rocket50 Member Stories featuring Stephen Strauss

In this first edition of the rocket50 Member Stories, we are pleased to highlight rocket50 member, Stephen Strauss.  

We caught up with Stephen just before the holiday season, so we snuck in a little focus on gratitude and thanks, in addition to transitions, meaning, and more.

How did you refine your career path after 50? (or at the tail end of your career?)

At 55, after 25 years in leadership roles for mostly large organizations, I wanted to have a more self-determined life. And, at the same time, one that allowed me to drive more fulfillment from 1) helping and developing others, 2) passing on my experience, and 3) realizing entrepreneurial dreams of my own. This is what drove me to start my own leadership mentoring & advisory firm and in parallel, involving myself in start-ups and scale-ups that have an impact on making this world a better place.

What are you most thankful for when it comes to your career path and journey?

Throughout my career, I had the privilege of traveling the globe, and meeting and working with so many wonderful people from many different cultures. The impact these encounters and experiences had on me helped me discover myself and grow as a human being. If I were able to make a positive difference in the lives of at least some of them, then this is what I am most grateful for along this journey.

How did you identify that you needed to change careers, what was the most helpful resource during this time?

The challenges that came with my faster-higher-farther professional career were draining me more and more of my energy and joy in life. One of those factors was the fact that I had been commuting and separated from my family and kids during the week for almost 12 years in total. With the realization of what I have been missing out on, my priorities shifted and I started to actively reconsider my life. Having a professional coach by my side who helped me with the work of reflecting and re-shaping my life was probably the most valuable resource during this time.

What was the greatest help to you during your career transition?

First of all, I found that the term „career transition“ sounds extremely harmless in comparison to what it really can mean. In my case, it meant questioning, reviewing, and changing myself on many levels, some of which my closest environment did not understand easily. In that process, I found my greatest help in meditation, self-care, self-reflection, and Yoga. It helped me realize that career transition really means moving closer to who you really are.

What advice would you give to someone in a career change?

Be aware that you are embarking on a journey whose destination is yourself. Take your time. Be open. Find out what really matters to you. Working with an external resource who helps you with self-reflection can be really valuable. Most importantly, start with self-love and awareness and put this at the center of your process. 

Love reading rocket50 Member Stories? Check out more below:
Purvi Shah
Sabrina Sourjah
Nancy Paris
Molly Davis
Stephen Strauss