addresses the factors affecting women's health in midlife and provides insights into seeking help and treatment options for menopause. Additionally, the reevaluation of hormone therapy for menopause is explored, shedding light on its safety and effectiveness. We also touch on the regulation and use of supplements during perimenopause. If you feel a little overwhelmed by your own perimenopause journey, then this episode is a good place to start your research. Connect with Dr. Kumar: Website - http://www.vidafamilymed.com

  8. Apr 20

    Learning How to Host a Podcast Through Trial, Error and Not Quitting

    My guest for this episode is fellow podcaster Jarvis Owens. We are comparing notes about the world of podcasting and all the lessons this journey has taught us. Jarvis also touches on the evolution of men and the creative aspects of podcast production. Our conversation delves into the themes of embracing discomfort and visibility, connecting with the audience through storytelling, and the importance of ownership and authenticity in podcasting. If you've been sitting on the idea of starting you own podcast, then this is a conversation you need to hear. Connect with Jarvis Owens: Email: room1710podcast@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Room-1710 __________________________________________________ Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML If you’re a midlife professional who feels underestimated, behind, or quietly written off, download my FREE guide "Collect Your Receipts": https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/pl/2148735853 Over 50 and feel passed over for career opportunities? It might not be ageism. You might need a better strategy. Learn from my course "Beyond the Resume". This course is taught live online, in a small group, with me as your guide: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/beyondtheresume Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Podcasting07:01 Journey into Podcasting12:55 Target Audience and Evolution of Men17:51 Podcast Production and Creativity24:18 Embracing Discomfort and Visibility32:30 Ownership and Authenticity

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About

Welcome to your ultimate resource for midlife career transitions, downsizing hacks, personal growth, and empowerment for women of color who are over 50. Join me, Dr. Akilah Willery, your midlife reinvention strategist, as I guide you through the challenges and opportunities of midlife re-alignment. We'll explore career pivots, minimalism and financial wellness. You'll find actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tips designed to help you embrace change with confidence. This content is tailored for midlife professionals, who are ready to redefine success and live life on their own terms. From career growth and job searching in the digital age to self-care, personal development, and life design, this channel will support you every step of the way. Get my book: https://a.co/d/1RGMHML

Information

  • Creator
    Akilah Willery
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Akilah Willery
  • Show Website
    Melanated Midlife