All Episodes

November 18, 2025 58 mins

Ready to stop playing small and step into your most powerful chapter?

In this (un)forgettable conversation, I sat down with Cathy Derksen, the Founder of Inspired Tenacity, who empowers midlife women to find their unstoppable confidence and reinvent their lives.

Cathy shares her deeply personal journey of having her conventional life “(un)ravel” in her mid-40s after a traumatic car accident served as a wake-up call. She reveals how she simultaneously left a toxic marriage and a high-stress career to start over from scratch, embracing the (Un)known and proving that your greatest adventure is still ahead.

If you are a midlife woman feeling stuck or seeking a career change after 40, this episode is your blueprint for moving forward with purpose and Inspired Tenacity. Learn how to unlearn societal expectations and leverage your personal story for entrepreneurial growth and personal transformation.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

  • The Unword Effect: Encouraging reflection on words with the prefix 'un' to inspire personal growth.
  • Unraveling Toxic Situations: Why this is essential for deep personal transformation.
  • The Unstoppable Mantra: How Cathy's mantra, 'chin up, keep moving,' helped her through her toughest times.
  • Midlife Entrepreneurship: Transitioning from a career in medical genetics to founding Inspired Tenacity.
  • The Power of Storytelling & Community: How collaborative author projects create a supportive network and legacy for women.
  • Inspired Tenacity: Reflecting the courage and inspiration needed for change.

Connect with Host & Guest

  • Dr. Alison Schmidt (Host)Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.

  • Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/

  • The (un)conversations podcast: https://www.unconventionllc.com/podcast

Cathy Derksen (Guest)Cathy Derksen is the founder of Inspired Tenacity, an international speaker, publisher, and a bestselling author. Through her multi-author book projects, retreats, and vibrant community, Cathy has helped over 200 women become published authors, amplifying their visibility, expanding their businesses, and building lasting legacies.

  • Website: https://inspiredtenacity.com/


Thanks for watching S1.E22!

#CathyDerksen #InspiredTenacity #DrAlisonSchmidt #unconversationspodcast #midlifewomen #MidlifeReinvention #UnstoppableConfidence #FindYourPurpose #lifeafter40 #CareerChange #entrepreneurship #personalgrowth #storytelling #empowerment

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Are You A Charlotte?

Are You A Charlotte?

In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.

Stuff You Should Know

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.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.