Ready to stop playing small and step into your most powerful chapter?

In this (un)forgettable conversation, I sat down with Cathy Derksen, the Founder of Inspired Tenacity, who empowers midlife women to find their unstoppable confidence and reinvent their lives.

Cathy shares her deeply personal journey of having her conventional life “(un)ravel” in her mid-40s after a traumatic car accident served as a wake-up call. She reveals how she simultaneously left a toxic marriage and a high-stress career to start over from scratch, embracing the (Un)known and proving that your greatest adventure is still ahead.

If you are a midlife woman feeling stuck or seeking a career change after 40, this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with purpose and Inspired Tenacity. Learn how to unlearn societal expectations and leverage your personal story for entrepreneurial growth and personal transformation.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Unword Effect: Encouraging reflection on words with the prefix 'un' to inspire personal growth.

• Unraveling Toxic Situations: Why this is essential for deep personal transformation.

• The Unstoppable Mantra: How Cathy's mantra, 'chin up, keep moving,' helped her through her toughest times.

• Midlife Entrepreneurship: Transitioning from a career in medical genetics to founding Inspired Tenacity.

• The Power of Storytelling & Community: How collaborative author projects create a supportive network and legacy for women.

• Inspired Tenacity: Reflecting the courage and inspiration needed for change.

Connect with Host & Guest

• Dr. Alison Schmidt (Host)Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.

• Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

• The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Cathy Derksen (Guest)Cathy Derksen is the founder of Inspired Tenacity, an international speaker, publisher, and a bestselling author. Through her multi-author book projects, retreats, and vibrant community, Cathy has helped over 200 women become published authors, amplifying their visibility, expanding their businesses, and building lasting legacies.

• Website: https://inspiredtenacity.com/

Thanks for watching S1.E22!

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