The Four Things

A lot of people have asked me, “What is this middle project about?”

Good question.

The truth is, this idea has been whispering in my ear for more than a year. It’s been nudging me awake in the middle of the night and weaving itself into my thoughts at random times throughout my days. It’s been an undeniable pull toward something I can’t ignore. 

Why now? I think it’s four things:

1. A midlife career change

2. The middle of my parenting journey

3. Turning 50 and becoming very aware of middle age 

4. My interest in developing and supporting middle managers

Each of these ideas has shaped me, challenged me, and given me a fresh perspective on what it means to be in the middle.

Midlife Career Change: Reinvention

For 18 years, I built a career in journalism. I was a news anchor, a reporter, and eventually, the creator of my own lifestyle show (which was one of the great joys of my life). My job wasn’t just a job - it was a huge part of my identity. People literally called me “the news lady.” I’m proud of the fact that my community trusted me with the important stories of the day.

And then, I walked away.

I pivoted into an entirely new industry, took on a very different professional role, and committed to mastering a completely new skill set. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. Those first years were a rollercoaster of doubt + growth. The questions swirling in my head: Can I relearn a complex new industry at this point in my life? Will I be successful? Will I be happy? The learning curve was steep, and I had to prove myself all over again.

But here’s the thing - I had done this before. I knew what it felt like to step into a world where people doubted me. When I was a rookie reporter, I walked into a newsroom with experienced journalists who were not exactly welcoming. Some colleagues saw me as an unqualified “beauty queen” who had skipped ahead in line, resenting my unconventional path. In some cases they sabotaged my progress. A few were outright hostile. It was brutal. 

But I was determined to prove them wrong.

I worked relentlessly, learning every intricate detail of the industry. I didn’t just get by…I hustled. I developed my own stories, wrote my own scripts, and edited my own pieces. You couldn’t out-work me. And before long, I wasn’t just keeping up - I was excelling. I even won some awards in that first year (so there!).

That experience taught me something invaluable: the power of pushing through - even when it’s hard. Reinvention is uncomfortable. It stretches you, challenges you, and forces you to prove - to yourself, more than anyone else - that you are capable. And if you’re willing to lean into that discomfort, it changes you in ways you never expected. 

My midlife career change was one of the best decisions I ever made. I love my work, and I’m good at it! More importantly, the process of learning and evolving made me feel alive.

Middle of Parenting Journey: What’s Next

For 22 years, my husband and I have been raising two incredible daughters. We’ve loved (ok, sometimes survived) every stage - reading bedtime stories, chasing toddlers, shuttling them to dance/piano/soccer, helping with science projects, learning to drive, celebrating victories, and wiping away tears.

But now…they are launching. One is graduating from college and moving all the way across the country. The other is headed to college next fall. We will be empty nesters. (Cue the sappy music.)

In this new phase of life, the house is much quieter. The schedules are less chaotic. And we’re left standing in this weird middle space, trying to figure out what comes next.

Here’s the worst part: No one prepares you for this stage of life. There are countless books, blogs, and expert advice on how to care for newborns, navigate toddler tantrums, and survive the teenage years. But no one warns you about the quiet ache that comes when the people who once needed you for everything…suddenly don’t. When the role that defined so much of your identity shifts, and you have to figure out where you fit now. It’s a strange, lonely transition. It feels like success and heartbreak at the same time. 

This middle phase is requiring me to redefine my relationships. For example, can I still follow my daughters on Life 360? (That’s a rhetorical question. I’m not actually looking for opinions - I’ve already made my decision. We are in a judgement-free zone here people!) On the other side of the equation, do my husband and I still have enough in common to fill all this extra time? I’ve recently taken up golf (you can read my blog post here), but the jury is still out on whether that’s good or bad for the marriage. I’m kidding (mostly). There’s no one who makes me laugh more than Brad. But our lives feel very different now. 

I’m in the middle of figuring all of this out and trying to embrace what’s next. I know I’m not alone. I think it helps to talk about the pain and the pride; the fear and the excitement. This is a season of transition. And just like we survived the toddler years, we will figure this out too. Plus, those who’ve been through it insist that empty nesting is pretty great! 

Midlife: Owning It

Last year, I turned 50.

It’s a milestone that I wasn’t really dreading (I mean what’s the alternative?). But it has come with lots of surprises - both good and bad.  

On one hand, I feel more confident, more capable, and more ambitious than ever. I have wisdom and perspective I didn’t have in my 20s or 30s. I know what makes me happy, and I’m not afraid to go after it. And, I’m more confident about what I have to offer the world. 

On the other hand, midlife comes with a unique set of challenges. Let’s be real: perimenopause is no fun. (If you’re a male reader, please skip to the next section. Or not. Maybe you’re married or in a committed relationship? If so, you should keep reading so that you can be an empathetic partner.) Does any of this sound familiar: Hot flashes? Insomnia? Frozen shoulder? (That’s a real thing and it’s AWFUL - thank you, hormones.) Brain fog? Don’t even get me started on the vision changes. I’m currently in trifocals (but they are super cute!). 

So, how do we reconcile feeling vibrant and alive while our bodies are throwing up midlife warning signs? How do we balance a young-at-heart mindset with the realities of aging?

For me, part of that balance means owning this stage of life. I’m done apologizing for aging. I’m done seeing it as something to “fight” or “fix.” Instead, I’m choosing to adapt. I’m making changes to how I care for my body - prioritizing nutrition, adding in some strength training, and committing to movement. (I wrote about this in previous blog posts here and here. I’m also connecting with doctors who believe in a proactive approach to menopause (more on that later). 

But balance isn’t just about physical health. It’s about advocating for myself in every aspect of life. That means setting boundaries, pursuing peace, and refusing to shrink so others feel more comfortable.

Middle Managers: Empower Others

When I took my new role at UTPB, I stepped into a position that gave me the privilege of building a team. I had always been a mentor in newsrooms, but I had never been the boss. Let me tell you - it’s a whole different level of accountability when you’re the one responsible for setting the vision, developing team members, and making tough decisions.

I’ve learned that middle managers are the key to strong organizations. They’re the backbone of any successful company. They reinforce the culture. They drive performance. Our directors and divisional leaders are usually some of the smartest people in a room. And yet, they’re often overlooked. 

Are we truly investing in their professional growth? Do we give them enough voice and influence in shaping strategy? Have we carved out the time to support their leadership development and ensure they have the tools they need to be successful?

I care deeply about this topic because I see how valuable this portion of our workforce is. Good middle managers feel the pressure, understand the expectations, and work hard to overcome challenges. And yet, many organizations fail to equip them with the training, mentorship, or access they need to grow into strong, effective leaders.

We are better when our emerging leaders are given opportunities to “lead up” - to influence those above them in meaningful ways. But many bosses are resistant to this approach. Why? Is it ego? Is it the need to receive credit? If we want our companies to thrive, we have to do better in this area. 

Over my career, I’ve studied leadership from different perspectives. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from the best, and I’ve become passionate about finding ways to support middle managers. Because when they succeed, organizations thrive.

I’ll be writing more about this topic as I share insights from those who do this exceptionally well. There’s so much to unpack about middle management - the challenges, the potential impact, and most importantly, the need to identify and elevate the right people in order to build stronger, more effective teams.

Why the Middle Matters

So, what is this middle project all about?

It’s about embracing transitions instead of fearing them. It’s about finding purpose in the space between where we were and where we’re headed next. It’s about redefining success, identity, and leadership.

The middle is not a place to get stuck. It’s a place to grow.

And if you’re in the middle of something - career change, parenting shifts, midlife, leadership - you are not alone. Let’s navigate this middle together.

Now, I want to hear from you—what middle are you navigating right now? Drop a comment, and let’s figure it out together.