Chapter X with Michael Kay

When John Geraghty was 29, he looked at his life and realized the path he was on wasn’t leading anywhere he wanted to go. Struggling with alcohol, he decided to change everything. That choice set him on a journey of growth and helping others find what lights them up.   In this conversation, John shares what he’s learned about why the traditional idea of retirement often leaves people feeling lost, and how discovering your strengths and staying curious can bring meaning to every stage of life.    We talk about how small steps, honest self-reflection, and contribution to others can create a life you’re excited to live.   We discussed:   Why leisure doesn’t lead to lasting fulfillment How to discover your “zone of genius” to build a life that lights you up The importance of identity beliefs in shaping what’s possible  Why the idea of flow matters for purpose and happiness Why your most rewarding years may still lie ahead   Connect with John:   Visit John's website [https://john-geraghty.com/] Follow John on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-geraghty/] The Prism of Perspective Podcast [https://john-geraghty.com/the-podcast]

Alex Potts helped thousands of people plan for retirement until it was his turn. And like so many of us, he found himself asking what now?   This episode is a special one. Alex isn’t just a respected leader and former CEO. He’s also a longtime friend. We’ve known each other since the ’90s, and I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into an authentic, grounded, and service-minded leader.   Our conversation explores what it means to live with intention. We talk about resilience, identity, letting go, and how to step into your next chapter with curiosity and purpose.   We discussed:   The money lessons Alex learned when there wasn’t enough How caregiving redefined what legacy means to him What the first day after stepping down actually felt like Why our purpose changes—and how Alex learned to follow it What a simple “just thinking of you” text can really mean The movie line that’s guided him for 25 years

Agi Keramidas made a major life shift when he left behind a stable but unfulfilling life in Greece to follow a calling he couldn’t quite explain. Today, he shares how a midlife awakening (his words) sparked a journey of personal growth. Eventually it would lead Agi to launch his podcast, Personal Development Mastery, and write his book, 88 Actionable Insights for Life.  He talks about listening to that quiet voice that says something needs to change. Even when it means starting over in a new country with no safety net. We explore the role of self-awareness, the discomfort that often comes with growth, and how small, deliberate actions can open the door to a more meaningful life. You’ll hear about: * Leaving a life that looked “fine” but didn’t feel right * How Agi moved to a new country with two suitcases and no real plan * Why podcasting opened a door to something more meaningful * Building a morning routine that shapes the rest of the day * The gap between insight and action (and how to close it) * A two-minute exercise for naming your purpose Resources Personal Development Mastery [https://agikeramidas.com/] Follow Agi on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/agikeramidas/]

When Rich Alderton left his high-powered corporate role on a Friday, signing off millions and fielding nonstop calls, he expected Monday to bring more of the same. Instead, the phone was silent. That stark contrast was the wake-up call: people had been in love with his title, not with him.   What followed was a journey into reinvention. Rich stepped away from corporate leadership to help others become more adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Along the way, he discovered just how unprepared most of us are for life’s biggest transitions.   Today, Rich joins me to talk about how to shift your mindset in the face of uncertainty, reframe fear as opportunity, and rediscover purpose in Chapter X.   We discussed:   Why we resist change (and how to stop fighting it) The mental tool that makes uncertainty more manageable What personal purpose looks like in life after work How to move from fearing change to finding freedom in it Redefining success when there’s no one left to grade you   Resources High Performance Change [http://www.highperformancechange.com]  Follow Rich on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richalderton]

David Marlow is known as the Ikigai Guy. I didn’t know that when I first came across his writing. What I did know was that something in his work resonated deeply with me.   Today, we talk about what happens when your career comes to a close, and you're left facing the question: who am I now? David shares how he discovered the concept of ikigai, what it means to him, and how it shaped the way he moved through the end of his own career.   He offers a thoughtful process for reconnecting with purpose, and for paying attention to the parts of your life that make you feel most alive. We talk about identity, daily rituals, the power of reflection, and how a few small steps can open the door to something meaningful.   We also explore:   What ikigai means (and what it doesn’t) How to quiet the noise enough to hear what’s true for you Why a beginner’s mindset is key to moving forward What it looks like to create your own “ikiverse” How old memories and stories can point you back to what matters most   Resources: Follow David on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidemarlow/]  Subscribe to the Ikiquest Newsletter [about:blank] David’s website [https://www.davidmarlow.com/]   Where to find The Ikigai Way:  Amazon [https://amzn.to/4jGAc92]   Barnes and Noble [https://bit.ly/4jFnurc]  Wiley Books [https://bit.ly/4lFYgtF]