In today’s fast-paced world, the traditional models of leadership are evolving, reflecting the need for continuous learning and growth throughout one's life.
Retirement leadership
The idea of retirement as the final chapter in a career is increasingly outdated. Instead, leadership is being recognized as an ongoing journey—one that doesn't end at a certain age or stage in life. These leaders redefine what it means to lead, showing that true leadership transcends age and is fueled by a lifelong commitment to growth and contribution.
Here at AcornOak, as forward-thinking fractional executive leaders and coaches, we are challenging the conventional notion of retirement by staying active in our fields, mentoring the next generation, and remaining engaged in our communities.
I’d like to share a few thoughts with you.
Elevate Your Thinking
I want to outlaw the word ‘retirement’ from the vocabulary. Basta! And from your mind. Why?
Because the word commonly brands you as OLD, a senior citizen, indicating that the end of life is nearing. It classifies you as an undesired or unworthy active, creative, or productive contributor to life. Who wants that?
We need to upgrade our mindset around the concept of retirement.
Opt for the Golf Course or Pursue Purpose
When I lived in Santa Fe, I met Kent, a successful businessman excited to retire in the Land of Enchantment — New Mexico. His dream was to spend most of his time polishing his golf swing while enjoying camaraderie on the golf course.
But it didn’t take Kent long to be bored out of his mind and realize he needed a different game plan if he was going to thrive. He swapped the golf club for a community association he co-founded with other visionary leaders, focused on strengthening the local economy by educating people and organizations on the importance of keeping business local.
Kent found a way to channel his youthful life force, experience, interests, creativity, and vitality into purposeful activities. He ensured he didn’t fall prey to the saying, “Retire early, die early.” Instead, he chose the opposite, “Retire late, die late.”
Are You Following Society’s Expectations?
The official retirement age differs depending on your country, but the usual range is between 65 and 67. In some countries, like my native Iceland, retirement is mandatory.
Some people can’t wait for their official retirement, while others dread it. It’s often stressful due to the disruption of habits, uncertainty, and uprooting from the status quo, community, and colleagues. Add to that the loss of meaning, relevance, and belonging, and many people feel they have lost their identity.
AI and the Future of Work
We all have agreed by now that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping the workforce, transforming the nature of work by automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks. As AI systems take over these mundane activities, workers are increasingly freed to focus on more creative, strategic, and impactful projects.
This shift not only enhances productivity but also allows individuals to apply their unique skills and insights in ways that drive innovation and growth.
The evolving workplace, powered by AI, is creating a dynamic environment where human creativity and strategic thinking are more valuable than ever.
How Many More Years Are You Planning to Live?
At 65, wellness guru and New York Times bestselling author of I Have Decided To Live 120 Years: The Ancient Secret to Longevity, Vitality, and Life Transformation, Ilchi Lee, intentionally decided to live 120 years. He made this decision after realizing his limiting beliefs about aging had clouded his perception of how to live creatively and productively into older age. He chose to design his life rather than follow the social norm of retiring at 65 and fading away. Ilchi Lee realized that if he lived to be 120, at 65, he was only halfway through.
What would he do with the rest of his life?
People Want More Out of Life
If we are fortunate enough to have good health, we have so much left in us at 65—potentially 25–30 years. Sometimes people do their best creative work in their later years.
I personally have no desire to retire. I want to be vibrant and engaged till my last breath. I want to continue to dream, learn, and grow, take on new challenges and projects, keep my mind sharp and my spirit high, with my curiosity nurtured and my creativity expressed.
I am not alone in rejecting the concept of retirement. Last week, I spoke to Tom, a senior executive at a large social media agency in New York who contacted me about executive coaching. Tom doesn’t intend to retire either, he told me. Like so many professionals post-COVID-19, he is actively reevaluating his personal and professional life and wants to create a new life story with no space for retirement. He envisions a life that incorporates more of his passions and purpose, keeps him mentally curious and strong, and allows him to contribute to the co-creation of our future. We need more people like Tom.
A New Paradigm for Leadership
In an AI-driven world, leadership is no longer defined by age or the traditional concept of retirement but by a commitment to continuous growth, contribution, and empowerment.
As AI automates the mundane, it frees individuals to focus on what truly matters—leveraging their experience, creativity, and leadership skills to make a lasting impact.
This new paradigm encourages us to rethink retirement, recognizing that the potential to lead and make a difference transcends any particular stage in life. Instead of winding down, we have the opportunity to redefine our later years as a time of ongoing contribution and fulfillment, continuing to inspire and shape the future.
So, what about you?
Are you ready to create new chapters in your life, filled with passion and zest? Start that company you've always dreamed of or explore a second or third career.
And if you need help with the transition, we know a few exceptional executive coaches who can assist you.
About the Author
Fractional Leadership Officer & Executive Coach
A visionary thought leader and activator, Rúna empowers future-focused leaders and their teams to thrive in a changing world. Leveraging her CEO and serial entrepreneur experience, she unlocks clients' potential for TruePower and conscious leadership through coaching and navigating shifting power dynamics in the workplace.
Founder of the True Power Institute, host of the TruePower Executive Roundtable, and co-founder of social impact initiatives, Rúna ignites possibilities for well-being and regeneration, inviting you on a journey towards a thriving world.
Rúna is a published author, including co-author of the international bestseller “The Successful Mind: Tools to Living a Purposeful, Productive, and Happy Life.”
Read her story here.
Commentaires