Notes

In this episode of Surfing the Quicksand, Kathy Vines talks with Susan Miele, author and identity researcher, about the ways midlife changes, whether menopause, career transitions, or life disruptions, affect identity and personal agency. Drawing from her own experiences as a former C-suite executive and her journey through career transitions, Susan explores how major life events (loss, grief, and hormonal changes) reshape our sense of self and challenge the stories we tell ourselves. Susan explores how we can consciously choose how to navigate these changes, redefine our stories, and create opportunities for growth.

Listeners will learn how identity is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves, why feeling “stuck” is often a result of an outdated narrative, and practical strategies to get unstuck, reclaim agency, and explore possibilities, even when life feels unpredictable.

Whether you’re considering a professional reinvention, a personal reset, or simply want to understand how identity evolves over time, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and actionable tools to help you rewrite your story and embrace new possibilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Identity is fluid, not fixed. We can rewrite the story we tell ourselves about who we are at any point in life.
• Choice is powerful. Whether in menopause, career, or personal life, we get to choose how we move forward, without judgment.
• Feeling “stuck” often stems from old narratives. Recognizing these stories is the first step to getting unstuck.
• Small pauses create breakthroughs. Walking away, sleeping on a problem, or letting the mind rest can lead to sudden clarity and momentum.
• Practical identity work spans home and work. How we tell our story affects family management, careers, and daily life choices.