
Turning 40 and realizing “fine” is a four-letter word
01/11/23 • 44 min
In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Serban Mare, a Romanian immigrant who has redefined his life's trajectory through a remarkable journey of self-discovery and physical challenge. Celebrating his 40th birthday, Serban didn't just throw a party; he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. His story is not just about reaching the summit but about overcoming personal and professional stagnation to embrace a life of purpose and adventure.
Episode Highlights:
- From Romania to the USA: Serban shares his initial move to America at 23, seeking better opportunities and how the economic differences shaped his early experiences.
- Career Shifts: Transitioning from feeling 'fine' to seeking greatness, Serban discusses how he shifted his career path and mindset in his mid-thirties.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro: The detailed account of his physical and mental preparation, the challenges faced during the climb, and the triumphant moment at the summit with his wife and friends.
- Public Speaking and Growth Mindset: Serban talks about overcoming his fear of public speaking through Toastmasters and how embracing a growth mindset has transformed his personal and professional life.
- Relationships and Personal Growth: Insights into how Serban's relationships evolved as he focused more on meaningful connections and less on energy-draining interactions.
Today's episode dives deep into the life of Serban Mare, who transformed his midlife from routine to extraordinary. From his humble beginnings in Romania to his awe-inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro at 40, Serban's story is a testament to the power of growth mindset and the pursuit of personal excellence. His journey underscores the importance of setting monumental personal goals and the incredible impact of self-reflection and continuous learning.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Serban's to you!
Sponsor
The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications
Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”
Listen, Rate & Subscribe
In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Serban Mare, a Romanian immigrant who has redefined his life's trajectory through a remarkable journey of self-discovery and physical challenge. Celebrating his 40th birthday, Serban didn't just throw a party; he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. His story is not just about reaching the summit but about overcoming personal and professional stagnation to embrace a life of purpose and adventure.
Episode Highlights:
- From Romania to the USA: Serban shares his initial move to America at 23, seeking better opportunities and how the economic differences shaped his early experiences.
- Career Shifts: Transitioning from feeling 'fine' to seeking greatness, Serban discusses how he shifted his career path and mindset in his mid-thirties.
- Climbing Kilimanjaro: The detailed account of his physical and mental preparation, the challenges faced during the climb, and the triumphant moment at the summit with his wife and friends.
- Public Speaking and Growth Mindset: Serban talks about overcoming his fear of public speaking through Toastmasters and how embracing a growth mindset has transformed his personal and professional life.
- Relationships and Personal Growth: Insights into how Serban's relationships evolved as he focused more on meaningful connections and less on energy-draining interactions.
Today's episode dives deep into the life of Serban Mare, who transformed his midlife from routine to extraordinary. From his humble beginnings in Romania to his awe-inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro at 40, Serban's story is a testament to the power of growth mindset and the pursuit of personal excellence. His journey underscores the importance of setting monumental personal goals and the incredible impact of self-reflection and continuous learning.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, following, and reviewing the podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Serban's to you!
Sponsor
The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications
Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”
Listen, Rate & Subscribe
Previous Episode

Turning 40 and Extracting Yourself from an Abusive and Controlling Relationship
In this inspiring episode, Stephanie sits down with Toby Myles, a woman who navigated through significant personal and professional transformations after turning 40. Toby shares her profound journey from enduring an abusive relationship to rediscovering her self-worth and eventually thriving in a new career and a loving marriage. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and renewal that can come in midlife, even after periods of intense difficulty.
Episode Highlights:
Toby discusses her early marriage and how it inadvertently led her to lose sight of her personal growth and ambitions.
Toby's experience with a controlling and abusive second relationship, which escalated from seemingly caring behaviors to overt control and violence.
The pivotal moments that led Toby to seek therapy and reclaim her independence, including a significant incident on her 40th birthday.
Toby's transition from a corporate job to pursuing her passion for copywriting, fueled by the support of her current husband and the lessons from her past.
The serendipitous meeting with her now-husband after deciding to give online dating one last try.
Toby's emphasis on financial independence and self-reliance, which she maintains in her current life and business.
In this episode, Toby shares her heartfelt story of overcoming adversity and rediscovering her joy and passion in life. Her journey is a reminder of the strength that lies in self-acceptance and the power of change at any stage of life. Toby's experiences led her to a fulfilling career and a loving relationship, highlighting that it's never too late to pursue happiness and personal fulfillment.
If you found inspiration in Toby's story or enjoy exploring life transformations at forty, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more stories like Toby's to light!
Sponsor
The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications
Get Toby’s FREE Guide: 99 Juicy Lead Magnet Ideas to Attract Your Ideal Clients
Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”
Next Episode

Learning “You’re Allowed to Change Your Mind” Before Turning 40
In this wonderful episode, Stephanie sits down with Emily Aborn, a mid-thirties entrepreneur who is already pondering the significance of turning 40. Emily shares her journey of self-discovery, the ups and downs of her career, and her aspirations for the future. From burning bridges in her twenties to finding her true passion in writing and marketing, Emily's story is a testament to the power of transformation and the quest for personal fulfillment as she approaches the "mysterious other side" of 40.
Episode Highlights:
- Young Perspective: Emily brings a fresh perspective as a younger guest who is actively thinking about the transition into her forties.
- Career Evolution: From nutrition to chiropractic offices to launching a non-toxic bedding store, and finally finding her niche in marketing and writing.
- Personal Growth: Emily discusses the profound impact of losing a close friend at 32 and how it shifted her outlook on life, emphasizing living with gratitude and making a positive impact.
- Future Aspirations: Emily's goals include owning a second home, going on a honeymoon, and throwing a big 40th birthday bash that mirrors the wedding she always wanted.
This episode dives into the anticipatory feelings and preparations of a young woman nearing her forties. Emily's reflective and proactive stance on entering a new decade of life is both inspiring and relatable. Her story is a compelling narrative of personal evolution, highlighting the importance of aligning one’s career and personal life with true passions and values. As Emily looks forward to crafting a future that celebrates stability, fun, and fulfillment, she reminds us all of the power of transformation at any age.
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to rate, follow, and review the Forty Drinks Podcast. Your feedback helps us bring more inspiring stories like Emily's to you!
Sponsor
The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications
Additional Resources
Tell me a fantastic “forty story.”
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The Big Four Oh: The Podcast About Turning 40 - Turning 40 and realizing “fine” is a four-letter word
Transcript
Stephanie: Hello Serban
Serban: Hi, Stephanie.
Stephanie: I'm so, so happy to have you here with me today. Thanks for joining me.
Serban: Yeah. Thanks for having me. I'm excited about our talk.
Stephanie: Yeah, me too. Me too. I thought that I had a pretty cool 40th birthday with my 40 Drinks Project, but not so in comparison. We'll get to that in just a minute. You have an accent that tells me that you are not a born and bred, uh, American guy. Tell me where you co
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