'Have I lived a successful life?' The truth about life after 50
What does it take to reinvent your life? Sue West joins me to talk about navigating big personal change, building something new from the ground up, and why midlife is the perfect time.
Today’s guest is someone who’s not just talking about midlife transformation - she’s living it.
Sue West is a leadership and transition coach who helps people navigate change in work and life, especially in the second half of life. But what I love most about Sue is her own story; how she’s built her coaching business Flourish After Fifty, and redefined what success, purpose and energy mean for her, at this stage of life.
In this episode, we talk about what happens when you stop chasing the version of success you were sold in your 30s and 40s… and start creating one that actually fits who you are now.
We talk about letting go, finding your voice, the emotional rollercoaster of transition and why the “messy middle” is where the real work begins. If you’ve ever asked yourself “what’s next for me?” and felt unsure how to answer… this one’s for you.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
Rewriting the script after 50: Sue opens up about the big personal and professional changes that reshaped her life in her 50s - from the end of a marriage to walking away from a successful corporate career. She shares what it was like to let go of old structures and create space for something new.
Redefining success: Sue talks about the moment she realised the version of success she was chasing no longer fit, and how she began to rebuild a life that felt more meaningful, energising and aligned.
Letting go of old identities: From being the one holding everything together to creating space for her own growth, Sue reflects on the emotional work of stepping away from long-held roles, and discovering who she is outside of them.
Change vs transition: We break down the difference between change (external events) and transition (the internal process), and explore the three phases Sue works through with her clients: endings, the messy middle, and new beginnings.
The power of purpose and voice: Sue shares how working with women in midlife has shown her that purpose doesn’t need to be a grand mission. Sometimes, it starts with being heard, being visible, and giving yourself permission to want more.
Practical ways to start again: We talk about what to do if you feel stuck, including why you don’t have to “burn it all down” to make a meaningful change, and how to start where you are with small, intentional steps.
Creating more space for what you want: One of the most powerful reframes in this episode: that wanting something more for yourself isn’t self-indulgent. It’s a natural part of midlife reinvention, and it starts by reconnecting with your own voice and values.
From Bec’s Desk
Another week of 2026 has just flown by. Hard to believe we’re almost 1/12th down already! I’m back on solid hot Aussie soil and straight into things. We’re planning our topics for the Prime Time podcast for the year ahead and would love your ideas and inspiration. If there’s a topic you want covered - hit reply and send me a message!
And, if you’ve got a real-life-Prime-Time experience or story you think would make a great show - pitch it to me. (No product or service pitches please just legit real life interesting Prime TIme stories).
Now, lastly, and importantly, the earlybird spots on the Epic Retirement Course sold out this week. We’ve just added some extra places but only a few - so get your booking in quick if you want the 25% off. More here. It kicks off on the 19th Feb!
So tootlepip! I can’t wait to read your ideas!
Book your place on the How to Have an Epic Retirement Flagship Course for Feb 2026: Begins 19 Feb 2026
The next How to Have an Epic Retirement flagship course begins 19th February 2026. It’s a practical, Australia-first program designed for people in their 50s and 60s who want to understand how to navigate retirement (the easy way). And we all do the program together (we call it a synchronous program).
The earlybird 25% off deal has been extended as we’ve already filled the first 200 places! Grab one of the extra spots fast! Get that deal or learn more here.