What if the life you built is no longer the one that fulfills you? In this powerful episode, former venture capitalist turned CEO coach Jerry Colonna shares how his midlife crisis became a chrysalis—from collapsing under the weight of outward success to rebuilding a life rooted in meaning, connection, and emotional resilience.
He shares the moment he almost gave up, the books and mentors that helped him begin again, and why real leadership starts with healing yourself. If you're navigating uncertainty or chasing purpose after 40, this is your roadmap. Subscribe for more conversations that honour the complexity—and beauty—of becoming whole.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:51 Greeting and introduction
02:06 Jerry’s background & career journey
09:36 Fundamentally being broken
12:33 The crash of 2001 and Grand Canyon awakening
15:35 Post-9/11 breakdown and decision to change
18:41 The power of asking “How am I complicit?”
21:41 The pursuit of wealth and inner emptiness
25:57 Childhood trauma and the need to be seen
28:31 The transformation: from ego to true self
33:31 Becoming Buddhist business coach
37:57 Lessons from modern elders: Pema, Parker, Sharon
44:56 What gets better with age
47:10 Midlife wisdom and personal integration
51:34 The ability to enjoy bitter sweetness
52:50 Why do we need midlife wisdom schools
54:37 Collective healing and “you’re not alone”
56:10 Bumper sticker of wisdom
Learn more about MEA at https://www.meawisdom.com/
#MidlifeTransformation #JerryColonna #CEOCoach #EmotionalResilience #MidlifeAwakening #MentalHealthMatters #LeadershipWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #Psychoanalysis #BusinessAndSpirituality #RebootYourLife #ModernElders #LifeAfterSuccess #YoureNotAlone
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
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.