I had the pleasure of being on Michal Kay’s Chapter X podcast recently. I have to admit I was a bit nervous about coming on the podcast – not because I didn’t want to do his podcast, but because sharing pivotal life moments of my life in public isn’t exactly my comfort zone. Yet something told me this conversation would be different.

The Power of Authentic Conversations

The funny thing about podcasts is how quickly you forget about the microphone. Michael has this way about him – maybe it’s the decades he’s spent getting people to open up, or maybe he just has one of those trustworthy faces. Twenty minutes in, I found myself sharing stories I hadn’t told anyone outside my inner circle.

Salient Moments from Our Discussion

• Taking the Leap from Theater: For years, my passion was to master the craft of theater arts. I knew my future would lead me to either New York or Hollywood. Everything was on track as I had planned it. I was involved in a major theater production when I sensed I had to leave this passion for acting and directing and head to a vocation in ministry. Explaining this abrupt decision to my theater mentors was difficult—they thought I had lost my mind. But sometimes, the most critical decisions don’t make sense on paper. I knew I was being called in a different direction.
• The Reality of Starting Over: We discussed what it really means to begin again – though I prefer not to call it “starting over.” It’s more like adding new chapters while keeping the old ones close. These days, I find myself using theater exercises in leadership workshops, bringing my past experience into my current work in unexpected ways.
• Finding Purpose in Transition: When Michael asked about “purpose”, I shared how it looks different each day. Sometimes, it’s guiding young leaders through their own transitions; other times it’s simply showing up and being present for those who need support.

Beyond the Microphone

What struck me most was when we went off-script. Michael shared his own experiences with career pivots, and suddenly we weren’t in an interview anymore – we were just two professionals talking about the terror and excitement of jumping without a net. The conversation became an honest review of how life rarely goes according to plan, and how that’s often where the most growth happens.

Lessons in Leadership and Growth

Through our discussion, several themes came up about navigating life’s transitions:

• Embrace Uncertainty: The biggest opportunities often come disguised as risks. My transition from theater to ministry taught me that comfort zones are nice places to visit, but not to live.
• Carry Forward Your Skills: Everything you’ve learned matters. I still use directing techniques in leadership development – creativity translates across all fields.
• Stay Open to Learning: The young leaders I mentor often teach me more than I teach them. Growth is a two-way street at any stage of life.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Today, my work focuses on helping others navigate their own transitions through mentoring, writing, and community building. While the path hasn’t always been clear, each step has led to meaningful connections and opportunities to make a difference.

For those interested in hearing our full conversation, you can find the Chapter X podcast on all major platforms. Michael has created something special – a space where people can openly discuss the challenges and triumphs of life’s transitions.

The experience reminded me that our stories, however winding they may be, have the power to connect and inspire others on their own journeys. Sometimes the best thing we can do is share them honestly.

Connect with Chapter X

If you’re approaching retirement or find yourself grappling with what comes next after a long career, I can’t recommend Michael Kay’s work highly enough. On Chapter X, Michael creates a rare space where men can openly discuss the real challenges of transitioning from a work-centered life to one of new purpose and meaning. Through his podcast and coaching work, he tackles the questions many of us struggle with: Who am I without my job title? What gives me purpose now? How do I build a fulfilling life in this new chapter?

What sets Michael apart is his ability to cut through the typical retirement planning noise and get to the heart of what matters – helping men rediscover themselves beyond their careers. Whether you’re five years from retirement or already navigating this transition, Chapter X’s community offers honest conversations with men who’ve walked this path. You can find the podcast on all major platforms, and I encourage you to connect with Michael directly through his website Michael Kay to learn more about his coaching programs and resources for men in transition.

As someone who’s experienced my own major life transitions, I can tell you that having a guide like Michael – someone who truly understands these challenges – makes all the difference. Take the first step and tune in to Chapter X. Your next chapter might be your best one yet.