Ep 29 - From "Obsolete" to Unstoppable: Jennifer Schroeder Exposes Workplace Age Bias

In this inspiring episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie Kerali interviews Jennifer Schroeder, who at 58 was told her skills were “obsolete” and faced systemic age bias after hundreds of rejections. Jennifer recounts a planned 15-minute meeting where she was threatened with a performance improvement plan or severance, describing shock, shame, anger, and an out-of-body feeling, followed by months of replaying the event and noticing earlier signs like being excluded from meetings. Needing income, she tried various jobs while recovering for 12–18 months. She later posted videos on LinkedIn and TikTok, sparking thousands of responses from others experiencing similar discrimination, and grew The Unobsolete to support both HR leaders and professionals. Her key advice is to pay attention, document workplace issues, and remember you are not powerless or obsolete. 01:14 Introducing Jennifer Schroeder03:21 A Career Turned Upside Down04:43 Shock and Out of Body06:27 The Walk of Shame08:51 Red Flags in Hindsight11:50 Aftermath at Home15:11 Rebuilding After the Blow18:49 Birth of The Unobsolete20:48 Stories From the Community23:17 Turning Posts Into a Mission26:59 Practical Survival Advice29:48 Where to Find Jennifer30:39 Purpose From Pain31:48 Not Powerless33:27 A Remarkable Woman Tribute JENNIFER SCHROEDERLinkedin: Jennifer SchroederTikTok: @TheUnobsoleteInstagram: @TheUnobsoleteYouTube: @TheUnobsoleteGET IN TOUCHJoin the community:@StoriesWithoutShame on InstagramSign up for the Stories Without Shame newsletter to join the movement.