Send us a text--we read all of them!
Ready to swap the cubicle for a corner office of your own making? In this episode, we unpack why professionals 45 and older are twice as likely to build successful companies—and how you can join their ranks. You’ll learn how to leverage deep industry insight, vast networks, and a lifetime of hard-won credibility to launch a business that fits your goals, lifestyle, and finances.
🚀 What You’ll Discover
Key Takeaways00:02 — 05:31 |
Why Midlife = Prime Time for Startups | Kauffman data on 45+ founders, unique advantages of age & experience
05:32 — 14:10 |
Model #1: Consultant / Freelancer | Low overhead, quickest start; how to pitch ex-colleagues and employers
14:11 — 21:45 |
Model #2: Franchise Route | “Training wheels” entrepreneurship, what to look for in a franchisor
21:46 — 31:50 |
Model #3: Tech Startup | Lean methodology, MVPs, testing before scaling
31:51 — 40:05 |
Show Me the Money | Runway, retirement impact, healthcare, family considerations
40:06 — 46:30 |
Resource Round-Up | SBDC, SCORE mentors, industry accelerators, online courses
46:31 — End | Action Plan | 1-week challenge: pick a model, take 3 concrete steps, keep options open
Resources Mentioned
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) – Free 1-on-1 consulting
- SCORE Mentors – Seasoned entrepreneurs offering zero-cost guidance
- Franchise Directories – Start your discovery (Franchise.org, FranchiseGator.com)
- Lean Startup Reading List – Eric Ries’ The Lean Startup, Steve Blank’s The Four Steps to the Epiphany
- Online Learning – Coursera’s “Entrepreneurship” specialization, LinkedIn Learning’s “Business Plan Foundations”
✅ Your 1-Week Action Challenge
- Consulting? List 10 potential clients ➜ email or call 3 this week.
- Franchising? Request info from 3 brands in industries you know or love.
- Startup? Interview 5 potential users to validate your idea—no code required.
🙌 Join the Conversation
Have questions or success stories from your own midlife leap into entrepreneurship?
https://midlifekicker.buzzsprout.com
On Spotify, Apple and wherever you get your podcasts.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.