Occupation: Coach/Trainer/Facilitator/Speaker/Author
Website: thesuperbwoman.com

What current (and/or future) projects fuel your days and fill your soul with purpose?

I’m currently doing a Corporate training gig on Personal Effectiveness, as well as coaching some young electrical contractors who are looking to advance in their careers. I love working with young people and helping them navigate both the personal and professional landscape. I’m also working on my first novel!

Wow ~ A novel! What inspired you to start writing?

As you probably can surmise, I usually just write 500 word pieces. Or short books. A novel was quite an endeavor! I started it as a memoir (because I have stories…ask Monisha! ). But then I thought about my litigous ex, so I fictionalized it and added characters and events. It was fun. I completed it a year ago, tried pitching it to agents and got nowhere. So I put it on the shelf. But, I go to Martha’s Vineyard twice a year and had no plans for this next trip (next week), so thought I’d dust it off and try a rewrite.

Do you have a process to keep yourself motivated to write? Creating and writing a digital magazine/blog is challenging enough, I can't imagine how you stry on track writing a novel.

When I was writing the novel I was working full-time, so getting up early and putting in the hours was NOT going to work. I often need to get away - Paris, VT, MV - where there are no things needing my attention. I did set up a challenge for myself to write 2000 words over a weekend for a while - at home. That worked pretty well. We’ll see how this rewrite goes!!

What’s a personal or professional experience you accomplished after 50 that felt scary to do at first, but turned out to be courageous, freeing, or exciting?

I am very lucky to have had a mother who was the role model I needed in order to step into being an entrepreneur. She had been a stay-at-home mom until she was in her late 40s, at which time she took a job at a fabric store. Then, at 50, she and a friend decided to start their own alterations shop. Seeing her succeed gave me the courage to do the same when I was 52 and opened my Professional Women’s Center. It was a concept ahead of its time, opened during an economic crisis, but the experience showed me that I had the ability – and tenacity – to follow my unique path.

If your life was a movie, what would it be called?

What’s Next? I’m Ready!

What does it mean to you to be part of the Graybellion community?

I love being a part of groups that support and uplift women, at all ages and stages. Being an early adopter of “going grey” and accepting my age and stage, I am all for anything that can help women embrace the power of this stage of life.

What’s one piece of advice you’d offer the under-50 crowd?

This too shall pass…and then it gets better!!!

What’s your current favorite travel destination, book, or outfit?

I go to Martha’s Vineyard twice a year – it’s my heart center! I also have quite an affinity for Paris. And if I had a choice, I’d live in sweats! I love being cozy!

If you were a mocktail/cocktail what would would you be?

Black coffee – strong and hot!

Is your story inspiring ~ we would love to hear from you! Tell us what you are up to….

If Coffee Were a Woman—Meet Janet: Always Hot & Strong!