Refirement Life - Where thriving, purpose, and reinvention meet.

Hosted by Christine Zmuda and Muge Wood

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the REfirement Podcast with Muge Wood and Christine Zmuda—where we’re redefining what it means to thrive at every stage of life. We're living longer than ever before—so why not live better ? Whether you're working full-time, part-time, or savoring a new phase of freedom, this podcast is your guide to building a more joyful, meaningful, and purpose-filled life— before, during, and after retirement . Through honest conversations and uplifting stories, we explore what it really means to REFIRE your life—not just retire from it. You'll discover proven strategies and everyday inspiration to help you grow mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, and financially. Each episode is designed to educate, entertain, and empower , answering questions like: How can you live longer and better at any age? What does it take to build a side hustle that brings both joy and income? How can you create a life filled with deeper meaning and happiness? What can we learn from everyday people doing extraordinary things? If you're ready to spark a fresh perspective on your future—and maybe even be a guest on the show— we’d love to hear from you. 👉 Book your spot here: https://calendly.com/refirement

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60 recent

September 22, 202644 min

What happens to inclusive leadership when DEI programs are scaled back or disappear altogether?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of the Refirement Life Podcast , I talk with leadership advisor Mike Lynch about what inclusion looks like when it is no longer supported by a formal department, budget or program. One of the biggest themes of our conversation: inclusive leadership is not a program. It is a set of everyday leadership behaviors. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Three practical things leaders can do immediately to create a more inclusive environment: pay attention to whose voices are being heard, examine how talent decisions are made, and get more curious about employees’ experiences. • Why leaders should ask themselves whether they are choosing “comfort over capability” when deciding who gets promoted, developed or given a stretch assignment. • How to make hiring decisions more thoughtfully by getting clear on the criteria and outcomes you need before beginning the interview process. • Why leaders do not need to have all the right words or be experts on every issue, but they do need to stay engaged, ask questions and listen. • How employees at any level can still create moments of inclusion by inviting different perspectives, asking thoughtful questions and focusing on what they can influence. • Why silence around difficult workplace issues can be costly. When people stop believing they can speak openly, leaders may lose access to the very information they need to make better decisions. • And why the rise of AI in hiring and talent decisions makes human judgment, oversight and accountability even more important. Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: The goal may not be to treat “inclusive leadership” as a special category of leadership at all. It may simply be what we expect from a good leader : someone who welcomes different perspectives, recognizes their own blind spots, makes fair talent decisions and takes responsibility for their impact, not just their intentions. 🎧 Listen to the newest episode of Refirement Life with Mike Lynch. What do you think? Which inclusive leadership behavior matters most in today’s workplace? To follow up with Michael Lynch, HR Advisor and author of the Ally All In Framework: visit: mjlconcsultinggroup.com or connect with Mike on Linked In here Mike Lynch | LinkedIn #Leadership #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #FutureOfWork #TalentDevelopment #AI #RefirementLife

August 26, 202635 min

Where is your organization moving quickly with AI—and where might it need to slow down and ask better questions?

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! AI can help organizations move faster—but it can also help them move faster in the wrong direction. In this episode, we sit down with Brian Beck , a business and technology leader working at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and business strategy. Brian challenges leaders to look beyond AI pilots, new tools, and impressive announcements and ask a more important question: Is this technology solving a meaningful business problem—and can we measure the value it is creating? Listeners will learn how to: Distinguish meaningful AI adoption from “AI theater” Connect AI investments to clear business outcomes, milestones, and realistic timelines Build governance and guardrails without preventing experimentation Treat cybersecurity as a business strategy—not simply an IT responsibility Prepare data, workflows, infrastructure, and employees before attempting to scale AI Understand where human experience, judgment, and wisdom must remain in the decision loop Consider the true cost of AI, including infrastructure, data access, security, and ongoing usage Turn strong cybersecurity and responsible AI practices into a competitive advantage for customers and talent Brian also explains why simply giving people AI tools will not transform an organization. The companies that succeed will be the ones that improve the underlying workflow, create visibility into how AI is being used, establish clear measures of success, and make adjustments before projects go off track. This is an important conversation for leaders trying to balance speed, innovation, security, and sound judgment in an increasingly AI-driven world. To connect with Brian visit his LinkedIn Profile Brian Beck | LinkedIn or his organization here - Cyber Security Services Indianapolis – Reliable, Secure, Networks…Exceptional People! #ArtificialIntelligence #Cybersecurity #AILeadership #BusinessStrategy #ResponsibleAI #HumanJudgment

July 27, 202647 min

The 7 Principles of Ethical Persuasion and the Neuroscience Behind Our Own Decisionmaking

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Why do great ideas get ignored while average ideas gain traction? Most of us assume people make decisions logically. The science says otherwise. In this fascinating conversation, we sit down with Patrick van der Burght , one of the world's leading experts on ethical persuasion and a certified trainer in Dr. Robert Cialdini's groundbreaking research on influence. Together, we explore why people say "yes"... "no"... or simply never decide at all. If you've ever... struggled to get buy-in from your team, wondered why your best presentation fell flat, wanted to influence without manipulating, or needed others to embrace a new idea... this episode is for you. You'll discover: 🧠 Why up to 95% of our decisions happen automatically , long before logic catches up. 💡 The surprising reason adding more facts often decreases persuasion instead of increasing it. 🎯 Why many "no's" aren't really no—they're simply indecision. ⚡ How a few words—or even changing the order of a sentence—can dramatically improve trust and influence. 🤝 The 7 Universal Principles of Ethical Persuasion and how leaders can use them to build trust, strengthen relationships, and inspire action without manipulation. 🌎 Why these principles work across cultures, industries, and even at home—not just in sales. We also tackle one of the most important questions of all: How do you become more influential without sacrificing your integrity? Patrick's answer is refreshingly simple: The best persuasion doesn't pressure people—it helps them make better decisions. In a world overloaded with information and shrinking attention spans, learning how people actually make decisions may be one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop. To learn more or contact Patrick - visit Ethical Persuasion - Sales Training and Consulting - Ethical Persuasion.

July 14, 202649 min

The Human Advantage: Optimism, Influence & Connection - Tips from Comediene and Key note Speaker Merit Khan

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Most people think optimism means "thinking positive." Merit Kahn believes it's something far more powerful. In this conversation, we explore why optimism isn't about ignoring reality—it's about developing the mindset and skills to navigate it with resilience, humor, and confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: ✨ Why optimism is a competitive advantage in today's AI-powered world. ✨ How laughter and storytelling can help us process life's toughest moments. ✨ Why sales—and leadership—are ultimately about authentic human connection. ✨ The uniquely human skills AI can't replace. ✨ How emotional intelligence shapes influence, trust, and better decision-making. ✨ Why reinvention isn't reserved for midlife—it can happen anytime you're willing to challenge your own story. ✨ Practical ways to stay resilient when everything around you is changing. One of my favorite takeaways: The future doesn't belong to the people who know the most. It belongs to the people who are willing to keep learning, adapting, and connecting with others. Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or simply navigating change in your own life, this conversation is full of wisdom, humor, and practical ideas you can put into practice immediately. 🎧 Tune in and let us know your biggest takeaway. #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #EmotionalIntelligence #Optimism #SalesLeadership #FutureOfWork #Resilience #LifelongLearning #RefirementLife #MagnetLabs

July 3, 202631 min

The Human Side of AI No One Is Talking About

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode, you'll learn: Why buying more AI tools won't solve your adoption problem. How the best leaders rethink work instead of simply automating old processes. Why curiosity is becoming one of the most valuable leadership skills. Practical ways to help teams embrace AI without fear. How to create a culture of experimentation where learning matters more than perfection. Why AI should be your thought partner—not your replacement. The uniquely human skills that will matter even more as AI becomes commonplace: judgment, empathy, taste, and conviction. One insight that really stood out: Don't measure AI success by adoption. Measure it by whether your team is producing better work. If you're leading a team through AI transformation, this conversation offers practical ideas you can apply immediately. #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #LearningCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanSkills #Innovation #AI

June 5, 202636 min

How Leaders can Scale Organizations with Losing the Soul of the Culture

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of Refirement Life , bestselling author and leadership expert Josh Block shares powerful lessons from leading teams through growth, pressure, culture shifts, and uncertainty — while keeping people at the center of the business. We explore: • Why high-performing cultures are built on trust, transparency, and thoughtful leadership • The “We Cycle” framework and how strong teams create ownership together • Why employees don’t leave companies — they leave managers • How emotional safety fuels innovation, creativity, and retention • What sustainable leadership looks like in a world of burnout and constant pressure • Why accessibility and vulnerability are leadership superpowers • How leaders can scale organizations without losing the soul of the culture Josh also shares real stories from leading through COVID, empowering emerging leaders, and creating a culture where people stay, grow, and thrive together. A thoughtful conversation for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who believes business performance and human connection should go hand in hand. To connect further with Josh please visit - https:// peoplematteratwork.com or check out his best selling book here People Matter at Work: Fostering a Culture Where Team Members Thrive and Everyone Wins: Block, Josh: 9781637635049: Amazon.com : Books #RefirementLife #Leadership #PeopleMatter #CompanyCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #EmployeeExperience #FutureOfWork #Podcast #BusinessLeadership

May 22, 202640 min

Why Confidence Not Hustle is the True Foundation to Leadership

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What does it really take to reinvent yourself, build confidence, and create meaningful momentum in a world obsessed with hustle? In this episode of Refirement Life , we sit down with TEDx speaker, professor, leadership strategist, and author Dr. Christiane Schroeter for a conversation that challenges the traditional “work harder” mindset and replaces it with something far more sustainable with intentional, small-step growth. Dr. Schroeter shares how teaching more than 10,000 students led her to create the “Petite Practice” framework — a neuroscience-informed approach that helps people build confidence, habits, leadership skills, and reinvention through small, consistent actions instead of burnout-driven hustle. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why confidence not hustle is the true foundation of leadership • How tiny daily actions create lasting behavioral and neurological change • The surprising reason most people stay stuck during career transitions • How to reconnect with your strengths when entering a new life chapter • Why visibility and sharing “weekly wins” can accelerate reinvention and opportunity • Practical ways to build momentum without overwhelm or perfectionism • How educators, leaders, and entrepreneurs can create environments where people actually learn and grow One of the most powerful insights from the conversation is Dr. Schroeter’s reminder that failure is often just a “first attempt in learning” and that growth comes from experimenting, reflecting, and adjusting instead of judging yourself too quickly. This conversation is especially valuable for professionals thinking about their next chapter, entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, and anyone feeling exhausted by hustle culture but still wanting to make meaningful progress. #RefirementLife #Leadership #CareerTransition #Confidence #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Neuroscience #LeadershipDevelopment #Podcast #FutureOfWork #IntentionalLiving

May 12, 202625 min

Beyond Comfortable: Lessons From Safari and the Southernmost Tip of Africa

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What happens when you step beyond the familiar and into the unknown? In this episode of Refirement Life, we explore how some of life’s greatest perspective shifts happen when we push past comfort, routine, and certainty. From travel and adventure to personal reinvention, this conversation dives into the surprising ways discomfort can expand confidence, deepen gratitude, and awaken parts of ourselves that everyday life often keeps dormant. You’ll hear reflections on: • Why growth rarely happens inside predictable routines • How new environments challenge old assumptions • The connection between discomfort, resilience, and clarity • What travel, risk, and curiosity teach us about living fully • Why perspective—not perfection—is often the real transformation Whether it’s standing at the edge of a safari jeep, navigating a foreign city, tasting unfamiliar wines, or simply saying “yes” to something new, this episode is a reminder that life becomes richer when we stop managing every variable and start embracing discovery. If you’ve been craving a fresh perspective—or wondering what might be waiting on the other side of fear—this conversation is for you.

April 22, 202633 min

From Corporate Success to Creative Freedom with Suzanne Parisi

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! From Corporate Success to Creative Freedom with Suzanne Parisi What happens when you strip away the titles—lawyer, executive, top performer—and ask a much harder question: Who am I without all of that? In this deeply reflective episode, I sit down with my friend Suzanne Parisi, who spent 25 years in enterprise sales and law before making a bold pivot into the world of glass artistry. And not casually. She took 30+ classes , explored relentlessly, and followed curiosity until something clicked. This conversation isn’t about retirement. It’s about reinvention with intention. 🔍 What we explore: Why the most important question isn’t “What should I do next?” but “Who do I want to be without external definitions?” The surprising truth about creativity: It’s not talent—it’s learned, practiced, and earned through imperfect action How Suzanne reframed success from outcomes and revenue… to joy in the process and emotional connection through her work The mindset shift that unlocks reinvention: 👉 Let go of self-limiting beliefs 👉 Try things badly 👉 Follow what energizes your time And one of my favorite takeaways: “If my day isn’t great, it’s on me—because my day can be anything I want it to be.” Suzanne Parisi is an artist in residency at the Arts of Glen Echo. You can find more of her work here. Suzanne Parisi Artist Portfolio Suzanne Parisi — NCAGG National Capital Art Glass Guild

April 7, 202636 min

Leadership Spotlight: Amir Capriles on what Leaders need to know in the Age of AI

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What makes a leader—and a team— truly irreplaceable in the age of AI? We visit with Amir Capriles, an incredibly well-respected enterprise sales leader and Chief Revenue Officer at Granicus, where he leads global sales and go-to-market strategy for one of the world’s leading govtech platforms. With over 20 years of experience, Amir has built and scaled high-performing teams across the public sector, holding leadership roles at companies including Microsoft, Salesforce, and Pegasystems. Known for his ability to recognize and elevate talent, Amir combines data-driven execution with a deeply human leadership approach, focusing on judgment, trust, and purpose to drive meaningful impact in government and enterprise organizations. A few highlights from our conversation that Amir shared that stayed with me: Talent is about trajectory, not performance Look for learning velocity, pattern recognition, and how people grow under pressure—not just results. Great leaders see potential before others do The job isn’t to give more work—it’s to name, elevate, and develop capability. Reading the room is still a superpower Data tells you where to look. Intuition tells you how to respond. AI can’t replace that. Burnout comes from disconnection, not effort When people lose the “why,” energy drops. Reset purpose and celebrate progress along the way. AI raises the floor—leaders must raise the ceiling Judgment, courage, trust, and coaching are the new differentiators. Irreplaceable leaders don’t create dependency They build systems, leaders, and teams that perform without them . Bottom line: AI will accelerate execution. But human leadership will always define impact.

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