About the Book
The traditional linear career path is disappearing in the 21st century world of work. This thoughtprovoking and engaging book follows the first groups of the Boomer generation worldwide as they begin to take steps away from a linear career path into an uncharted stage somewhere in between middle-age and old-age, a full-time professional life and retirement in the traditional sense of the word. After decades in successful careers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, these interviewees found themselves nearing the glass ceiling of age and facing traditional retirement. The problem was, nothing about this traditional 'next step' corresponded to their aspirations or potential. All of them still felt in the prime of life, had no intention of getting in the back seat, and playing a passive role, but no longer wished to pursue the linear corporate, academic, or industrial career path to its bitter end. Unlike in earlier stages of career change, where one choice must often be made among the many possibilities, for people at this stage, plurality and flexibility are key.
This desire for plurality and to extend 'the prime of life' by a decade or more, can mean Non-Executive Board work, applying business expertise in a non-profit environment, living out a passion, mentoring or academic work, and for many, a little of each. But all the choices reveal a deeper and urgent desire to take control and fulfil some of the dreams that were set aside when this generation began their careers: resolving the work-life balance, making a difference, and doing it their way. Using the wisdom and lessons learned from these interviews, the authors put forward an essential road map for professionals in business and academia, or for entrepreneurs, who are contemplating this type of change. It is vital to understand the essential steps, such as managing one's network, dealing with time, and the choice of plurality when preparing for and living through this career and life-changing process. Some of these steps can and should be taken while still working in a full-time career, while others provide directions and subjects of reflection when planning and living through this change.
Table of Contents:
Introduction PART 1 The Disappearing Point On The Horizon Reigniting Passion Preparing For An Encore And Plurality PART II Multiple Questions, Multiple Choices The Business Connection Giving Back -- Foundations, Volunteering & Mentoring Pursuing Your Passions It's All In The Family Business As Usual The Business Of People The Boys And The Girls, East And West Seeing The Connections The Broadest Of Futures Road Map Conclusion Our Interviewees Helpful Websites Notes Additional Sources About The Authors
About the Author :
Dona Roche-Tarry is Managing Partner of the European Board Practice for CTPartners. She has over 10 years of experience in talent advisory services and has successfully completed assignments for Non Executive Directors, Chairmen, CEOs, C-suite and Managing Directors across Europe and the United States. Dona has assisted large public multinationals and high growth emerging companies to strategically structure their boards and leadership teams. She is a certified executive coach and advises senior executives across industry sectors. Prior to CTPartners, Dona was with Heidrick and Struggles as Managing Partner, Barclays Plc. as Director of Human Resources in the Commercial Bank reporting to the CEO and in her earlier career was General Manager at British Telecom. She has a Bachelor of Science from University of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and was a Trustee of The Work Foundation. Dale Roche-Lebrec is a Freelance Writer, Editor and Translator. She spent 15 years working for France Innovation Scientifique et Transfert, the technology transfer affiliate of the CNRS, the largest French scientific research institute, where she negotiated patent licenses, performed industrial partner searches and was Director of Operations. Prior to this Dale was Managing Editor for the Journal of Hepatology and was an editor and translator for various other scientific journals, websites and books. She transitioned out of her full-time career in 2007 and today is pursuing the plural lifestyle described in What's Next? Dale has a Bachelor of Arts from University of Connecticut a Master's Degree from University of Paris VII in Linguistics and a Diplome d'etudes Approfondies from the University Paris VII in Literature
Review :
'A great inspirational resource of real life stories of successful people who have been through a life and career transition. Great insights into their minds and hearts as they ask themselves the elusive question 'What's Next?'. I recommend it to anyone at the peak of their career or anyone considering a life and career change.' -- Liza Sichon, VP, Human Resources HR Transformation, Communications & Operations, Hewlett-Packard Company 'The decision to move from a full-time executive career to a plural portfolio is a very personal journey, but reading the experiences of others who have made that journey provides a unique insight into their thinking and helps you define your own course, what matters to you, and what you do next.' -- Andrew Parker, Company Secretary, BT Group PLC 'This book provides insight and practical advice that is invaluable to the many individuals who have the opportunity to shape second, even third careers, in new and imaginative ways.' -- Cathy Turner, former Group HR Director, Barclays PLC 'The authors' ability to connect with these executives on a personal level and capture the nuances associated with transitioning out of a life of power, influence and large staffs is captivating. The surplus message that there is more than one career in us is inspiring!' -- Amy Acker, former Avaya Vice President Executive Staffing and leadership Development 'The book distills the experiences of interesting leaders who have gone on to remake their professional lives in some inspiring ways. Read it, and you will find yourself thinking about making such a change yourself.' -- Carolyn Makinson, Executive Director, International Rescue Committee UK, and Member of the Council on Foreign Relations 'What's Next? clarified my nebulous notions on how I could start taking steps towards organizing my activities for a new chapter. I approach work differently now, with one eye on the future, keeping my ears open to possibilities, and taking a creative approach to defining this uncharted territory. A research project in itself! A must read for all professionals.' -- Richard Moreau, MD, Director of Research at the French NIH (Inserm), Centre de Recherche Biomedicale Bichat-Beaujon CRB3, Clichy/Paris; University Paris 7 Diderot, Paris; Consultant in Hepatology, Hopital Beaujon, APHP, Paris. Associate Editor Journal of Hepatology 'The effect of baby boomers worldwide moving toward retirement will have a dramatic impact on the global economy. This book shows how this generation is refusing the glass ceiling of age and will continue to contribute in business and by giving back, while making up for lost time with family, and finally pursuing a few of their passions.' -- Brian Goggin, Advisor, Apollo Global Management and Former CEO, Bank of Ireland 'What a stimulating and thought-provoking book! What's Next? provides insightful, firsthand accounts of how highly successful professional babyboomers are redefining retirement by reinventing themselves to bring real meaning and purpose to their 'retirement' years. This is a terrific book for any professional in their late career contemplating the next chapter in their life.' -- David A. Pleasance, Senior Partner Strategy & Operations, Deloitte Consulting, LLP
