Breaking Age Stereotypes, Embracing AI, and Building a Multi-Generational Workforce with AARP’s Naj Uddin

Did you know that the average age for a first Botox injection is reportedly now just 26? Wild, right? That’s just one sign of how deeply ageism is woven into our lives - whether it’s in the workplace, healthcare, or even just the way we see ourselves.So, today I am chatting with Dr. Stacey Gordon, a senior fellow at NYU’s Center for Health and Aging Innovation, and Aubrey Hirsch, an author and illustrator, about their incredible public art installation in New York City, “What About Age?” This 13-panel exhibit at NYU’s Kimmel Windows puts ageism on full display - literally.We dive into why they created this project, what it was like watching college students actually stop and think about aging, and how they turned big, complex issues into eye-catching, can’t-ignore-it street art.The response has been HUGE - from people stopping and taking photos, to my LinkedIn post about it that went viral (yes, really - 2.4 million views!). Stacey and Aubrey also unpack how ageism impacts women, how it’s weirdly still okay to make ageist jokes, and why younger people need to care about this too. Tune in and let’s talk about why ending ageism isn’t just important - it’s long overdue! And if you’re in New York before March 18th, don’t miss the exhibit!“Ageism is not just ageism. It's part of a larger social structure that comprises laws, policies, macro-level issues, and communal institutions like healthcare and the workplace.”&nbsp;~Dr. Stacey GordonIn This Episode:-How the “What About Age?” exhibit is challenging ageism&nbsp;-Why age discrimination is often overlooked, and how it affects everyone-The unexpected response to the “What About Age?" exhibit-How women face age-related biases-Age stereotypes across industries and demographics-Practical steps we can take to challenge stereotypesAnd much more!Link to an article about the NYU Art Exhibit: https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/september/nyu-s-kimmel-windows-presents--what-about-age---oct--1-march-18-.htmlConnect with Dr. Stacey Gordon:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceygordonempa&nbsp;-The Wrinkle Project: https://www.wrinkleproject.org/Connect with Aubrey Hirsch:-Website: https://aubreyhirsch.com/-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreyhirsch/&nbsp;&nbsp;-Substack: https://aubreyhirsch.substack.comConnect with Maureen Clough:-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Instagram: <a...

How does a Silicon Valley techie end up transforming one of the largest nonprofits in the U.S.? Well, Naj Uddin, Chief Information Officer at AARP, joins us to share his journey from tech startups to spearheading innovation at AARP.&nbsp;Naj shares how AARP is doing things differently - think success coaching, mentorship programs, and hiring practices that prioritize meaningful work and support for employees at every career stage. Plus, he shares heartwarming stories of growth, like an executive assistant who leveled up into a tech role and an intern who turned mentor.And because no conversation today is complete without a mention of AI, Naj gives practical advice on how to harness AI (hello, prompt engineering!) to tailor resumes, boost skills, and stand out in today’s job market.&nbsp;But wait, there’s more! Naj gives the roadmap on how companies can thrive with a multigenerational workforce, from flexible work setups to creating inclusive environments.&nbsp;Whether you're leading a multigenerational team, navigating a career pivot, or just curious about how AARP is leading the charge, this episode* is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. So, let’s roll!“Give people meaningful work, give them support, hold them to high expectations, be clear about what they're doing, and people thrive. But, that's not something that happens automatically—you have to be deliberate about it as a manager.”&nbsp;~Naj UddinIn This Episode:- Naj’s journey from Silicon Valley to leading innovation at AARP- How AARP is empowering over 100 million Americans to thrive - AARP’s strategies for creating an intergenerational workforce- How to use AI tools to boost your job prospects- The practices that make AARP a supportive and innovative workplace- How companies can replicate AARP’s successAnd much more!Learn More About AARP’s Employer Pledge Program:-https://www.aarp.org/work/employer-pledge-companies/&nbsp;Connect with Naj Uddin:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/najeebuddinConnect with Maureen Clough:-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough*PS. AARP sponsored this episode of It Gets Late Early as a part of our live event package.

Ever looked back on a missed opportunity and thought, Ugh, what if? Well, you’re not alone—and that feeling of regret might actually be one of the best tools for growth. I had the privilege of chatting with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink about his book The Power of Regret—the book that gave me the final push to launch this very podcast!Dan breaks down why regret gets a bad rap in our culture of toxic positivity and how it can actually help us make smarter choices. He conducted a massive study (we’re talking 26,000+ regrets from people in 130 countries!) and uncovered four core types of regret that shape our lives.&nbsp;We got personal, talking about boldness regrets (yep, like not shooting your shot), connection regrets, and even my own struggles with juggling career, parenting, and ADHD. Spoiler: being kind to yourself is key.Instead of fearing regret, Dan suggests we flip the script—treat it as a guide, not a life sentence. Because in the end, regret isn’t about what we did. It’s about what we didn’t do. So, if you’re stuck in what could have been mode, this episode will help you leap forward. Tune in now!“Regret clarifies what we value and instructs us on how to live.”&nbsp;-Daniel PinkIn This Episode:-Daniel’s research findings on regret from 26,000 participants-The four core types of regret-Why people regret more about playing it safe than taking risks-How regret can be a powerful tool for growth-The importance of self-compassion in overcoming regret-Career regrets in the workplace and why bold moves matter-How anticipating regret can lead to smarter decisions-Why the idea of “no regrets” is misleading-Practical steps to turn regret into opportunityAnd much more!Connect with Daniel Pink:-LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpink/&nbsp;-Website: https://www.danpink.com/&nbsp;-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielpink&nbsp;-Daniel’s Book, The Power of Regret: https://amzn.to/33G8WF8Connect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

In this last episode of the year, I reflect on what I’ve learned in 1.5 years of podcasting about ageism in the workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s a big deal for all of us, whether you’re fresh out of school or deep into your career, so let’s roll!Did you know having a positive mindset about aging can add 7.5 years to your life? That’s more than quitting smoking or exercising! Mind-blowing, right? But thanks to the media and the beauty industry, stereotypes about aging make it harder for everyone to feel good about getting older.Surveys from Resume Now and AARP show that up to 90% of workers face age discrimination. And it’s not just older folks—“reverse ageism” hits younger workers too. Meanwhile, multigenerational workplaces aren’t just nice to have; they’re productivity powerhouses, boosting team performance by 20%.The financial hit? Brace yourself—ageism costs the U.S. economy $850 billion a year! On top of that, issues like menopause in the workplace are costing companies millions in lost productivity.&nbsp;But there’s reason to hope! Listeners have shared some inspiring success stories about landing jobs through their networks. Plus, collective action is making waves—like holding companies accountable for ageist practices (looking at you, Indeed). Change is happening, folks, and I’m here for it.So buckle up - this episode is going to change the way you think and get you geared up and revved up for what’s next!Join the Event with AARP on December 9, 2024:-Send an email to [email protected] to reserve your seat.Sign up for One-on-One Coaching:-Send an email to [email protected] or a message at&nbsp; https://www.itgetslateearly.com/collaborate.&nbsp;Maureen LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/Resources Mentioned in the Episode:-Generations Report by Protiviti and Dr. Daniel Jolles - https://www.protiviti.com/sites/default/files/2024-01/lse-generations-survey-report.pdf&nbsp;-EEOC Report On Diversity In The Tech Workforce - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/high-tech-low-inclusion-diversity-high-tech-workforce-and-sector-2014-2022&nbsp;-Women in Leadership Face Ageism at Every Age - https://hbr.org/2023/06/women-in-leadership-face-ageism-at-every-age&nbsp;-McKinsey &amp; Company’s Report On Women In The Workplace&nbsp; - https://www.flipsnack.com/78C9ACFF8D6/women-in-the-workplace-2024/full-view.html&nbsp;-Resume Now Survey on Ageism - <a href="https://www.resume-now.com/job-resources/careers/ageism-in-the-workplace" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Ever feel like you're trying to navigate a corporate obstacle course while juggling flaming torches and keeping your cool? Like you're supposed to be "authentic" but also "professional," vulnerable but not too vulnerable? Well, today we're diving into the workplace circus with Hanan Harb Sahourieh, the brilliant mind behind Everybody Be Cool - a book that's basically your survival guide to the modern workplace.Here's what's fascinating about Hanan: after getting laid off (yeah, we've all been there or feared being there), instead of diving into the usual "how to climb the corporate ladder" stuff, she wrote the book she wished she'd had - one for the regular folks trying to figure out how to show up as themselves. And this isn't your typical "lean in" narrative. This is real talk about what happens when five generations of workers try to coexist without driving each other crazy.We get into some juicy territory, like what Hanan calls "spiritual business moments" (trust me, it's not what you think), and why being vulnerable at work isn't always the magic solution Brené Brown might have led us to believe. Speaking of which, wait until you hear Hanan's take on psychological safety - spoiler alert: your role might have more to do with it than your personality.So, if you're tired of workplace advice that feels like it was written by AI (no offense to our robot friends), and you're ready for some real talk about power, authenticity, and staying human in the corporate jungle, this episode is for you. Don't worry, we'll throw in some cringe-worthy corporate culture stories too - because sometimes you just need to know you're not alone in this wild ride we call work life.“We have power and control over how we show up, how we interact with our neighbors, our community, our family, and the people we work with. That's where we have the power to be who we want to be and be the change that we want to see.”&nbsp;~ Hanan Harb Sahourieh&nbsp;In This Episode:-Why personal power matters in the workplace-How to build a personal brand and its benefits-The inspiration behind Hanan’s book Everybody Be Cool-How to navigate generational differences in the workplace-Why power skills are essential in today’s workplace-Challenges of being vulnerable in the workplace-How independent publishing empowers creators-The value of a coaching culture in the workplace-How to build resilience and adaptability in the rising gig economyAnd much more!Resource Mentioned in the Episode:-Hanan’s book, Everybody Be Cool: https://a.co/d/h7SzNjE&nbsp;Connect with Hanan Harb Sahourieh:-Website: https://www.everybody-be-cool.com/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hananharbConnect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Imagine hitting all your KPIs at work, only to be told you're out—because they want someone younger. Well, that’s exactly what happened to today’s guest, the incredible Emilia D’Anzica. And trust me, her comeback story is one for the books!Emilia is the founder of Growth Molecules, an author, and an all-around powerhouse. She takes us through her nuts experience of being pushed out of a tech company despite knocking it out of the park for 13 quarters straight.&nbsp;Emilia shares how she handled the blow (hint: with grace and a lot of courage), why fighting ageism in court is nearly impossible, and the advice she received from top lawyers. But this isn’t a downer episode! Emilia didn’t just take the hit – she flipped the script and used her MBA to launch her own successful consulting firm.&nbsp;We also talk about the rampant ageism in tech, the gender and racial pay gap, and how recruiters are still weirdly biased about hiring older talent (hello, 57 is not “too old” to hire!) If you’re over 40 and feeling it in your job search or career, Emilia’s story will inspire you to keep pushing forward. She’s living proof that there’s life – and success – after even the most unfair corporate rejection.&nbsp;So, don’t miss this conversation packed with insights and a story that will leave you both inspired and enraged.“If you're a recruiter, you should have the courage to look past how that person looks. We shouldn't have to pay an 'age tax' to get a job.”&nbsp;- Emilia D’AnzicaIn This Episode:-Emilia’s shocking story of being replaced by a younger colleague despite consistent success-Why age discrimination is so hard to prove in court (and the advice Emilia got)-How Emilia turned a tough experience into a thriving business-Recruiter bias against older workers and why we need to fix it-McKinsey research insights on gender pay gaps&nbsp;-A peek into Emilia’s book Pressing On as a Tech Mom&nbsp;And much more!Resources Mentioned in the Episode:-Emilia D’Anzica’s book, Pressing On as a Tech Mom: https://www.amazon.com/Pressing-Tech-Mom-Industry-Boundaries/dp/1956955194&nbsp;-Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace&nbsp;&nbsp;Connect with Emilia D’Anzica:-Website: https://growthmolecules.com/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliadanzica&nbsp;-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiliadanzica/Connect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - <a...

Did you know that menopause affects over half the population and costs companies billions in lost productivity each year? And yet, it's still one of the most overlooked issues in the workplace. Well, today’s episode focuses on the impact of menopause on the workforce.I share my experience with a tech company's absurd mishandling of women’s health, where a session titled "Navigating the Uniqueness of the Female Body" (and no, I'm not kidding!) was beyond offensive. I’ll share some shocking statistics on menopause and its symptoms, which can last up to - get this - 20 years! Additionally, my guest, Tamsen Fadal, a former journalist turned menopause advocate, recounts a personal story about collapsing in the newsroom due to her symptoms, which led her to focus on raising awareness about menopause. Tamsen is about to launch a documentary called The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, and continually advocates for better workplace education and support for women experiencing menopause. Tamsen stresses the need for companies to address menopause and highlights organizations that are making progress in this area. She emphasizes that better education and treatment can improve both employee well-being and workplace productivity. Whether you're experiencing menopause, know someone who is, or just want to create a more supportive work environment, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how you can be part of the change.“As long as we know what to expect, and you’re not surprised or sideswiped by something, it just makes it a little bit easier—even if the symptoms are not.”&nbsp;-Tamsen FadalIn This Episode:-The definition of perimenopause, menopause, and its symptoms-The impact of menopause symptoms on women and workplaces-Menopause-related productivity losses and healthcare costs-How companies benefit from addressing menopause-Education and support for women experiencing menopause-Why raising menopause awareness is crucial&nbsp;-How women should handle aging in the workplaceAnd much more!Resource Used in the Episode:-Economic Impact of Menopause: Individual and Collective Costs: https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/work-finances-retirement/employers-workforce/menopause-workplace/&nbsp;Connect with Tamsen Fadal:-Website: https://www.tamsenfadal.com/-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamsenfadal/&nbsp;-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamsenfadal/Connect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: <a href="https://www.itgetslateearly.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

The world population is aging, and with 10,000 people turning 65 daily, new opportunities are emerging in the tech industry. So, today, we're exploring the AgeTech revolution with Cathy Minter, the CEO and co-founder of Wisdom.io.&nbsp;AgeTech? Yeah, it's a thing, and it's been quietly changing the game since 2016. But we're not talking about teaching your grandparents to code (although they definitely could…because we never stop learning new things, remember?). We're talking about everything from "I need to plan my will" apps to smart homes that won't let you forget your meds.Now, Cathy's not just some tech guru who decided to cash in on the “silver tsunami,” aka demographic change. Nope, she's got skin in the game. Her journey into AgeTech is like a roller coaster ride through personal loss, family drama, and a "wait, why isn't there an app for that?" moment during the pandemic. You'll want to hear how being the baby of the family turned her towards tech founderdom.Cathy's not just about keeping old folks "aging in place" (a term that has got to go, btw). She's all about living well independently as long as possible. And boy, does she have stories to tell about navigating the gender bias and ageism in the tech world. From trying to look older in her 30s (because apparently, corporate tech leadership and youth don't mix) to dealing with the subtle "oh, honey" vibes in her 50s, Cathy's seen it all.So, if you're curious about how AgeTech is gearing up to make our golden years truly golden, or if you just want to hear some juicy tales from Silicon Valley, this episode's got you covered.“I asked one of the older adults in our focus group about aging in place, and she said it’s just about living life to the fullest for the time that you have.”&nbsp;- Cathy MinterIn This Episode:- Introduction to AgeTech and its ability to improve lives-Cathy’s journey to founding Wisdom.io-The sandwich generation and the future of age tech-Navigating career growth and gender bias in the workplace-Barriers to AgeTech adoption for older adults-Redefining “aging in place”-Ageism in the tech industry-Innovation gaps in the tech sector for older adults-The value of mentorship and intergenerational collaborationAnd much more!Connect with Cathy Minter:-Website: https://www.mywisdom.io/&nbsp;-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyminterConnect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/-LinkedIn: @maureenwclough - <a...

In this solo episode, I break down the recent controversy surrounding a career guide published by Indeed, the world’s largest job site, with 365 million daily users and over 3.5 million employers. Here’s a teaser: The guide labeled ages 45-55 as “late career” and 55-65 as “decline,” sparking an outcry over its ageist language.I stumbled across the uproar late one night on LinkedIn and decided to post my thoughts, which quickly went viral. Indeed responded within hours, issuing an apology and removing the offensive content, but the damage was already done!The guide perpetuated harmful stereotypes, like the idea that workers in their 40s and 50s should aim for less demanding roles and stop learning new skills. This couldn’t be further from the truth—many of us are thriving in our careers at this stage, with plenty of energy and ambition.While I appreciate how quickly Indeed responded, I still question how the management allowed the guide to be published in the first place. It raises concerns about whether they truly support an age-inclusive work environment. But this situation has opened up an important conversation about ageism, and I’m hopeful it will lead to lasting change.Can several viral posts on LinkedIn really change how a major corporation thinks about age? Join me as we explore how this Indeed debacle can serve as a catalyst for real change in tackling ageism in the workplace. Don't worry—we'll get some solid career advice and probably a few laughs too.In This Episode:-Introduction and overview of Indeed’s corporate values-Personal experience with the career guide controversy-Career stages in Indeed’s career guide-Critique of the career guide's advice-Raising a successor for your position-Retirement in your forties: myth or reality?-The "decline" era: what to expect-The reality of ageism in the workplace-Indeed's apology and future stepsResources Mentioned in the Episode:-Indeed’s live webinar on November 7, 2024, titled “Success and Satisfaction in the Later Stages of Your Career”: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7237487552620843009/&nbsp;-Indeed’s article, “Ageism in the Workplace: Its Impact and How to Prevent It”: https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/ageism-in-the-workplace&nbsp;-Indeed’s article, “ADEA: An Employer's Guide to the Age Discrimination in Employment Act”: https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/adea#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20the%20ADEA,ability%20when%20making%20those%20decisions.&nbsp;-Maureen’s LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maureenwclough_are-you-over-55-indeed-as-in-the-one-that-activity-7235228512918388738-wIYC?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_iosConnect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Today I've got Jamie Jackson, the brilliant mind behind 'Humorous Resources', 'Millennial Misery,' and 'Horrendous HR,' and the co-host of the HR Besties podcast. She's not just your average HR pro - she's like the standup comedian of the corporate world, using humor to keep us all from losing our minds in the 9-to-5 grind.Jamie's hilarious social media accounts were born out of the pandemic chaos while working at a healthcare clinic. Talk about a pressure cooker situation! But instead of cracking, she turned to humor. It's like she found the secret sauce to surviving corporate America, and now she's sharing it with all of us poor souls who've felt the sting of a pink slip delivered with all the warmth of a robocall.So, let’s talk about it! You know that feeling when you're called into a surprise meeting, and your stomach drops to your shoes? Well, Jamie has been on both sides of the table, even standing up to a company owner over a harassment claim. Spoiler alert: it cost her the job. But hey, who needs job security when you've got integrity, right?Additionally, Jamie's got some juicy stories about being an "elder millennial" (is that even a thing?) and the double standards between older men and women. We also get into the wild world of content creation and how it's not all sunshine and rainbows for the ladies out there. Turns out, the glass ceiling isn't just in the office - it's all over social media too!Join us for some solid anecdotes about aging, advocating for what's right, and staying true to yourself in a corporate world that sometimes feels like it's gone mad.&nbsp;"Layoffs, a lot of times, it’s really just a giant math equation. They may not even be looking at names; they’re looking at salaries. It’s not personal. You were just a part of the equation.”&nbsp;- Jamie JacksonIn This Episode:-The inspiration behind Jamie’s humorous HR accounts-Misconceptions about the HR role-Why humanity and empathy are critical in corporate leadership-The challenges HR faces when handling layoffs,-The cost of standing up for employee’s rights in HR-How organizations can navigate layoffs with empathy-The rise of layoffs in tech and the loss of humanity-Ageism in the workplace and its impact on career advancement-Gender disparities in corporate settings-Age perceptions and prejudices on social media And much more!Connect with Jamie Jackson:-Humorous Resources: https://www.instagram.com/humorous_resources/?hl=en&nbsp;-Millennial Misery: https://www.instagram.com/millennial_misery/-HR Besties Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-besties/id1712137225Connect with Maureen Clough:-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1-Website: <a...