Linda is the creator of Designing Your Third Chapter workshop. I am thrilled to be partnering with Linda for this event as she leads an integrated life with eloquence and grace.
When I asked Linda why she created this workshop she told me,
“In conversations in business and social situations, I encountered many women who had lost their way. Whether seeking to fill a gap following years in a demanding career or assessing options once childrearing was complete, the common theme was ‘women seeking a new purpose for this Third Chapter (aged 50-75) of their lives.’
After a successful inaugural workshop in BC, Linda decided to offer it in other regions of Canada. The participants at the first workshop “really identified with and benefited from others’ stories”.
Linda’s passion is evident when she talks about her coaching practice. She is “very engaged” with her work and in particular in “helping people get unstuck”. One of my favourite analogies was that she said she likes helping people figure out where to next place their foot. I envision her gently coaching someone navigating a steep and rocky hillside. You know there is wonder to be discovered at the top but to reach this you must trust, move forward and look ahead, even if a short distance and take some risk.
Linda and I talked about risk and adventure. Linda likes “putting herself out there” and her career has taken a circuitous and accomplished route. Having worked as a business development professional in a broad range of industries from telecommunications to major events such as EXPO 86 and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games, she was one of the first executives hired in 2000 for the international phase of Vancouver’s Bid to host the 2010 Winter Games. As Vice President Marketing she led the raising of record-setting sponsorship revenue as well as the international marketing strategy. Her courage showed itself early. At a young age, she and a friend departed for a 5 month holiday adventure to Eurpoe with less than $1,000 in their wallets. After saying, “Let’s just do it!” They leapt and the holiday turned into a 1-year stay.
Linda is a living example of what she terms a “seamless existence”. In addition to having homes in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Pender Island, BC, she and her husband have travelled extensively. She may attend a yoga class in the morning, conduct client calls and then attend to the orchard. It is as simple as unplugging her Vonage phone in one location and plugging it in again upon her arrival at their other home. She relishes the gift of being able to go back and forth between the homes with their very different settings and surroundings.
Linda embraces exercise as second nature to breathing and knows this is particularly important to thrive in our Third Chapter. In addition to a regular practice of yoga she is a big cyclist, has a personal trainer, a massive garden and orchard on Pender, and enjoys hiking.
Linda is a MacKay CEO Forums Chair and leads three groups in Vancouver. Linda said, “I hope there is a higher purpose in the work that I do”. When asked about her legacy she responded, “I am not sure. We have been married 45 years and I am close to my nieces and nephews. You hope you leave them with something” about leading a full and passionate life.
I am honoured and excited to be participating in this upcoming workshop with Linda. I know I can learn much from her graceful lessons and seamless life. I hope you will join us!
Join me and 12-20 women to Design Your Third Chapter at the Juniper hotel in Banff–May 12-14. Register here. Please share with family and friends.
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