Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
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Ep 226 The Secret to Career Success Starts in Your Local Community
Published 15 days ago • 5 min read
Hi Reader,
This week's episode 226 features Bridgette Bello, CEO of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, a print and digital media platform.
Bridgette majored in journalism in college. However, long before her college years, Bridgette wrote the script for a television commercial at age six. It aired on TV and foreshadowed her future in media!
In Bridgette's first job out of college, she was so good at it that she thought she was being fired. That experience turned out to be a pivot in her career from the editorial side of a media company to the publishing side.
The life lesson Bridgette shares in this story is one that can have significance to you in a life or career transition.
As you listen to this episode, consider a conversation you had with someone pointing out how your skills could be harnessed in a different role than the one you had planned.
Bridgette's story is more than just a great career success.
When she and I discussed the five key life pillars: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy, one resonated most with her.
You will hear Bridgette explain how her entire career and life has been anchored in relationships at the local level.
Bridgette is a difference-maker with no regrets.
Her approach to getting things done is direct, with good intentions. She admits to curbing her style to demonstrate genuine awareness of other's circumstances.
Your biggest takeaway from this week's episode just might be realizing that FOMO (fear of missing out) is a thing of the past for you. Below is an outline of our discussion.
The Secret to Career Success Starts in Your Local Community
On episode 226 you'll hear an engaging conversation with Bridgette Bello, CEO and Publisher of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth magazine. Bridgette's story is nothing short of inspiring.
🗝️ Here are three key discussion points:
1️⃣ The Career Impact of Local Engagement: Throughout her career in Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, Bridgette has been deeply involved in local communities, making a significant impact through leadership and philanthropy. Her story is a testament to the positive influence of local relationships on one's career.
How often do you listen to the Midlife Fulfilled podcast?
2️⃣ Transition from Journalism to Business Leadership: Bridgette shared her journey from being a journalist early in her career to taking on senior roles in publishing, leading to two CEO roles. Her move from content creation to the business side of media was a pivotal moment that shaped her successful career.
3️⃣ The Power of Relationships: Bridgette highlights the profound impact of relationships on her career and life. She believes that reputation and connections are our most valuable assets—and safeguarding them is essential. As a respected role model for women, Bridgette embraces this responsibility with pride and dedication.
Main Takeaway: One of the most profound lessons Bridgette shares is the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. As she prepares to welcome her first biological grandchild, Bridgette is reflecting on family and redefining her priorities. Her insights are a reminder to all of us to evaluate our own commitments and focus on the relationships and values that define our fulfillment.
Tune in to episode 226 to discover the power of relationships including (but not limited to) your local community.
The Coach's Corner
Weekly insights and actionable tips from my lens as an executive coach—helping you lead, grow, and thrive in midlife and beyond.
How Important is Self-Awareness?
A leader’s fulfillment journey is not separate from their role—it is central to it. When leaders develop self-awareness of their personal fulfillment across these five pillars, they become capable of empathy and connection, not previously experienced. This self-awareness equips leaders to guide with purpose and inspire others to thrive. The result is a ripple effect: fulfilled leaders foster fulfilled teams, creating a culture where individuals can bring their best selves to work.
Thriving as Individuals and Leaders
The five life pillars are not just a framework for personal growth—they are a roadmap for modern leadership. As individuals, these pillars guide us to focus on what truly matters. As leaders, they offer a lens through which we can inspire, motivate, and empower others to achieve desirable outcomes.
To thrive as a leader, start by asking yourself these questions:
How fulfilled are you in each pillar? (Score yourself honestly.)
Which pillar needs the most attention right now?
How can you support others—whether family, friends, colleagues or staff members—in their quest for fulfillment?
Self-Aware Leadership is Optimized for Success
The five pillars of fulfillment are not just a guide for individual growth; they are a blueprint for transformative leadership. When a leader is keenly attuned to their own journey across Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy, they lead with a depth of empathy and understanding that inspires others to thrive. This is the power of self-awareness—it breaks down barriers, strengthens connections, and cultivates trust.
As you reflect on your own life and leadership, I encourage you to consider these questions: How well do you understand your personal fulfillment across these five pillars? How can this awareness enhance the way you lead? Remember, fulfilled leaders create fulfilled organizations. By embracing this framework, you have the opportunity to not only enrich your own life but to leave a lasting legacy of fulfillment for those you lead.
Bridgette emphasizes the importance of relationships in her career. How do you think relationships shape professional success, especially in local communities?
Bridgette discusses a pivotal moment in 2017 that led her to rethink her career direction. How can life challenges influence professional reinvention or transformation?
What role does community engagement and philanthropy play in Bridgette's career, and how does she balance it with her professional responsibilities?
Considering Bridgette's journey, how do you think her early passion for journalism has continued to influence her roles as a CEO and publisher?
Bridgette shares her perspective on being a role model for women in business. What specific actions or mindsets foster such an influential role?
If any of these questions resonate, tune into episode 226.
Products & Services I Use/Endorse
In this section, I'm promoting other people's products or services I either use or have used and endorse. The links to these products are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase from them.
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Each Thursday the Thriving Midlifer Newsletter helps men and women over 40 thrive across the five key pillars of life: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy.
Hi Reader, Did you notice that I have been asking you a question in recent newsletters? This week, I'm moving the question up near the top. Will you answer it for me? It will take less than 5 seconds. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 How often do you listen to the Midlife Fulfilled podcast? Weekly Occassionally Never Thank you! This week on episode 228 I'm joined by the globe trotting Jack Madrid. I met Jack a couple of years ago when I featured him on another podcast I was hosting at the time. We hit it off...
Hi Reader, Have you ever done something that you're ashamed of? Maybe you have. But, how often do you talk about it? Have you ever openly discussed it on a podcast? That's what I did on this week's episode 227 featuring Vince Warnock. I invited Vince to join me for a 'Vulnerable Conversation.' As Vince shared his personal story without holding anything back, I reached a moment in our conversation where I shared an experience that I'm not proud of. The good news is that experience was a...
Hi Reader, Have you ever done something that you're ashamed of? Maybe you have. But, how often do you talk about it? Have you ever openly discussed it on a podcast? That's what I did on this week's episode 227 featuring Vince Warnock. I invited Vince to join me for a 'Vulnerable Conversation.' As Vince shared his personal story without holding anything back, I reached a moment in our conversation where I shared an experience that I'm not proud of. The good news is that experience was a...
