A Mid-career Pay Cut? WTF.

A former colleague recently called, weighing a big decision. She’s considering a new job—one that comes with a significant pay cut but offers better work-life integration, more predictable hours and a culture that actually values people.

Her current role is well compensated, but also volatile, unpredictable and all-consuming. After several leadership shakeups, she’s exhausted and burned out.

Fortunately, she and her partner are financially stable enough to even consider the option. So as we talked through the trade-offs, two guiding questions emerged:

1. What does she really want?
2. What matters most right now?

The decision gets a lot simpler when you start there.

That’s the kind of clarity midlife demands.

And it’s exactly the type of crossroads we consider in WTF (What the Forties?!), my signature small-group coaching program for women navigating this messy middle of life.

In our first session, we focus on fundamentals—identifying your core values, clarifying what’s most important, and naming what you’re no longer willing to tolerate. (Think: the high-achieving yet irreverent cousin of the We Do Not Care Club.)

From there, we explore fulfillment, fears, fun, friends and family, and your future—all designed with intention.

Fall enrollment is open now, and spots are filling fast. I cap each group at 10 to keep the group small, the talk real and the relationships genuine. 

Let’s make your next chapter one you’re proud of. 💪

Brain Food

Anthropic recently shared data showing people increasingly are turning to Claude for advice, companionship—even coaching. 🤯

Buyer beware. Coaching is not meal planning or copyediting. Real transformation often happens when a human coach picks up on subtle shifts in energy, tone or expression. Just like you might meet someone online but wouldn’t date your app, no AI model can match the nuance or international standards that certified coaches uphold. Ethical practice, maintaining presence and active listening are among the qualities that still require human sensibilities. Thanks to my friend Andrea Gils Monzón for sharing this provocative article. 

Quick Take

🤖 On a related note, if you’ve ever asked AI to just write something and ended up sounding like a robot yourself, you might enjoy my piece on how to “Make AI Your Writing Ally Without Losing Your Human Touch,” originally published in PRSA's Strategies & Tactics.   

In the Spotlight

Fractional Communications Strategy and Support

While leadership coaching is my primary focus, I also offer comms support to help advance organizational goals, sharpen messaging and amplify impact. Whether it’s by delivering senior-level strategy, executive ghostwriting, media training or thought leadership, I help leaders show up clearly, confidently and with purpose.

Are the Crossroads Calling You? 

🛣️ Whether you're considering a bold move or quietly questioning what's next, don't ignore internal nudges that want something more or different. I'm always in your corner, here to help you navigate your next move.