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Gen X is Redefining Success—And So Am I

  • Writer: Natalie Johnson
    Natalie Johnson
  • Mar 16
  • 2 min read

For years, Baby Boomers shaped the traditional vision of success: climb the corporate ladder, build wealth, and retire comfortably in familiar surroundings. But as Gen X steps into our prime earning and leadership years, we’re rewriting the script—choosing flexibility, reinvention, and a more intentional approach to career and life transitions.


That’s exactly why I was honored to be featured in Business Insider’s latest article on how Gen X professionals are shifting where—and how—they plan to retire.

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Why This Conversation Matters

As a Gen X founder, executive, and strategic advisor, I know firsthand that our generation isn’t wired to simply “ride off into the sunset.” We’ve spent decades building careers, breaking barriers, and proving that leadership doesn’t have an expiration date. Now, as we enter a new chapter, we’re making deliberate choices about how we want to live, work, and lead in the years ahead.


I built, scaled, and successfully exited my company in under a decade—but that wasn’t the finish line. Instead of following the traditional retirement playbook, I’ve chosen to stay engaged, advising ambitious leaders and continuing to shape industries in meaningful ways.


The Gen X Mindset Shift

Women kayaking in ocean

The Business Insider article highlights a powerful shift: many of us aren’t looking to “retire” in the traditional sense—we’re designing lives that give us both impact and balance. Some key takeaways:

  • More Gen X professionals are relocating to places that align with their next phase, whether for lower taxes, a better work-life balance, or a fresh start.

  • Success no longer means being tied to a corporate office or a single career path—it’s about building a future that fits our values and ambitions.

  • Leaders like me, and many of my peers, are embracing what’s next on our own terms—continuing to contribute, mentor, and innovate while also prioritizing quality of life.



Rewriting the Future of Leadership

As a female founder and executive, this shift is especially meaningful. Women in Gen X have spent decades pushing boundaries, and now, we’re proving that success isn’t just something we achieve—it’s something we continually redefine.


My feature in Business Insider is just one example of how today’s leaders are challenging old narratives and embracing new opportunities. Whether through speaking engagements, advisory work, or launching new ventures, this generation isn’t stepping back—we’re stepping forward.


What’s Next for You?

If you’re navigating your own transition—whether it’s launching something new, scaling your business, or preparing for an exit—I’d love to help you build a future that works for you. Let’s talk about how we can shape what’s next, together.

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