This episode features retirement transition expert and former lawyer Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, author of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement, in conversation with host Dori Mintzer about how high achievers can rethink retirement as a creative “encore” rather than an ending. Elizabeth shares her own story of leaving Big Law, the contrasting retirement examples of her father and grandfather, and what she’s learned from 16 years of helping professionals design more intentional, energizing next chapters.​

Together they explore how to bridge identity beyond job titles, move from a life dominated by work to a richer “mosaic” of relationships, wellbeing, contribution, and play, and shift from reacting to others’ demands to actively creating your own structure, time use, and definition of fulfillment. Through stories of clients who rediscovered passions like jazz, community leadership, and even Broadway, Elizabeth illustrates practical tools—such as “shaking the snow globe” with reflective questions, experimenting instead of seeking instant mastery, and using annual and daily planning to align time with what matters most.​

Key ideas:

• Retirement as another “graduation,” where you carry forward your enduring self rather than your business card.​
• Shifting from a monolithic work‑centered life to a flexible mosaic that includes health, relationships, learning, service, and joy.​
• Moving from a reactor mindset (responding to others’ agendas) to a creator mindset (designing your own days, experiments, and projects).​
• Using small, low‑risk experiments to explore new interests and locations instead of needing a fully formed plan from day one.​

Connect with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

• Website & programs: encoraco.com​
• LinkedIn: Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons​
• Book: Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement (available via major booksellers)

What to do next:

• Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement Transition
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