Life After 50: Unconventional Paths to Reinvention and Purpose

Aging with Purpose and Passion

Have you ever wondered if it's too late to completely reinvent yourself? Dr. Alison Schmidt's story will make you think again.
Born the questioning "black sheep" middle child, Alison always challenged conventional thinking. After building a successful executive coaching business over 20 years, everything came to a screeching halt when COVID hit—right as she turned 50. "My first words were 'holy shit,'" she admits with refreshing candor. But what could have been devastating became transformative.
During long, contemplative bike rides, Alison asked herself the hard question: "Even if things go back to normal, am I still happy with what I'm doing?" The answer contained many "nos," leading her to completely reimagine her business. She founded Unconvention, shifting from purely profit-driven consulting to deeply human-centered work with purpose-driven leaders.
Alison shares a powerful tool she developed called the "un-word effect," helping listeners identify three words beginning with "un" that reveal hidden strengths and aspirations. This simple yet profound exercise has helped countless clients move past fear and into action. "When you can identify what the fear is," she explains, "sometimes that's enough to move forward."
Perhaps most inspiring is Alison's attitude toward age itself. At 54, she just bought her first racing bike and plans to start competing. When people ask if she's too old, her response is simple: "Yeah, why not?" This embodies her philosophy that we can redefine ourselves at any stage of life.
For women feeling stuck or uncertain about their next chapter, Alison offers this wisdom: "Effort is free to all of us." We have the power to change our circumstances when we believe in ourselves and surround ourselves with supportive people.
Ready to reimagine what's possible in your life? Listen now and discover how to break free from conventional expectations to create a life that truly excites you—at any age.

Please Like, Subscribe, and share it with a friend. For similar episodes on questioning your purpose and making a change, check out episode #109 and 112 and if you love traveling tune into The Ageless Traveler Podcast and subscribe to a free Travel Tuesday newsletter. The Ageless Traveler is the #1 resource for 60+ active travelers. Join her private FACEBOOK SALON and meet like-minded travelers.

Resources:

Alison L Schmidt Phd

Unconvention LLC - www.unconventionllc.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-l-schmidt-phd-bcc/

Instagram @alsphdbcc

Facebook@AlisonLSchmidtBluesky@ alisonschmidtphd.bsky.social🎧

Beverley Glazer

https://reinventimpossible.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazer

https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

https://www.instagram.com/beverleyglazer_reinvention/

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Chapters

1. Introducing Dr. Allison Schmidt (00:00:00)

2. The Black Sheep Journey (00:02:10)

3. Turning 50 During COVID (00:05:24)

4. Creating Unconvention and Finding Purpose (00:09:48)

5. Overcoming Fear and Finding Support (00:12:06)

6. Age Is Just a Number (00:21:29)

7. Key Takeaways and Episode Closing (00:23:22)