Old Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks

First off, I don’t really consider myself an “old dog”—but according to the Chinese zodiac, I am a dog, and my kids think everyone from my generation qualifies as old, so let’s roll with it.

Earlier this year, I found myself out of work for the first time in my life. It was a moment of reflection: I took time to feel the loss of my incredible team, to appreciate the support of friends and former colleagues, and to reassess my path forward.

I enrolled in The Four Phases of Women’s Careers, a course that affirmed something powerful: women like me—who’ve navigated the complexities of career and motherhood—are often at their most productive in this phase of life. I also spent time in the garden, grounding myself in quiet growth.

Then I dug in—literally and figuratively. I reconnected with my core values and the things that give my work meaning. I resurrected IBN, which had been on pause, and I built a website—something I’d never done before. It was challenging, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding. The final result is something that reflects who I am and what I hope to offer the world moving forward.

So yes, even this “old dog” is still learning new tricks—and enjoying the process