From Apartheid to Empowerment: A Journey of Reinvention and Purpose After 50
Manage episode 482730399 series 3363501
What happens when life keeps pushing you to start over? For Wendy Alexander, every new beginning became an opportunity for transformation and growth.
Wendy’s journey begins in apartheid South Africa, where an encounter with racial segregation at the age of seven sparked her passion for justice. That pivotal moment on the beach, when police removed her family from the "whites-only" sand, ignited a lifelong resistance against the status quo. This unwavering spirit fueled her resilience through years of challenges and reinvention.
After moving to Australia, Wendy had to unlearn the conditioning of apartheid, grappling with even basic freedoms like choosing a train carriage. But life wasn’t done testing her yet. Domestic violence during pregnancy left her homeless, broke, and starting over as a single mother. Instead of surrendering, Wendy strategically rebuilt, negotiating flexible work arrangements, networking purposefully, and advancing her career while raising her daughter alone.
Her approach to transformation is both strategic and empowering. When menopause forced her to step back from her high-powered corporate career, Wendy didn’t just quit—she spent 18 months planning her transition to entrepreneurship, saving money and building Happy Career Hub. Now, as a coach, she helps midlife women find authentic work by guiding them through her method of "Mining Your Story." This process uncovers the challenges, patterns, and natural gifts that reveal one’s true path.
Wendy's story proves that our biggest struggles often hold the seeds of our most meaningful work—if we have the courage to reflect on our experiences and embrace our innate strengths.
For anyone feeling stuck or looking to reinvent themselves after 50, Wendy’s journey offers powerful inspiration and practical advice for turning life’s hardships into opportunities for purpose and passion.
Please Like, Subscribe, and forward it with a friend.
For similar episodes midlife reinvention and changing your career after 50 check episode 112 and 120 and if you love traveling tune into The Ageless Traveler Podcast & subscribe to a free Travel Tuesday newsletter. This is the #1 resource for 60+ travelers. Join her private FACEBOOK SALON for like-minded travelers.
Resources:
Wendy Alexander: [email protected] www.happycareerhub.com
https://www.facebook.com/happycareerhubcoaching/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyaalexander/
Beverley Glazer: https://reinventimpossible.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/
https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazer GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock
https://www.instagram.com/beverleyglazer_reinvention/ For advice https://calendly.com
👉 Get my checklist From Stuck To Unstoppable - to take strategic action to stop sabotaging yourself. - It's free; it's quick, and it works.
Have feedback or want to be a guest on the show? Contact us at [email protected]
Chapters
1. Growing Up Under Apartheid (00:00:00)
2. Rebuilding Life After Domestic Violence (00:09:10)
3. Finding New Opportunities in America (00:16:36)
4. Creating Happy Career Hub (00:26:56)
5. Mining Your Story for Reinvention (00:33:59)
6. Key Takeaways and Resources (00:43:15)
129 episodes