John Tarnoff, How to Recreate Your Career After 50

Profiles in Leadership

Key Takeaways

Career reinvention is increasingly necessary due to longer lifespans, changing job markets, and ageism

Success in later-career transitions requires self-knowledge, persistence, and leveraging one's "superpower" skills/experience

Networking and thought leadership are crucial for accessing the "hidden job market" where 80% of hiring occurs

Older professionals have advantages like neuroplasticity, "just thinking" problem-solving, and empathy from life experience

Topics

John Tarnoff's Background

30+ year career as entertainment industry executive and film producer

Transitioned to career coaching in 2012 after a TEDx talk on transformation

Now focuses on helping mid-career professionals (45-55+) navigate career changes

Challenges for Older Workers

Ageism and bias in hiring practices, especially for those 60+

Difficulty recovering from job loss/layoffs as companies reorganize

Need to work longer due to increased longevity and reduced retirement savings

Erosion of traditional career paths - average job tenure now only 3-5 years

Keys to Successful Reinvention

Self-reflection to identify one's "superpower" - unique skills, experience, values

Reconciling past failures/regrets to move forward without baggage

Persistence and opportunism when pursuing new directions

Maintaining curiosity and a growth mindset to continue learning

Focusing on being "useful" rather than chasing a dream job

Effective Job Search Strategies

Build robust LinkedIn profile articulating your value proposition

Network to build a community of shared professional interests

Engage in thought leadership by sharing expertise and insights

Target the "hidden job market" of referral-based hiring (80% of jobs)

Spend time daily/weekly on networking and community-building

Advantages of Age and Experience

Neuroplasticity allows continued learning and growth

"Just thinking" - intuitive problem-solving from years of experience

Increased empathy and wisdom from life experiences

Potentially greater risk tolerance due to life/career accomplishments

Higher success rates for older entrepreneurs vs younger

Leadership Philosophy

Servant leadership and "leading from behind" are most effective

Listening is the essence of good leadership

Focus on supporting and developing team members