It is my mission to create opportunities for business owners and professionals to connect to build better businesses, increase their confidence, provide knowledge, support, and opportunities. I like to stimulate conversations that encourage you to connect on a deeper level not only with yourself, as you decide how you want to move forward in life and business, but to connect with others who often have insight, knowledge, and experience way beyond your realm.

By then converting the knowledge you gain to strengthen your understanding, you can also adjust your approach to life and business and how you contribute and impact your community.

I believe that so often, we just do not know, what we don’t know. Sometimes we have just never made time to think about it, and it can have a significant influence on in our life and those around us.

Constant need to analyse, question and apply

My husband, Leigh Powell and me, run a business community providing, a dynamic program of business events for small business owners and professionals who seek professional development, community and growth. Our aim to encourages our participants to constantly analyse, question and apply new learning to their circumstances and version of success.

We see networking as much more than a business tool; we know every encounter unlocks new opportunities and connections and allows you to make informed decisions as you convert or transform your thinking and increase your awareness of the world around us and your part in it.

Our events have been held on the last Tuesday of the month for the since 2013. I am eagerly awaiting the conversation that will be prompted by our guest speakers, Hunter Leonard and Managing Director of Fitted for Work, Donna de Zwart.

Hunter Leonard, is the author of several books and his latest book “Maturity Blues” insights provides into how mature individuals take control of their life, be valued and prosperous.

Hunter is on a mission to tackle issues of ageism at all levels and highlight the need to embrace a more mature world at work. Conversations with governments, organisations, and individuals, has highlighted the need for us to consider the future of work.

Donna is the Managing Director, Fitted for Work helping women experiencing disadvantage get work, keep work and strive at work.

She understands from a personal perspective how important it is not only for a woman to experience the dignity that work brings, but also how employment impacts family, the wider community and the growth of the Australian economy and society.

So does age affect business? let me share a story.

Never too old to make changes

In 1981, I returned to study as a mature aged student., having worked in the travel industry for some time. I had always wanted to become a teacher and I believe we are never too old to make changes.

I am a lifelong learner and being a teacher, made me realise my role was to help other know how to find what they needed. That no one can never know it all. But by connecting with others, we can constantly expand and develop our critical thinking skills thinking and knowledge base.

At teachers’ college I learnt about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow was an American psychologist who described human needs as ascending levels in a pyramid. The lowest levels represent our basic needs: food, shelter, warmth and rest, security, and safety.

We all seek that. As business owners that is what we work to provide for our families. As we grow and mature, and our businesses develop, we mature and move through Maslow’s pyramid.

Self-actualisation is the true definition of success

Self-actualisation - which is the need to achieve one’s full potential - sits at the pinnacle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and is only possible when basic physical and mental needs are met. For many people, self-actualisation is the true definition of success.

But can age stop you in your tracks?

My dream of being a teacher was almost just that a dream… if I had let age hold me back and believe I was too old to return to study.

Identifying transferable skills

In the 1970s it was uncommon for people to divorce. My parents did. Their marriage ended in its twenty-fifth year. My mother instigated the split and had the courage to leave our family home, acutely aware that she had become the sole provider for herself and me.

I suppose my mother really was as a role model for me on many fronts.

My mother, learnt to be comfortable in male-dominated environments and went to work selling holden motor cars , then ford, then advertising at the Herald sun, manage a courier company, before finally retiring at the age of 77 from her public relationship job within the funeral industry. She had transferable skills and turned her circumstances around and was able to maintain her financial independence. She never let age be a barrier as she had a lot to contribute.

I changed direction in 2006 and moved out of teaching to take up an opportunity within international relocation. But, in 2008 with the GFC, the work dried up. I took a job-sharing role in the real estate industry, but with ageing parents, I needed more flexibility. From my childhood, financial security has always been drilled into me. I started my own business, because I was aware that as a 50 something, it may get harder to find a role as an employee. I wanted to oversee my own destiny and feel I had capacity to work if I so desired. create income…so I started Your Time Matters. I too had diverse experience to draw upon.

Economic independence and empowerment

In 2011, my husband became a mentor for Fitted For Work, a not-for-profit organisation that has supported over 30,000 women across Australia, women facing financial disadvantage. Fitted For Work seeks economic independence and empowerment for women and their mission is:

‘… to help women experiencing disadvantage get work, keep work and navigate their world of work. We do this by developing each woman’s confidence and self-esteem as well as her skills and knowledge to obtain work through a suite of tailored pre-and post-employment programs and

Reflecting on my own childhood when my mother became the sole breadwinner, I can relate to many of the challenges experienced by Fitted for Work mentees. I’m sure there were times when my mother felt she was facing overwhelming odds.

There are many challenges in life. Technology for one can be a barrier. Also, the way our community is set up to help older workers and women who face inequality … gender issues, wages, superannuation.

I am so glad there is now an organisation dedicated to providing women in difficult circumstances with practical assistance and support. It doesn’t make it easy, but it does make a difference and sometimes that is enough.

These women are now role models for their children, families, and others in their community.

‘… when women are fitted for work, they are fitted for life. They know that when women have hope, confidence and economic security through work, the flow on effect is transformational, both to their families and to society as a whole”

Business owners and professionals have a role to play

So… how does age affect business?

What do what you consider is the value of the social and economic impact and the role that business owners and professionals can play in having a positive impact on our community, now and in the future?
Perhaps I have prompted some thought?
Maybe you have experiences or stories of connections that you can draw upon and share?

I would love you to continue the conversation in the comments below.

If you would be keen to explore conversations like these with business owners and professionals from diverse backgrounds, check out our coming events HERE. , or if you would like to have a conversation how I could help you to build your business visit my website and book a virtual coffee to get started.

How does age affect business?