Vision, Leadership, and Thriving After 65 with Ande Lyons - 81
Do you feel boxed in by expectations, especially as you age? What if true leadership isn't about barking orders but about holding a powerful vision and empowering others to shine brighter than you thought possible? In this episode of Leading Visionaries, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Ande Lyons, a four-time founder who defied a traditional, authoritarian New England upbringing that offered no examples of leadership and actively discouraged thinking outside the box. At 68, Ande openly shares her journey from a teenage visionary determined to get her ski team varsity status to becoming a prominent voice in the pro-aging movement through her podcast, "Don't be Caged by Your Age". She reveals the unexpected catalyst for her age reveal in the youth-centric startup world and how challenging ageist beliefs led to becoming a thought leader within months, impacting not only her peers but also inspiring a new horizon for 40 and 50-year-olds.
If you've ever felt constrained by societal norms, doubted your ability to lead, or wondered how to step into a new industry and quickly gain credibility, this conversation will challenge your perspective and ignite the courage to unleash your own visionary potential, proving that your most exciting adventures are always ahead.
What You Will Learn
A clear distinction between authoritarianism and true leadership.
That visionary capability isn't just about creative arts or spatial design; it's also the ability to perceive what needs to happen for a project or business and navigate the path forward while remaining open to new information.
How personal experiences with ageism, including gendered ageism, can become the catalyst for challenging societal norms and sparking important conversations.
The impact of publicly embracing and revealing one's age in youth-centric environments and how this can help dissolve internalized ageist beliefs that limit potential.
How representation of people thriving after the age of 65 can inspire not only peers but also younger generations by showing a broader horizon of possibilities.
The essential role of communicating your vision to build momentum and scale influence, understanding that this communication will evolve as you develop in your role.
Why approaching a visionary role as an experiment allows for learning and growth without the need for immediate perfection.
The importance of building relationships and networks as a key method for amplifying your vision and work.
A specific, actionable "hack" for scaling influence called comment marketing.
The profound value of building community, especially in potentially isolating creative pursuits.
That finding fulfillment and purpose, particularly in later stages of life, is important for thriving and serves as a powerful antidote to "retirement epidemic" and fading.
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Resources
Be Heard by Millions and Live Your Destiny: A Creative Age Leader’s Guide to Speak, Sell, Serve & Succeed by Anjel B. Hartwell