Suzanne Matteson
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What happens when we retire?
Many retirees or soon-to-be retirees aren't prepared for the fact that they will spend anywhere from 20-30 years, for some, 1/3 of their lives in a state of retirement. All too often, Suzanne meets retired individuals who, after a honeymoon period of about 12-18 months (or sooner), are feeling a bit lost, without purpose, and not as happy as they thought they would be. It doesn't have to be this way!
What will fill the void of the fulfillment we received while working? The answer lies in thinking, planning, researching, and trying different things. Balancing the various elements of family, health, doing something meaningful and other activities creates a new life portfolio or Version 2.0, if you will.
Recently joining the ‘retirement’ ranks, has reawakened a passion for Suzanne to speak and help others make the most of their retirement chapter, part of her Version 2.0. Through engaging keynotes, retirement coaching, and transformative workshops, Suzanne helps people identify thoughtful ways to act and create a balanced life portfolio.
Audiences feel confident and motivated to think positively and take action towards living a full and satisfying life, regardless of their circumstances.
About Suzanne
I have always been a bit of a risk taker, starting my own business 25+ years ago as a coach and facilitator. I covered topics such as leadership, high performing teams, conflict management and life and career planning. I also developed talks and conducted workshops to motivate hundreds of individuals and teams to develop their vision, set goals and improve performance, mostly in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Having had colon cancer at age 44 taught me how fleeting life can be and I wanted to make the most of mine. For my 50th birthday, I went tandem sky diving, went to Chile skiing, and threw myself a party! I was celebrating being five years cancer free.
Knowing how quickly time passes, and beating two bouts of breast cancer in the last five years, I turned my passion and interest to the study of successful aging and making the most of my time left on this earth. I believe that retirement is a time to be who you want to be, and do what you want to do, as defined by you.
Observing my parents age helped to shape my view of successful aging. Mom was traveling the world until the age of 87 and lived til 93. Dad married for a third time at the age of 77, and shot an 87 in a round of golf two weeks before he passed at the same age as his golf score.
I have now created what I call, Version 2.0 of my life, which includes speaking and coaching on this topic, playing drums (which I picked up just a few years ago) in a rock’n roll band that I recently formed, and volunteering as a Guardian ad Litem (an advocate for children in the NC Department of Social Services system).
Having a passion for sharing knowledge and motivating people, I am encouraging people to create their Version 2.0, including giving back and sharing their gifts with their community and the world.
Companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech and others were my clients and I still consult for my very first client since 1995, Carl ZEISS Inc! I am a Certified Retirement Life Coach, hold a BS in Business from Mercy College, and live in a suburb of Wilmington, NC with my significant other of many, many years (John) and that, my friends, is truly another story...
“Suzanne is a great speaker who knows how to grab and keep your attention. Her dynamic and engaging style makes you feel like you are having a conversation with her. She weaves in real-life stories and examples that not only drive home her main points but also give you tactical and practical ways to make positive changes in your life.”
Stacey Cunningham
President, Aegis Performance Group
Suzanne's Coaching
Suzanne's coaching program introduces a personalized framework to help individuals redefine their lives as they approach or enter retirement. The "5 Pillars of Entirement"coaching program guides individuals in aligning their values, activities, and relationships to create a life filled with purpose, structure, and joy.
The program is tailored for individuals and/or couples looking to:
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Define the most important areas for their next chapter.
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Clarify their identity beyond their career.
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Explore options for how to spend their time.
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Prioritize health and well-being in retirement.
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Build meaningful relationships and routines.
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Live their best life with maximum purpose and minimal regrets.
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Sessions are delivered virtually by either Suzanne or a trusted colleague of hers. Typical programs are 6 sessions over a 3-6 month period of time. Programs can also be customized. For more information, contact Suzanne
Suzanne's Talks
Repurposing Retirement:
Less Retire, More Purpose
There are few expectations of what one does between the ages of 55 and 80, how one does it and how to tell if one is successful doing it. This talk will educate and inform those who have not planned for their retirement or who may be struggling with this chapter of their lives.
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We all have something to offer. The audience will reflect upon the intersection of what they are interested in, what they are good at, and where and how they can grow and contribute to their community, society, or the world to create their unique next chapter. It will also introduce the essential elements that add up to a great recipe for how to live one’s best life now.
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Three Steps to Repurposing Retirement:
1) Taking Stock (Current State / Desired State)
2) Understanding the Essential Elements to a Purposeful Life
3) Creating An Action Plan Follow
Repurposing Retirement:
3 Hour Workshop
Is this You?
• Are you struggling with the transition to the next phase of your life?
• Do you have more down days than up days?
• Do you have an inability to enjoy and adapt to the ever-changing world?
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Many who are in the zone between career/work mode and total retirement want to discover their passion or purpose and create a legacy. This workshop will provide tools, discussions and exercises to help you assess your current state and desired state and develop a plan to build on your gifts and live a purposeful life. You will examine past accomplishments, what gives you the most joy today, and thoughts you have had about your future dreams and desires.
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Leave with a plan to:
• Enjoy Your Next Chapter
• Live a Healthier Lifestyle
• Make A Contribution and Have a Purpose
Tips to Live a Resilient Retirement
Life is fragile and no one gets a pass. Tragedy hits all of us in one way or another. What separates us is how we choose to deal with each and every troubling situation, illness, death, or tragedy. This talk will inform the audience about the Belief Cycle and how our thoughts and beliefs dictate everything that follows. Every action, relationship, interaction, and outcome. It is a powerful model for resilience that works time and time again.
The audience will leave understanding:
• The Power of Thought
• How to Choose Their Attitude
• 5 Steps to Resilience
Suzanne's Testimonials
I highly recommend Suzanne for the important role of speaking to retirees and pre-retirees to help prepare them for the next phase of their journey. Her skills, dedication, and compassion make her the ideal partner for anyone seeking guidance and support during this important transition.
What sets Suzanne apart is her exceptional ability to build trusted relationships quickly and her unwavering commitment to delivering positive results. Her interpersonal and speaking skills are second to none, creating an environment of fun and learning that fosters growth and development.
