Turning 40 and Realizing I Am the Boss of Me

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Marc Scheff about the midlife transitions experienced around the age of 40. They discuss Mark’s journey, including incidents that led him to take up jiu jitsu, his shifting dreams, and his struggles with toxic work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of introspection, updating old dreams, listening to inner voices, and having the courage to start anew. They also explore the challenges of people-pleasing, resistance to change, and the process of finding joy and fulfillment in midlife.

Guest Bio

Marc Scheff is a visionary coach dedicated to guiding mid-life professionals on a profound inner journey. With his expertise, individuals break through barriers, transcending self-limiting beliefs to unlock the full spectrum of their capabilities. Marc's transformative coaching goes beyond the visual arts, resonating with a diverse array of creative minds, empowering them to architect their own narrative and flourish in their professional endeavors.

He has won awards for his painting, photography, and coaching and can be found at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcscheff/

Turning 40 and Realizing I Am the Boss of Me

Marc Scheff joins Stephanie to share his midlife transformation, a journey that includes personal growth, family grounding, and unexpected turns like picking up Jiu-Jitsu at age 41. Marc’s story dives deep into the cyclical nature of life, the power of self-awareness, and the unexpected ways our paths reveal themselves when we’re open to change.

At 35, Marc noticed small shifts—hangovers with just one drink, a desire for deeper meaning, and growing roots in New York with his wife and child. By midlife, he faced challenges that forced him to reimagine his career, joy, and purpose. From running an arts retreat to coaching others through transformation, Marc’s journey highlights the importance of listening to intuition, trying new things, and honoring evolving dreams.

Highlights:

• Marc’s insight into life as a series of 7-year cycles of growth and change.
• The pivotal shift at 35: the emergence of roots, responsibility, and self-reflection.
• His journey from professional art to founding an arts retreat center—and how it unexpectedly fell apart.
• How Jiu-Jitsu at 41 taught Marc to leave his ego at the door and embrace starting as a beginner.
• The “formula for change”: dissatisfaction, vision, and small first steps.
• The realization that evolving dreams are just as valid as old ones.
• Marc’s transition to a career in coaching, helping others design and activate their next chapter.

Marc’s transformation demonstrates the power of midlife reflection. From his days as an artist to embracing coaching, Marc learned that evolving goals and dreams are not failures—they’re part of the journey. His story shows that midlife offers a chance to reorient, reflect, and reignite our purpose. Tune in for a conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to start anew, whether it’s a new hobby, career, or way of thinking.

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and review the podcast to support us and hear more inspiring midlife transformations!

Guest Resources

Marc’s Unleash Creativity Club

Connect with Marc on Facebook 

Connect with Marc on Instagram

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