The Wisepreneurs Podcast, hosted by Nigel Rawlins, delivers thoughtful conversations and practical strategies for women 60+ building meaningful, independent careers.
Tune in to master Networked Entrepreneurship, craft authentic brands, work smarter with tech, stay mentally sharp, and navigate career shifts—all with resilience and purpose.
With 70+ episodes 100+ articles, each episode blends human-centered tools and collaborative wisdom to empower your reinvention.
From launching consultancies to amplifying your voice, find frameworks that fit your life.
If you’ve ever underlined a passage, bookmarked an idea, or highlighted something brilliant—only to forget it—this episode is for you. In this thought-provoking conversation, Sönke Ahrens joins host Nigel Rawlins to show how to turn a lifetime of learning into real, shareable value.
Sönke, best known for his book How to Take Smart Notes, shares how digital tools like Obsidian and Readwise can help professionals externalise their thinking, clarify their voice, and build a foundation for thought leadership.
This episode speaks directly to Wisepreneurs navigating career reinvention, writing, and solo work later in life—without getting overwhelmed by technology.
Resources Mentioned How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens Obsidian – Free note-taking tool used by Sönke Readwise – Imports highlights from Kindle, web, and more Zotero – Citation tool for researchers and writers
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
This episode is a masterclass in career reinvention after 60. For professional women considering entrepreneurship, the path can seem filled with challenges, from overcoming age discrimination to navigating financial uncertainty.
Nigel talks with LinkedIn expert and veteran solopreneur Sue Ellson to create a practical roadmap for success.
Sue defines her "Geekster" identity—using technology to build a flexible career and reveals why your relationships are the most powerful asset you have to combat ageism and thrive.
She offers actionable strategies for a resilient transition, including her "job for now" concept for financial security and how to launch your business with minimal cost using LinkedIn.
About Sue Ellson
Sue Ellson is a highly regarded Australian LinkedIn specialist, author, and career development practitioner known for her expertise in helping individuals and businesses leverage digital tools for growth.
An independent consultant since 1994, she joined LinkedIn in 2003 and is recognised internationally as a leading expert on the platform. Sue is the author of five non-fiction books, including "Gigsters" and "LinkedIn for me and my career or business", and is passionate about empowering people of any age to build meaningful, independent careers.
What if your 60s could be the launchpad for a thriving solo venture? In episode #71, feminist and work-revolution thinker Laetitia Vitaud returns for her third appearance to share how women over 60 can reinvent their careers using their relationships and wisdom.
From leveraging your 150 trusted connections to embracing seasonal work rhythms, Laetitia offers practical ideas for career reinvention for women over 60.
Her insights, like “The most important asset to start a business today isn’t cash—it’s the 150 relationships you’ve been nurturing your whole life,” inspire action and resilience.
Key Takeaways
Networked Entrepreneurship: Your relationships are your greatest asset for starting a business. Laetitia emphasizes, “How varied is the network that you have so that it can help you find ideas or new clients?”
Cognitive Vitality: Older professionals have a cognitive edge with AI. Laetitia notes, “Older workers will have the upper hand because they have been trained cognitively to think critically.”
Resilient Transitions: Align work with life’s seasons for sustainability. Laetitia’s seasonal approach echoes her own insight: “There are seasons in our lives and sometimes we feel tired.”
AI-Augmented Work: Use AI as a conversational tool. Laetitia advises, “As a 60-year-old woman, you have more skills to do this conversation [with AI] properly than someone younger.”
In this quietly remarkable episode, Laurie Smale—former dropout, junkyard worker, communication mentor, and now digital storyteller at 79—joins host Nigel Rawlins for a conversation that redefines what it means to start over late in life.
Laurie shares how he walked away from school at 13 after brutal treatment by a maths teacher and began working in a junkyard under the guidance of Old Bill, his first mentor. Decades later, he returned to education, graduating with honours at 37, and most recently, launching his Magic Minutes YouTube series at 78 with the support of digital mentor Sue Ellson.
From sleeping beside a furnace to building a personal brand online, Laurie’s journey illustrates how fear, when faced with humility and support, can be transmuted into wisdom and legacy. This episode is both a tribute to lived experience and a roadmap for anyone looking to pivot, adapt, and thrive.
Key Themes
Confronting lifelong fear and self-doubt with small, intentional steps
Reinvention in later life using digital tools and social media
The enduring value of mentorship and human connection
Lifelong learning as a mindset—not a timeline
Legacy, storytelling, and the quiet power of older voices in business
In this Wisepreneurs Podcast episode, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Czech publisher and technologist Tomáš Baránek about the enduring value of curated publishing in a world saturated by fast content and generative AI. Tomáš shares how his team at Melvil Publishing selects nonfiction titles with long-term value, from authors like Yuval Noah Harari and David Grann, and why translating a book well is just as much a craft as writing it.
They unpack the risks of over-relying on AI for writing, thinking, and decision-making, and how misinformation and loss of cognitive depth are very real challenges. Tomáš, now studying machine learning in his 50s, gives honest reflections on critical thinking, resisting digital overwhelm, and why slow, intentional reading still matters.
The conversation aligns with three Wisepreneurs categories:
• AI-Augmented Work – The limits of automation in creative publishing
• Cognitive Vitality & Longevity – The role of learning, deep reading, and continuing education
• Resilient Transitions & Support – Navigating knowledge work and reinvention in midlife and beyond
Topics Covered:
•Curated nonfiction publishing in Czechia
•Why Melvil limits its annual titles to focus on quality
•The dangers of AI hallucinations and misinformation
•The challenge of maintaining cognitive engagement in an automated world
•Going back to university at 53 to study machine learning
•Why book translation is about cultural resonance, not just language
Books Mentioned:
•Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Redesigning Retirement: Kim Watty on Purpose and Community
What happens when a distinguished accounting professor decides there's more to life than academia? In this captivating conversation, 66-year-old Kim Watty reveals her remarkable journey from emeritus professor to entrepreneur, co-founding The Main Act with her daughter Prue.
After three decades teaching accounting at prestigious Australian universities, Kim felt pulled toward a different purpose. That calling materialized as a business helping women design purposeful retirements that transcend the typical financial focus. "Pop 'retirement for women' in your browser," Kim explains, "and nine out of ten references will be about finances." The Main Act fills this gap by addressing the emotional, social, and purpose-driven aspects of this major life transition.
Their flagship "Retirement by Design" program—built on Stanford Business School methodology—guides women through an eight-week journey of self-discovery and intention-setting. Participants create three "odyssey plans" for different possible futures, developing the tools and confidence to design their next chapter with purpose. The carefully curated small groups bring together women with similar mindsets around curiosity and action, creating powerful community connections.
Kim's personal transformation mirrors what she hopes to inspire in others. The former accounting professor now starts her days swimming in Melbourne Bay with the Icebergers (wetsuit-free, even in winter!), practices meditation and yoga, and has completely transformed her reading list from academic journals to books on mindfulness and life design. Working alongside her daughter brings the added dimension of cross-generational perspectives.
The statistics are striking—62% of women wish they'd planned better for retirement, with half wishing they'd started earlier. By reframing retirement not as an ending but as taking greater control of how you spend your time, The Main Act helps women see this transition as an opportunity rather than a loss. As Kim wisely observes, "Retirement isn't about finishing work; it's about taking more control of the different activities that make up your life." Ready to design your next chapter with intention? Explore u
In this episode of Wisepreneurs, host Nigel Rawlins sits down with Filip Drimalka, an AI strategist, digital transformation expert, and author of The Future of No Work. Filip shares game-changing insights on AI-driven productivity, automation, and the evolving workplace.
Is AI replacing jobs—or redefining them? Filip challenges traditional ideas of expertise, explaining how entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals can leverage AI to stay competitive and unlock new opportunities.
They also explore the AI mindset, the rise of AI-powered generalists, and how automation is transforming industries. Plus, Filip introduces workations—blending work and travel to create a flexible, fulfilling career.
If you’re a knowledge worker, entrepreneur, or creative professional looking to optimize your work with AI, this episode is a must-listen.
Key Themes Discussed
The AI Mindset – Why developing AI fluency is essential for career success.
Automation & Job Evolution – How AI is transforming industries and redefining roles.
Generalists vs. Specialists – Why will those integrating AI have a competitive advantage?
AI & Work-Life Flexibility – How AI enables remote work, freelancing, and workations.
AI as an Extension of Human Capability – Practical ways to enhance daily workflows and productivity.
Notable Mentions & Influences
People: Tim Ferriss (The 4-Hour Workweek), Ethan Mollick (AI & work expert), Sam Altman (OpenAI). Companies & Tools: Klarna, OpenAI, NVIDIA, ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, SavvyCal, Starlink.
In this episode, we sit down with Michal Novotný, a distinguished physiotherapist and fitness coach who has worked with elite athletes such as Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, and Hollywood stars including Orlando Bloom and Chris Hemsworth.
Michal shares his journey from his early career in ATP tennis to developing groundbreaking approaches, and authoring Czech Republic bestsellers Sport is Pain and The Secret of Healthy Movement.
Listeners will learn about the transformative power of prevention, the role of personalized wellness strategies, and how holistic approaches to health can extend professional and personal longevity. Michal provides actionable insights into how movement, diet, and mindfulness intersect to support sustainable success for self-employed professionals and independent creators.
Key Themes Discussed: • The importance of prevention in avoiding injuries and enhancing performance. • Personalized health strategies tailored to individual needs. • The interplay between physical wellness, career demands, and long-term resilience. • Insights into maintaining fitness and health at different life stages. • Lessons from working with global sports icons and Hollywood stars.
Mentions: • Individuals: Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Orlando Bloom, Chris Hemsworth, Ernest Hemingway, Charles Bukowski. • Organizations: ATP Tennis, Real Madrid University, University of Murcia, Hollywood studios.
Contact Details: • Michal Novotný’s books, Sport is Pain and The Secret of Healthy Movement (available in Czech, with plans for translation).
In this episode of The Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins speaks with Anna Burgess Yang, a former FinTech executive turned freelance content writer and solopreneur. Anna shares her journey from corporate to self-employment, balancing her career with raising three children. She highlights how she uses automation, lean thinking, and generative AI to stay organized, streamline workflows, and maintain a successful business.
Listeners will learn how Anna leverages tools like Airtable and Zapier to simplify repetitive tasks, builds a personal brand through authentic LinkedIn updates, and integrates work and family life with disciplined habits like starting her day at 4 a.m.
Whether you’re a self-employed professional looking for practical tips or an entrepreneur seeking fresh insights, Anna’s story offers valuable lessons on balancing priorities and enhancing productivity.
Key Themes Discussed:
• Leveraging automation tools for workflow optimization.
• Incorporating lean principles to refine processes and prioritize key tasks.
• Building a personal brand that authentically attracts clients.
• Balancing work, personal growth, and family responsibilities.
• Using generative AI to repurpose and expand creative output.
Mentions in the Episode:
Airtable, Trello, Zapier.
Guest Offers and Contact Information:
Anna Burgess Yang provides free resources and insights for solopreneurs and small business owners through her newsletter and blog. Explore her work and connect:
In this episode of the Wisepreneurs Podcast, host Nigel Rawlins sits down with Krisna Hanks, a metabolic health expert, to discuss how prolonged sitting can undermine even the healthiest habits. With decades of experience and her role as Director of Employee Wellness Programs at Ovadia Heart Health, Krisna highlights the importance of small, frequent “metabolic sparks” to boost resilience and mental clarity. She introduces the concept of the “active couch potato”—people who work out yet still sit for long hours—and offers actionable tips to help professionals over 50 maintain physical and cognitive vitality.
Key Themes
The Impact of Sedentary Behavior: Effects on metabolic markers, cognitive function, and overall health.
Metabolic Health Essentials: Importance of core metabolic markers like blood pressure, glucose, and triglycerides.
‘Metabolic Sparks’ for Everyday Life: Short activity breaks can boost energy and mental clarity.
Employee Wellness in the Workplace: Moving beyond disease management to proactive wellness.
Aging with Independence: Ways to maintain physical and cognitive resilience as we age.
Mentions
Individuals: Dr Philip Ovadia, Dr Neville Owen, Dr Georgia Ede, Dr Christopher Palmer
Organizations: Ovadia Heart Health, Stanford Health Promotion Network, Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Offers Ovadia Heart Health's—free whitepaper on the impacts of sedentary behaviour can be downloaded at ovadiahearthealth.com/wellness.
Book mentioned: The 100-Year Life by Andrew Scott and Lynda Gratton
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
Explore Laurie’s books, Magic Minutes videos, and speaking work at lauriesmale.com
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
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Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
Wisepreneurs Newsletter: Thrive at 60+ with Purpose & Strategy Smart, Sustainable Support for Women Entrepreneurs Beyond 60 Sign up here:https://wisepreneurs.com.au/newsletter/
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