Career as Springboard

Karen Gedney

Physician to Author, Advocate, Speaker and Mentor

Karen found Her Next Act by taking the skill set and experience gained from a decades-long career, using it as a way to jump into creating a more meaningful, fulfilling path.

After leaving a 30-year career as a physician in an all-male penitentiary at the age of 59, Karen Gedney became an author, writing about her experience. This led her to speak on prison reform before all types of audiences as well as mentoring children who have one parent in the prison system. Having seen drug addiction contribute to the incarcerated population she also volunteers at an organization that provides assistance to adults struggling with addiction.

Karen expanded on her 30-year experience, using it as a springboard to discover Her Next Act and a feeling of greater purpose and meaning. She took the time to explore the possibilities and created this new path. Karen has expressed that she now feels a sense of accomplishment every day. Through her actions she has had enormous impact, considering she touches many more lives than those she interacts with directly.

My note: People get caught up in the idea that if they can’t save the whole world they might as well not try. There’s too much saving to do and it’s too overwhelming. The sentiment is a reminder of a sweet story that has always resonated with me. Paraphrased here: a man is walking along the beach covered with hundreds of starfish washed up by the tide. He sees a young boy tossing something in the ocean and asks him what he’s doing. The boy responds, I’m throwing the starfish back into the ocean so they won’t die. The man then says, There are hundreds of starfish and miles of beach - you can’t possibly save them all. As the boy picks up another starfish and gently tosses it back into the ocean he says...But I saved that one!

And there it is. If the idea that you can’t save the world is holding you back, remember this story. Changing the life of just one person, or animal, or literally and metaphorically “saving a tree”, can make a difference and have a profound impact. Just thinking about it, won't.

Inspired? Please join me in our private fb community to continue the conversation and to take steps towards creating your Next Act! I’d love to connect!