What happens when we stop seeing history as something that happened back then and begin using it to understand our own lives?

Historian Jodi Vandenberg-Daves joins me for a fascinating conversation about what older women know, why our experience matters, and how history helps us make sense of today’s challenges.

We explore ageism, the invisible work women have always done, perfectionism, workplace wisdom, mentoring younger generations, and why every stage of life offers opportunities to contribute.

Whether you’re still working, retired, volunteering, raising grandchildren or simply wondering what comes next, this conversation is a reminder that your experience has value—and that the stories we’ve lived become part of the wisdom we can share.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why history gives us perspective during uncertain times
• The difference between getting older and becoming invisible
• Internalized ageism—and how to challenge it
• Why older women remain invaluable in workplaces and communities
• What younger generations can teach us
• The hidden value of women’s emotional labour
• Recovering from perfectionism
• Mentoring, legacy and embracing the next chapter

Jodi’s final advice to us is so very impactful, please pay attention to it.

Listen below and then share this episode!

Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves is a leadership strategist, coach, consultant, facilitator, editor, and author. Her work with organizations and individuals builds on more than 25 years of experience in higher education, non-profit leadership, authorship, teaching, and mentoring.

She empowers leaders and facilitates career journeys for people at all stages, with an emphasis on values, social impact, and creating inclusive communities. She is especially committed to developing diverse women’s leadership and promoting workplaces that help mothers and other caregivers succeed.

Jodi’s book, Leading With Courage: A Career-Long Guide for Idealistic Women, offers a bold, practical framework for women seeking purpose-driven careers grounded in justice and authenticity.

With a doctorate in History, Jodi taught and held leadership roles for many years at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, focusing on systems of privilege and inequality and social change. Her specialties include women’s history and gender, race, and leadership. She also directed her community’s Diversity Council.

Writing is fundamental to Jodi’s work in the world. She is the author of two history books, including Modern Motherhood: An American History (Rutgers University Press, 2014), research and popular articles on intersectional gender issues, and a book of poems. She helps other authors bring their voices into the world as a developmental editor.

Jodi loves to talk about finding our voices and naming and claiming our superpowers, whether it’s in the workplace or on the page.