Guiding Executives to an Intentionally Planned Retirement: an interview with Nancy Schwartz of Envision Healthy Retirement

Nancy Schwartz is the founder of Envision Healthy Retirement, working with business experts who struggle with major life changes around retirement and are ready to live their envisioned lives with a strategic approach and intentional design. Her vision is to transform executives from chaos to clarity, in order to move forward toward a purposeful and healthy retirement lifeNancy shared that she grew up as an only child. She was very close to her father, who encouraged her to believe she could do anything she wanted to. Her father was very transparent, and involved her, and her mother, in conversations about the family finances and investments.She grew up with a strong work ethic, and remembers washing people's cars at the age of six or seven, when she was barely able to carry the bucket of water! Nancy was interested in both the arts AND science and often had two jobs, pursuing her passion for dance while also holding a corporate position. Her work ethic served her well, as she would often work from seven in the morning until early evening, and then transition to the studio until midnight. In 2021, Nancy felt that she was no longer growing and that the corporate work she was doing, executive search, no longer challenged her. She began to research the next role that, as she put it, would allow her to spread her wings a little bit more. Her research confirmed that, as she notes on her website, people plan more for a short vacation than they do for a 30 year retirement!“Retirement is a very secretive word. We often associate it with what’s on the other side. I always say: you are not going to have any idea about what it’s about. I could tell you about it, but it's like saying you were driving a Formula 1 car and now you're driving, I don't know, a family van of some sort”. - Nancy SchwartzKey takeaways:- The importance of relationships and community. Nancy noted that we are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and that, to counter this, especially once we leave the workplace,  we have to be intentional about building relationships like we were when building our careers.- The need for us to nurture play and creativity. As adults, we’ve lost our natural tendency to be curious. Nancy recommends inviting ourselves to let loose and be more playful.- Find a person or group to be accountable to. Nancy talked about this in the context of putting in place practices to build relationships, though accountability can be used in any area of our lives. If, for example, you say you’re going to have coffee with a friend at least once a week, find someone who will hold you accountable to that commitment.  - Know what drives you. We are not all motivated by the same things. Nancy works with people who have retired and no longer have their work identities, but haven’t yet figured out what they want to do with the rest of their time here. Each person she works with is unique, and will be motivated to move forward differently. About the guest:Nancy Schwartz is the Founder and Transformational Strategist of Envision Healthy Retirement. She spent her career in corporate leadership roles, working across a variety of industries in markets ranging from global multinationals to early-stage private equity and venture capital. Her innovative and solution-oriented approach to solving complex issues earned her high praise and recognition.She is also a classically trained ballerina who has worked for nationally known ballet and modern companies. Today, she is passionate in continuing to study both modern dance and ballet, and enjoys performing new works.She is a graduate of Skidmore College, and a member of select mentorships in both health and business.  She is dedicated to her client’s success and growth as they transform into a healthy retirement life they envision and own.Linkedin:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-schwartz-envisionhealthyretirement/Website:- http://www.envisionhealthyretirement.comGo to Nancy's website to download "5 Smart Actions for Better Sleep" and to schedule a complimentary Healthy Retirement consulting call. Interested in booking a free consultation? Schedule a call.Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on TwitterConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook : Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.