“Wait—Did They Really Just Say That?”

It was 6:30am and I wasn’t fully awake. I was pedaling on the stationary bike when I heard it.

“Wait–did they really just say that?“

I caught myself looking around the busy gym—like, did anyone else hear that?

On Maureen Wiley Clough’s It Gets Late Early podcast, she and guest Bradley Richardson brought humor and clarity to a tough topic—ageism in the workplace—without holding back.

I noticed ageism before I hit my 50s. But I couldn’t ignore it anymore when I realized I had to work harder for opportunities. I could feel the attention and opportunities shift to the up-and-comers of the generation behind me.

I now see how pervasive it is. Women over 50 often feel it first. Men do too, though a little later.

Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Especially now with all the economic turmoil.

🔑 A few other nuggets that kept me listening for the rest of my workout… and might have you reflect on your situation right now:

• They described how your career might start to look like a mix of consulting, projects, and personal work.
• They didn’t sugarcoat it—entrepreneurship, while an option, takes time, energy, and a willingness to fail.
• They almost, but not quite said that sales skills are becoming essential—especially in this emerging economy.
• They pointed out that this disruption is hitting every generation—Gen Z isn’t immune.

Want something worth your time? Give this one a listen.

It’s one of the more honest and rambunctious takes I’ve heard lately.
Link to episode: It Gets Late Early: Ageism in the Workplace by Maureen Wiley Clough featuring and Bradley Richardson.

Originally published on LinkedIn

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