Ep 121 Creating Joy Drives Purpose and Fulfillment in Midlife

10/05/23 • 15 min

Midlife Fulfilled Podcast: Thriving in Life, Career, and Leadership.

Welcome to episode 121 a takeaway episode from my conversation with Eric Wiechart on episode 120.
Eric and I had a very meaningful conversation about his experience in the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) at the University of Notre Dame. Here are three key discussion points from our conversation:
1️⃣ Embrace Small Businesses
2️⃣ Overcome Transition Challenges
3️⃣ The Power of Cohort
Throughout his career, Eric acquired multiple small businesses/startups and ran them successfully. His most recent business, a glass company was transitioned to his daughter through a seven-year transition plan.
Eric didn’t want another idea for a business, or a job. Eric realized that creating joy for others gives him joy.
But, if you’ve been doing something for decades and you reach a point where you ask yourself, am I creating joy, maybe the answer to that question is not what you want it to be. It wasn’t for Eric Wiechart.
Eric realized that at this stage in his life, creating joy is his purpose. He’s doing it through many activities, not just one. He’s advising and coaching, as well as maintaining a sense of creating joy in all his relationships.
My challenge for you is to ask yourself, what role does creating joy for others play in your midlife fulfillment journey?
Learn more about the Inspired Leadership Initiative at the University of Notre Dame
Connect with Eric Wiechart:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-wiechart-0734b36/Joy To The World sung by PentatonixMayo Clinic Report health benefits of being in service to others

Connect with Bernie Borges:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernieborgesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bernieborgesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bernieborgesEmail: [email protected]

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Music attribution:
Eyes Wide ShutOld Bossa Twin Musicom

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Previous Episode

Ep 120 A Story of Transition from Business Owner to Leadership Coach | ILI 4 of 5

Welcome to episode 120, an immersive storytelling episode about transitioning from business owner to leadership coach brought to you by the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) at the University of Notre Dame.
I had the privilege of speaking with ILI Alum Eric Wiechart whose core career transitioned from working in large companies to owning and growing small businesses. In this journey, he reached a point where he wanted to transition business ownership to the next generation so he could channel his energy to a new purpose in his life, not just his career.
What he discovered as a result of going through the ILI program is a passion for coaching others, which drives joy for Eric. These three discussion points summarize our conversation.
1️⃣ Embrace Small Business: A successful career running and growing small businesses was driven by closeness to customers and the opportunity to create good jobs for people which brought Eric immense fulfillment.
2️⃣ Overcoming Transition Challenges: Transitioning from running a small business to handing it over to the next generation was a 7-year process. By committing to the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) along with the guidance of outside experts, Eric was able to navigate the emotional challenge and find clarity in the midst of this transition.
3️⃣ The Power of Cohort: The ILI program provided Eric with a cohort of like-minded individuals who were also navigating their own transitions. Together, they formed a support system, offering guidance, challenges, and camaraderie. The side-by-side journey and shared experiences helped all of them grow to their next chapter in life with purpose.
When you listen to this conversation with Eric, consider the transition you seek in your own life and how it aligns with your purpose.
Learn more about the Inspired Leadership Initiative at the University of Notre Dame
Connect with Eric Weichart:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-wiechart-0734b36/
Connect with Bernie Borges:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernieborgesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bernieborgesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bernieborgesEmail: [email protected]

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Music attribution:
Scott Holmes MusicEyes Wide ShutOld Bossa Twin Musicom

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Next Episode

Ep 122 How to Overcome Corporate Layoffs to Become a Successful Coach

On episode 122 you'll meet David Goad in a BF to AF episode.
David Goad, is a seasoned professional with a decades-long corporate career, mostly in the field of technology. We delve into David's journey from corporate life to pursuing his true passion and calling as a speaker and coach.
David shares his experiences of being laid off three times in his career and the different reactions he had to each setback. From fear to anger, he eventually realized that he had a talent for speaking, coaching, and entertaining others.
Despite hearing repeatedly from colleagues that he had missed his calling, David finally took the leap and embraced his passion after a pivotal moment in a nonprofit setting.
Discover how Toastmasters played a crucial role in David's realization of his coaching abilities and how he now combines his love for speaking and coaching in his own business. He explains how coaching not only brings him a source of income but has also become the most rewarding aspect of his work.
If you have ever questioned your own calling or wondered if there's more to life than a traditional corporate career, this episode is for you. David's story serves as an inspiration to recognize your calling and consider exploring new opportunities.
Join me and David as we discuss his transformational journey from corporate life to midlife fulfillment through a speaking coach business.
Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@midlifefulfilled
Connect with David Goad
Website https://davidgoadspeaks.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgoad/
X/Twitter https://twitter.com/davidgoad
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/davidgoad