40 over 40: Meet Kathy

I’ve known Kathy for years now and I’m always inspired by her authenticity and courage. She was one of my first 40 Over 40 Portrait Sessions way back in 2024! Here is a bit of Kathy’s story in her words…

“Biologically, I hit 60 recently. That apparently unlocks a whole world of “senior discounts”. That’s the good part! The trade off is suddenly hearing the word “senior” used to describe me, or hearing those in their 60s referred to as “elderly”. It took 60 years to get here but that shift, the labeling, feels so abrupt!”

“Here’s the thing though: with age has come clarity - real clarity, the kind that only accumulates through lived experiences. I am now unapologetically clear about what matters most to me. My head, heart, and gut are in alignment, providing the kind of peace I never had in earlier decades.

For much of my life, I believed that I could influence others (especially those close to me) into adopting my beliefs and values. I thought that they didn’t yet see what I saw. After all, they are good people, so they must just be misinformed. Not only was that naive, it was admittedly arrogant.”

“What I discovered instead was something far more powerful: the value of finding common ground.

At 55, I made a major career shift from corporate life to being self-employed as a speaker and workplace culture facilitator. My focus is on using healthy conflict as a tool for strengthening relationships.”

“The truth is that everyone wants to feel a sense of belonging and the confidence of knowing that their voice is valued, even if it isn’t completely aligned with others. Yes, we differ, often profoundly. But the commonalities are even stronger. Yes, conflict exists. But beneath it lies an even deeper desire for connection and stability.

For me, influence no longer feels like pushing, persuading, or placating. It feels like inviting, listening, and meeting people where they are. Admittedly, I am still on that journey and I fall short more times than I’d like. Yet, gaining clarity has allowed me to reflect and course correct far sooner.

Now, excuse me while I go take advantage of that early bird special!”