I Quit IBM, Got Trashed at BJJ, and Started Over at 46

At almost 50 years old, I traded a corporate tech title for a BJJ gi, a motorcycle, and a reset in rural Croatia. This is the raw record of what it looks like to rebuild a life from the ashes of long COVID, divorce, and grief. No gurus, no life hacks, and no polished coaching—just the reality of facing the man in the mirror.Key TakeawaysThe Illusion of Escape: Leaving the UK during the pandemic and driving across Europe, only to realize you can't outrun yourself.The Physical & Personal Wall: Navigating the reality of long COVID (from corporate high-flyer to 16 hours bedridden), losing my mother, surviving a divorce, and confronting alcohol reliance.The Anchor: How Jiu-Jitsu and Tai Chi held the line when everything else fell apart.The Reality of the Grind: Getting trashed at an open mat, tapping at 4 minutes, dealing with the depression of defeat, and choosing to stay the course for a purple belt at 50.What This Channel IsThis is a weekly record of the physical grind of training MMA/BJJ at 50, building the Monday Influencer project, and the mental shift required to stop avoiding life and finally face it. New Podcasts drop every Thursday. Under 10 minutes. Real talk.Join the ConversationWhat are you currently avoiding? A conversation? A health goal? A career change? Tell me in the comments below. We face it together. Get full access to Future Proofed Leader at futureproofleader.substack.com/subscribe