Introduction
Welcome to my world—where science meets humour, chaos meets structure, and experience meets an insatiable curiosity for what’s next. I’m Dr. Heike Franz: nutritionist, business whiz, and lifelong learner with two doctorates, an MBA, and an unofficial degree in surviving corporate nonsense.
I’ve managed multibllion-dollar projects, untangled financial disasters (yes, including the infamous shoebox accounting system in Beijing), and spent years helping women 50+ regain their health, confidence, and sanity. I’ve lived through the reality of menopause, debunked more nutrition myths than I can count, and embraced technology, including AI, as a way to work smarter, not harder.
Oh, and did I mention I share my home with a magnificent Great Dane who believes he owns my office? And who is much smarter than some CEOs I have met.
So, if you’re here because:
✔ You’re fed up with being underestimated at work, but don’t have the energy to discuss with supervisors, who are younger than your kids..
✔ You’re navigating the delightful (cough) surprises of menopause while still trying to keep up with a fast-paced workplace.
✔ You’re tired of 30-year-olds explaining technology to you as if you were raised by candlelight.
Then, my friend, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.
But before we dive in, I must admit that my body is showing signs of wear and tear. I have to pay more attention, eat well (yes, my pet peeve), get rest and enough sleep. I like to think of myself as a classic car – needing a bit more maintenance, the finest fuel, plenty of polish, and a lot of TLC to shine like a true vintage gem!
Although nutrition, exercise and stress management are not the focus of this article, I invite you to check out my courses. Your physical and mental well-being is the foundation for the next exciting phase in your life.
Yes, Ageism Exists – But So Do You
Let’s address the elephant in the boardroom: Ageism is real. It lurks in hiring decisions, offhand remarks about “fresh energy,” and the quiet assumption that we can’t possibly get new technologies.
It is common practise to not even read your application, when you are above a certain age. The algorithm doesn’t recognize that you might tick each and every box, overfulfill requirements and are ready to rock ’n roll for the next decade.
What these assumptions fail to acknowledge is that we are the women who built businesses, led teams, and survived workplaces before “wellness initiatives” and bean bag chairs became a thing. Our strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and sheer grit are irreplaceable.
💡 Power move: Flip the script. The next time someone praises a “young, fresh perspective,” respond with, “Absolutely! And when you pair that with my decades of experience, you’ve got an unbeatable team.”
Menopause at Work: It’s Not a Dirty Word
Ah, menopause. That delightful phase where your body decides to keep things exciting – one minute you’re freezing, the next you’re melting like a human candle. And let’s not forget the brain fog that turns the word spreadsheet into a game of mental hide-and-seek.
Yet, in most workplaces, menopause is still a taboo topic. If men had hot flashes, we’d have corporate-funded “Cooling Stations” and mandatory siestas. Since that’s not the case, it’s up to us to normalize the conversation.
I’m sure other cultures might see things differently. During my time in Beijing, I had the pleasure of working with Helena, a highly qualified Chinese woman who was going through menopause at that time. Picture this: in the middle of a presentation to Senior Executives, Helena’s face turned as red as a traffic light – she was having a hot flash. We were already over our time, so I suggested a quick break to let her cool off. But Helena, ever the trooper, declared, “Nope, I’m taking questions now. And as you can see, gentlemen, I’m ready to spit fire. So don’t even think about feeding me any nonsense!”
Yes, during menopause, our hormones go through quite the transformation, with estrogen – the hormone that turns us into the ultimate caregivers—taking a nosedive. While younger women might be busy playing “office mom,” looking out for everyone’s wellbeing, those of us in menopause are happily handing over the apron. So gentlemen, it’s time to step up and master the art of making your own coffee. Welcome to adulthood!
💡 Power move: If someone comments on your personal desk fan running in the middle of winter, simply say, “Oh, that’s my advanced climate control system.” Own it, with zero shame. And make sure you pay attention to your body. Get rest, get enough sleep and forget that nonsense of working 18 hour-days.
AI: Your New Best Friend (No, Really, It’s Not That Scary)
Some people assume we don’t do technology. The truth? We just don’t waste time downloading every app a 25-year-old raves about on TikTok. We embrace tools that actually make life easier – like AI.
I am using AI extensively and would love to delegate some tasks completely – but we are not yet there. AI is doing a good job, most of the time (I am ALWAYS checking whether he/she/it is again hallucinating, as if on magic mushrooms), but I am adding the cherry on top of the cake.
Imagine:
- AI writing assistants that draft reports and emails for you, so you don’t spend 20 minutes crafting the perfect “per my last email” response.
- AI scheduling tools that handle meeting coordination without the endless back-and-forth.
- AI analytics that process data and trends in seconds instead of hours.
💡 Power move: Next time a younger colleague offers to “walk you through” the latest tech update, say, “Actually, I was just reading about AI-driven productivity tools – what’s your take on integrating machine learning into workflow automation?” Then enjoy watching them scramble.
And if you need assistance or would like to learn more about the tools I am using, just let me know. Right now, I am teaching offline courses to local companies. This can easily be brought online.
Confidence is Contagious – Start Spreading It
A funny thing happens when you walk into a room with confidence – people assume you know what you’re doing. Which, of course, you do. You know your qualifications, your achievements and know exactly what you do.
But I am honest with you: many of my clients lost their confidence, when they started gaining weight in midlife.
I remember a woman, let us call her Danielle, who was a bit older than me and always my role model. She climbed the corporate ladder quickly, was smart, respected, and very attractive. Her business suits were colorful yet stylish and pricey, paired with high heels and a well-groomed look. It was clear she put effort into her appearance, and she exuded confidence.
Fast forward 15 years, she remained incredibly knowledgeable but had gained some weight and started dressing in darker colours. The weight itself wasn’t an issue but seeing her hide behind oversized blouses and no longer claiming center stage was a bit disheartening.
Age isn’t a liability. It’s a superpower. Think about it: You’ve handled corporate nonsense (lots of it), navigated crises, and probably worked through more “urgent” deadlines than you can count. You know how to keep your cool when others are panicking over a misplaced Excel file.
💡 Power move: Walk into meetings like you own the place (because mentally, you do). If you’ve got an idea, say it first, before some junior exec repeats it louder and gets credit. Make sure, you are feeling comfortable in your body – yes, this might require adjustments in your diet, your exercise program and stress management. Work smarter, not longer hours.
Expand Your Network – And Your Horizons
Feeling stuck in your career? The solution isn’t waiting for your boss to notice you (spoiler alert: they won’t). It’s about taking control.
One key element here is networking. You can use AI-powered networking tools, attend industry events, or take online courses to add new skills to your already impressive arsenal.
Here are some AI-powered networking tools that can be useful:
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Uses AI to help identify and connect with potential leads and business contacts, offering personalized recommendations and insights.
- Clearbit Connect: Leverages AI to provide detailed information about business contacts by integrating with your email, helping you learn more about your connections and improve networking.
- Troops.ai: Integrates with Slack and other communication platforms to provide real-time alerts and insights about your network, helping you manage relationships effectively.
These tools can help enhance networking efforts by providing insights, automating tasks, and improving communication with contacts. There are certainly more helpful tools around, just spend some time to check out which ones work for you. Or ask your Network, what they recommend.
New career opportunities are not just for 20-somethings. Women over 50 are starting businesses, pivoting into consulting, and embracing the freedom to work on their own terms.
💡 Power move: Join LinkedIn groups focused on midlife career reinvention. Reach out to women who inspire you. Build your own network that values you, your skills, your experience and your ideas. Not just your age.
Reinvention Isn’t Just for Millennials
Who says career pivots are only for young people? Not us. We’ve got decades of experience, and guess what? That experience is valuable. Whether you want to start your own business, transition into consulting, or finally write that book, now is the time.
And guess what? If you’ve been applying for new jobs and only getting rejections – or worse, no response at all – don’t lose hope. Reach out to your network, especially other women in the same boat, and share your experiences. Maybe you find your future business partners?
I witnessed this with a former colleague, let’s call her Helga, the systems engineer extraordinaire. At 55, she was unceremoniously laid off, despite being the last known dinosaur of the XYZ System. “How can they let me go? I’ve done everything for this company, including communicating with software that predates the internet!” she exclaimed.
Naturally, the company realized their colossal blunder when they lost a major client—the one using Helga’s ancient system. It turns out that dinosaurs do have the last laugh, as this client reached out to Helga directly. By 57, she had sealed her first big deal, proving that sometimes extinction just means a new beginning in business!
💡 Power move: If you’ve been considering a big change, start small. Take online courses. Connect with mentors. Use AI to streamline your research – it’s like having a personal assistant, minus the attitude.
You’re Not Done – You’re Just Getting Started
Here’s the ultimate truth: You are not irrelevant. You are not past your prime. You are at a point where you get to choose what success looks like – without the insecurities of your younger years.
The only question is: What’s next?
It’s perfectly okay to hit the “snooze” button on the career ladder. Who said you have to keep climbing? It’s not a race to the top; no one’s handing out medals for exhaustion. And not everybody wants to be on the top.So go ahead, slow down, and think about, what really makes you happy.
And if you’re still in the game because your bank account isn’t ready for retirement – make sure, you know your value. To be honest with you, ask a very dear friend to help you with that exercise. We all have our blind spots, when we have to point out our strengths. Go find a job that appreciates your experience and skills, like a rare vintage wine. Cheers to finding what fulfills you!
Whatever path you decide to take, make sure to listen to your body.
Get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, and enjoy life. Don’t fall into the trap of working crazy hours just because it’s expected of “successful” people. That’s nonsense and it simply doesn’t work. Trust me, I’ve had to fix plenty of project calculations after pulling all-nighters! Think of yourself as a classic vintage car, the analogy I used in the first chapter: neglect maintenance, and you’ll be sputtering on the side of the road. But with some tender loving care, you could be the headline act at the car show, complete with a shiny coat of wax and people wondering if you come with a chauffeur!
💡 Final power move: Stop waiting for permission. Be bold. Take up space. And if the workplace doesn’t see your worth? You do. And that’s where real change begins.
Now go show them how it’s done. 🚀
Final Thoughts
Life after 50 isn’t about slowing down – it’s about stepping up. We’re not just keeping up with younger colleagues; we’re leading the way with wisdom, adaptability, and (yes) a little help from AI.
So, lace up your sneakers (or stilettos), grab a cup of tea (or something stronger), and remember: Your career isn’t over. It’s just getting interesting.
Now, go make some waves.
