From Strength to Purpose: Redefining Leadership in Midlife

What happens when your title no longer defines you? In this episode of Midlife Remix, I sit down with Brett Wright, former senior executive at Macquarie and AXA, now Chief Revenue Officer at Tortoise, to explore how leadership evolves in midlife. Brett shares the lessons that shaped his leadership, including the influence of legendary coach Joe Paterno, his experience with imposter syndrome, and how actual growth often comes from moments of discomfort. We unpack what it means to shift from resume values to eulogy values, and how vulnerability, curiosity, and community can help us lead with intention. Whether you're in transition, feeling stuck, or seeking to deepen your sense of purpose, this conversation is worth taking the time for. Timestamps & Chapters: 0:00 – Vulnerability as strength 1:17 – Introducing Brett Wright: From Wall Street to ski trips 2:35 – Building real community through connection 5:16 – What Brett learned about leadership 6:55 – Joe Paterno’s impact: Leading with care, courage & balance 8:48 – Humbling moments, imposter syndrome, and growth 10:48 – Taking risks and navigating nonlinear paths 11:56 – Advice for making a career pivot 14:00 – Facing uncertainty and identity loss 16:43 – Designing a life: Meditation, movement, and meaning 17:19 – Eulogy values vs resume values 18:44 – Midlife loneliness and the power of friendship 19:46 – Beyond transactions: Cultivating lasting relationships 22:45 – Who are you really? Identity beyond the title 25:08 – Hobbies, crafts, and fulfillment outside of work 27:34 – Golf and side-door conversations 28:09 – Final reflections on growth, humanity, and being seen Resources Mentioned: - From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks - The Second Mountain by David Brooks - Meditations by Marcus Aurelius - Dare to Lead by Brené Brown - Fast Friends Protocol - Harvard Study on Adult Development Takeaways:- Building community is essential for personal and professional growth.- Leadership is about connection and caring for others.- Navigating uncertainty requires focusing on the process, not just outcomes.- Vulnerability is a strength in leadership and relationships.- Finding purpose is crucial for a fulfilling life.- Investing time in relationships is as important as work.- Loneliness can be an epidemic in professional life.- Crafting a life involves understanding your values and experiences.- Adaptability is key in navigating career changes and risks.- Intentional relationships lead to deeper connections and support.About the Guest: Brett Wright Brett Wright is Chief Revenue Officer at Tortoise and has held senior roles at Macquarie and AXA Investment Managers. He's also the founder of Leadership Nexus, a community focused on navigating personal and professional change. Brett is passionate about redefining leadership through humility, intention, and meaningful relationships. #MidlifeRemix #coachingmetta #stevenmiyao #LeadershipInMidlife #FromStrengthToPurpose #JoePaterno #CareerReinvention #VulnerabilityInLeadership #ExecutiveCoaching #SecondMountain #EulogyValues #ProfessionalGrowth #CommunityBuilding #BrettWright #StevenMiyao #pennstate #pennstatefootball