Life Fulfilled Podcast — Rethinking Leadership for Sustainable Performance – Details, episodes & analysis

Bernie welcomes Heather Johll for an open and deeply vulnerable conversation about healing and transformation in midlife. Heather, currently Vice President at Ascension Health with over twenty years of leadership experience, shares her remarkable journey of reinvention—from reaching a weight of 385 pounds and struggling with serious health issues, to making a life-changing career shift and reclaiming her physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Heather opens up about how she learned to embrace not just weight loss but a new sense of self. Through candid reflections on overcoming personal trauma and rediscovering joy, Heather exemplifies what it means to pursue not just an acceptable, but an exceptional version of yourself.

3 🗝️ Takeaways

1️⃣ Reinvention requires courage—and sacrifice. To step into your future, it costs you your current self. Being willing to “deconstruct” who you were is the only way to grow.

2️⃣ Lasting change is holistic. The external breakthroughs (like weight loss or career pivots) are only sustainable when you address the underlying mental and emotional challenges. Heather found that investing in counseling and mental health was as important as gym time or eating right.

3️⃣ Fulfillment comes from being exceptionally you.
After years of striving and self-improvement, Heather now finds joy in simple pleasures—morning routines, movement, and authentic connections. Her goal is no longer to be an “acceptable” version of herself but to be the exceptional version. 

Main Takeaway:
Heather’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and intentional transformation. No matter where you are in your journey, becoming your most fulfilled self means embracing the courage to change, investing in your mental health, and showing up authentically.

Connect with Heather Johll
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Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
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Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore corporate hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

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Suno

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In this inspiring conversation, host Bernie Borges sits down with fitness expert Funk Roberts, a bona fide authority on helping men over 40 reclaim their health, fitness, and vitality. As a former pro athlete, best-selling author, and the creator of the renowned 40 Alpha program providing community for more than 10,000 men, Funk brings a no-nonsense, passionate approach to midlife wellness for men over 40. Here's what Funk unpacked on this episode. 

The Six Pillars of Health and Fitness for Men Over 40

Mindset

• The importance of a strong “why” behind health/fitness changes
• Techniques for self-examination: asking “why” five times, writing/talking through personal reasons

Sleep

• Emphasis on 7–9 hours of nightly sleep for hormonal health, muscle repair, mood, and stress management
• Simple actionable sleep routines

Recovery

• Physical recovery: the critical role of mobility, yoga, and injury prevention as we age
• Mental recovery: breathwork, meditation, gratitude practices, and letting go of emotional baggage

Nutrition

• Dangers of popular diets (keto, low fat, low carb) for testosterone and overall male health
• Building balanced meals: complex carbs (fuel for metabolism and muscle), protein (muscle maintenance), healthy fats (testosterone), and micronutrient-rich vegetables/fruits

Workouts

• What not to do: excessive cardio, old-school body part splits
• What works: total body, metabolic/circuit training (20–30 minutes, 3–4 times per week)
• Integrating abs/core, stretching, and prioritizing recovery over more frequent training

Supplementation

• Rationale behind supplement use: nutrient depletion in modern foods
• Essential supplements: whey protein, magnesium, vitamin D3/K2, Omega-3, multivitamin, probiotics, creatine

Main takeaway:
No matter your age or where you’re starting from, it’s possible to reclaim your health and fitness. It starts by getting your mindset right and building sustainable habits around the key pillars of fitness. Consistency and community support are what allow you to thrive in your 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Connect with Funk Roberts
Website
Cholesterol Podcast Episode 160
YouTube
LinkedIn
Instagram

Connect with Bernie Borges

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Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com
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Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore corporate hiring him as a keynote speaker at your next event.
Explore a tailored presentation or workshop on Fulfillment Centric Leadership™.

Watch the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast on YouTube

Music attribution:
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On this Maximum episode, I'm joined by Brent Pattison, a seasoned consultant with a passion for guiding small business owners toward their unique vision of success. Brent and I explore a fascinating system he's developed called the "three P's," which is employed in business as People, Product, and Profit, but can be metaphorically applied to enhance our personal lives, particularly in our midlife seasons. 

🗝️ 3 How the three P's enable personal growth:

1️⃣ People: The framework revolves around managing relationships and understanding their purpose. It's crucial to ask in each relationship, "What's in it for them?" to enhance connection and communication.

2️⃣ Product: In life, your "product" is the experience you create for others. Self-awareness plays a key role in ensuring these interactions are positive and impactful. It's about creating memorable experiences!

3️⃣ Profit: Fulfillment is our version of profit. Just as profit fuels a business, fulfillment fuels our lives, giving us the energy and motivation to pursue our passions and nurture relationships. 

Main Takeaway: The three P's system, originally designed for business, can be applied to your personal life to enhance fulfillment and relationships. By reframing these business principles into a personal growth strategy, you can create more meaningful and fulfilling experiences both personally and professionally. 

Connect with Brent Pattison
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LinkedIn
Books & Courses

Toastmasters

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Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

Get in touch with Bernie to:
Explore corporate licensing of the Thriving in Midlife report.
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Welcome to my takeaway from episode 134, my conversation with Maureen Wiley Clough.

Happy Thanksgiving if you're seeing this on November 23, 2023, in the U.S. I am very thankful to you for listening to the Midlife Fulfilled podcast! 

Here is a recap of the three key discussion points from my conversation with Maureen Wiley Clough on ep 134.

1️⃣ Age diversity in the workplace contributes to innovation and better outcomes.
2️⃣ The tech industry, in particular, has a bias towards youth.
3️⃣ Awareness is the first step towards change.

As with any movement, awareness is always the first step. According to PwC, only 8 percent of organizations include age as a part of their D&I strategies.

The benefits of an age-diverse workplace are obvious. There are many examples of this.

What if SHRM created a Hall of Shame that lists companies with the worst age diversity records? No leader will want to be on this list.

Imagine if LinkedIn offered a digital badge that allows anyone to display “I support age diversity in the workplace.” 
 
My takeaway and challenge to you is building awareness of age diversity as an economic imperative is the way to abolish age discrimination in the workplace.

Do you have examples of age diversity in the workplace that you can share as success stories? If you do, post about them on LinkedIn calling attention to age diversity as well as the successful outcome.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifefulfilled/

Connect with Maureen Wiley Clough
Website: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itgetslateearly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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Eyes Wide Shut
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On episode 134 Maureen Wiley Clough joins me for an eye-opening conversation about the reality of age discrimination in the workplace. Maureen was called a "dino" in the workplace at age 37. This was a wake-up call for Maureen. 

Here are 3 key discussion points from our conversation:

1️⃣ Age diversity in the workplace contributes to innovation and better outcomes. A wide range of ages and experiences brings different perspectives and ideas to the table. It's an economic imperative for companies to embrace age diversity and create an inclusive environment.

2️⃣ The tech industry in particular, along with the corporate world, has a bias towards youth. Many young startups tend to hire and surround themselves with a predominantly young workforce. This devalues the experience and wisdom that older employees can bring. Companies should actively seek to include older workers and benefit from their wealth of knowledge.

3️⃣ Awareness is the first step towards change. By openly discussing age bias and discrimination, we can create a supportive community for those who have experienced it and work towards finding solutions. Let's celebrate getting older, challenge ageism, and improve the representation of all age groups in the tech industry and beyond.

Studies mentioned by Maureen.
PWC study - https://www.shrm.org/foundation/ourwork/initiatives/the-aging-workforce/documents/age-diverse%20workforce%20executive%20briefing.pdf

EEOC Diversity in High Tech report (footnote about age underrepresentation) - https://www.eeoc.gov/special-report/diversity-high-tech

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifefulfilled/

Connect with Maureen Wiley Clough
Website: https://www.itgetslateearly.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@itgetslateearly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/


Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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Music attribution:
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Eyes Wide Shut
Old Bossa Twin Musicom

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This is my takeaway episode from my conversation with renowned Kenyan Pediatrician, Dr. Juliana Otieno on episode 132.

Here are 3 key discussion points from our conversation:

1️⃣ The Value of Education: Dr. Otieno's story highlights the transformative power of education for girls in her community in Kenya. Secondary education plays a vital role in shaping their future by offering them opportunities to thrive economically and in other ways.

2️⃣ Giving Back: Dr. Otieno has always been driven by a strong desire to give back to her community. Through her Rusalia Resource Foundation, she is providing high school education to economically disadvantaged girls in Kenya, breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to create positive change.

3️⃣ Power of Collaboration: By sharing her vision with her cohort at the Inspired Leadership Initiative program at Notre Dame, Dr. Otieno not only gained valuable assistance but also multiplied the impact of her foundation.

My challenge to you is don't go it alone. Collaboration can amplify your impact, whether in pursuing your legacy fulfillment or any aspect of your midlife journey.

The Inspired Leadership Initiative at Notre Dame: https://ili.nd.edu
Dr. Juliana Otieno's Bio: https://ili.nd.edu/fellows/juliana-otieno-m-d/
Rusalia Resource Foundation: https://www.rusalia.org/home

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifefulfilled/

Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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Music attribution:
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Eyes Wide Shut
Old Bossa Twin Musicom

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On this episode, I had the privilege of interviewing retired pediatrician, Dr. Juliana Otieno in part 5 of 5 of the immersive storytelling series with the Inspired Leadership Initiative (ILI) at the University of Notre Dame.   

From her childhood on a Kenyan sugarcane farm to her inspiring journey in medicine and education, Dr. Otieno's life story is as captivating as it is impactful. She shares her passion as an advocate for education for girls in Kenya, her involvement in the ILI program at Notre Dame, and how it influenced her founding of the Rusalia Resource Foundation to enable girls from economically disadvantaged families in Kenya to get a high school education.

Dr. Otieno served as the only pediatrician in a regional hospital in Kenya, ensuring proper care for children despite significant challenges related to healthcare access. Her commitment to giving back to her community is heroic.

She also became the CEO of that same hospital in Kenya, taking on immense responsibility to ensure the well-being of children in the community.

Her involvement in the ILI program at Notre Dame allowed her to connect with a diverse cohort, attend classes, and share her own story with others.

Through the ILI program, Dr. Otieno was inspired to start the Rusalia Resource Foundation. The foundation now supports 30 children and aims to increase that number to 36.

Dr. Otieno has received tremendous support from the ILI community in the U.S., helping with registration and fundraising. The foundation's impact is truly a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.

Dr. Otieno's story illustrates the incredible impact one person can have when driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment to being a force for good. Her work continues to be a source of inspiration to many around the world.

When you listen to this episode you will appreciate how her story exemplifies the impact of the ILI program on one person's devotion to leadership and legacy.

The Inspired Leadership Initiative at Notre Dame: https://ili.nd.edu
Dr. Juliana Otieno's Bio: https://ili.nd.edu/fellows/juliana-otieno-m-d/
Rusalia Resource Foundation: https://www.rusalia.org/home

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifefulfilled/

Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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Eyes Wide Shut
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In this takeaway episode, I explain why my recent experience at the Inspire Leadership Initiative (ILI) annual speaker series event at the University of Notre Dame left such a lasting impression on me as I ponder my own legacy fulfillment. And, I offer you a challenge on this topic I urge you to consider.

Here are 3 key discussion points from episode 130:

1️⃣ A Strong Sense of Community: The ILI program fosters an incredible sense of community among its participants. It was inspiring to witness the deep connections and rapport among the fellows and alumni. They truly become a family, and that support continues long after the program ends.

2️⃣ Life Transformation: The ILI program goes beyond career guidance. Participants experience a profound transformation in mind, body, and spirit. They gain clarity and purpose not just for their careers but for their entire next chapter in life.

3️⃣ Being a Force for Good: The University of Notre Dame's motto, "a force for good," resonates throughout the ILI program. Everyone involved is driven to make a positive impact in the world. This mindset becomes the guiding North Star for the entire community.

Tune in to this episode to discover how I came to realize that legacy fulfillment can be the ultimate midlife pillar for us in midlife. I suggest that it is analogous to self-actualization in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

I submit that legacy fulfillment is immutable – nothing or no one can take it away from you.

My challenge to you is to ask yourself where are you in your legacy fulfillment journey?

My Blog Post Recapping My Visit to Notre Dame's Inspired Leadership Initiative
https://midlifefulfilled.com/the-inspired-leadership-initiative-at-notre-dame-is-a-force-for-good/

Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernieborges
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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Music attribution:
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Old Bossa Twin Musicom
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On episode 130, I recap my recent experience where I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Inspire Leadership Initiative Summit at the University of Notre Dame, and it was truly an inspiring event.

Further below there is a link to a blog post explaining my recap in more detail. Here are three key highlights from my visit:

1️⃣ Strong Sense of Community: The ILI program fosters a tight-knit community among its participants. It was amazing to see the deep connections and support among the current fellows and alumni. They truly become a family, continuing to stay in touch long after completing the program.

2️⃣ Life Transformation: The ILI program goes beyond helping individuals figure out their next career chapter. The participants experience a profound transformation in mind, body, and spirit. Many find clarity and purpose for not just their careers, but their next chapter in life.

3️⃣ Being a Force for Good: Notre Dame's motto, "A force for good," resonates throughout the ILI program. The attendees, from staff to faculty to alumni, are driven to make a positive impact in the world. This mindset is truly the institution's North Star.

On episode 131, I'll share my key takeaway with a challenge for you to consider in your journey of fulfillment.  I hope you'll tune in.

My Blog Post Recapping My Visit to Notre Dame's Inspired Leadership Initiative
https://midlifefulfilled.com/the-inspired-leadership-initiative-at-notre-dame-is-a-force-for-good/

Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernieborges
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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In this takeaway episode, I discuss the power of using your God-given talents from my conversation with Tim Washer on episode 128. Here are three key discussion points and my summary takeaway.

1️⃣ Making a connection: Tim explains how a simple moment of humor can lead to meaningful relationships and build trust.

2️⃣ The power of laughter: It's not just about entertainment; laughter can be a powerful tool for building trust and creating positive connections.

3️⃣ Finding purpose: Tim overcame resistance and fear to find his true calling, combining comedy and communication for a fulfilling career.

Tim shared his experience stemming from a devotional that asked him to identify his spiritual gift. His response to the question was making people laugh, ie comedy. The follow-up question is on a score of 1 to 10, how would he grade himself on how good of a steward he was using this spiritual gift? This question really shook Tim. He had no choice but to score himself zero.

This reminded me of the story, known as the Parable of the Talents. 📖 In this parable from the Bible, Jesus tells a story that teaches a valuable lesson about using our talents wisely. The message is clear: faithfully using your talents is expected and rewarded, while neglecting or burying them is not acceptable.

Whether or not you're a Bible reader, the lesson still applies. We all have natural-born talents, and it's our responsibility to use them for good and make the most of our abilities.

So, my challenge to you is this: On a scale of 1 to 10, how well are you using your God-given talents? It's a question that Tim asked himself and that I asked myself too. I share my answer on this takeaway.

It's never too late to step into your calling and find fulfillment using our God-given talents.

Connect with Tim Washer
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwasher/
http://www.timwasher.com/
https://www.instagram.com/timwasher/
https://www.youtube.com/@TimWasher

Connect with Bernie Borges
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernieborges/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bernieborges
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernieborges/
Email: bernie@midlifefulfilled.com

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Music attribution:
Eyes Wide Shut
Old Bossa Twin Musicom
Twin Musicom Santo Rico

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