E119. Breaking The Golden Handcuffs: A Mid-Life Career (And Identity) Reinvention
The Inner Edge: Leadership, Self-Mastery, and Reinvention for a New Era · 2025-09-04 · 31 min
Episode notes
What happens when you step away from a senior corporate title and go out on your own? Ian Ziskin shares the emotional inner‑work and tough questions behind making the transition from CHRO to Executive Advisor and Consultant. In this episode, Janet and Ian explore what it really takes to move beyond the “golden handcuffs” of corporate life into a self-led, flexible, and purpose-driven chapter. From building credibility in a crowded space to learning how to slow down without guilt, this is an insightful episode for anyone reimagining the next act of their life and career. In this episode: Letting go of your corporate identity and leading with your unique value Why confidence—not ego—is essential to building credibility Building a “portfolio business” around what you do best The challenge of saying “no” to stay aligned and purposeful How to partner and collaborate as an entrepreneur Redefining success and identity in the third act of life