Rishad Tobaccowala on How to Design a Meaningful Act Three
Act Three
In this episode of Act Three, I sit down with the brilliant and endlessly thoughtful Rishad Tobaccowala—author, futurist, speaker, and longtime global strategist—to talk about what it really takes to build a vibrant next chapter. Rishad spent nearly four decades at Publicis Group, eventually becoming Chief Strategist and Chief Growth Officer. But his most interesting work, in many ways, began after he left corporate life and stepped into what he calls his “company of one.” We talk about: 🌟 How to prepare for the emotional side of leaving a big career 🌟 What people forget to plan...
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Embracing Age Inclusivity with Jacynth Bassett | Act Three Podcast
Act Three
In this episode of Act Three, host Cara Gray welcomes Jacynth Bassett, a globally recognized expert in age inclusivity and the founder of 'Ageism is Never in Style.' They discuss Jacynth’s journey into the field of age inclusivity, inspired by observing his mother’s experience of ageism. The conversation covers the importance of intergenerational relationships, the impact of ageism on different age groups, and Jacynth’s groundbreaking work in challenging ageist language in marketing. Jacynth also shares insights into societal perceptions of aging and strategies for integrating age...
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The Four Pillars of Aging Well | Allison O’Shea on Staying Independent, Prepared & Confident
Act Three
How do you take control of your aging journey—before a crisis forces your hand? In this episode of the Act Three Podcast, I sit down with Allison O’Shea, founder of Openly Aging and author of Openly Aging: The Four Pillars to Keep Control. With over 20 years of experience as an executive director in senior living, Allison has seen firsthand the difference between families who plan ahead and those who wait until it’s too late. Together, we explore Allison’s Four Pillars of Aging Well: Support Systems – building the right mix of family, friends, and professionals Living Environment –...
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Kristen Cavallo’s Third Act: From Global Ad CEO to Design Museum Visionary
Act Three
Kristen Cavallo’s Third Act: From Global Ad CEO to Design Museum Visionary How do you reinvent yourself after running a world-class ad agency? 🌍 In this candid Act Three conversation, former MullenLowe Group & The Martin Agency CEO Kristen Cavallo reveals how she swapped Super Bowl spots for museum walls—and why a solo 400-mile Camino de Santiago trek became the catalyst for a brand-new purpose. ▶️ What you’ll learn in this episode 0:00 Intro & Cara Gray’s mission 1:25 Why Kristen planned her exit three years in advance 5:44 The LinkedIn “informational...
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Dr. Karen Falkenberg's Journey from Chemical Engineer to Strength Training Advocate
Act Three
In this episode of Act Three with host Cara Gray, we welcome Dr. Karen Falkenberg, a lifelong innovator whose career transitions from chemical engineering to championing human potential through teaching, neuroscience, and strength training. Join us as we explore Karen’s inspiring journey—from overcoming a life-altering car accident to launching the online health and fitness coaching company, Tiger's Eye Life, with Ryan MacQueen. Learn how Karen empowers busy professionals to enhance their vitality through strength training, nutrition, and mindset coaching, proving that transformation is...
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Embracing Life's Third Act with Ann Medlock
Act Three
In this episode of 'Act Three,' host Cara Gray welcomes Ann Medlock, a renowned writer, activist, and founder of the Giraffe Heroes Project. They explore Ann's multifaceted career and her new book 'Breadcrumbs: 18 Clues on the Path to a Meaningful, Exciting Life.' From discussing the pitfalls of the Golden Rule to embracing the risks of life and the importance of meditation, Anne shares her wisdom and experiences. They also delve into the significance of service in retirement and the challenges of balancing kindness, forgiveness, and justice. Tune in to gain insights on how to thoughtfully...
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Embracing Transformation: Alicia Johnson on Wonder-Based Trauma Recovery and Reinvention
Act Three
In this episode of Act Three, hosted by Cara Gray, we delve into a captivating conversation with Alicia Johnson, a writer and transformation specialist. Alicia discusses her upcoming book, 'Buried Treasure,' which blends memoir and practical guidance for trauma recovery through wonder and self-revelation. She also shares her inspiring journey of returning to the modeling industry with Ford Models, breaking barriers as a mature, curvy model. Join us as Alicia talks about her approach to aging, her work in personal and professional renewal, and her exciting future projects, including her...
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Finding Purpose through Service and Courage with John Graham
Act Three
In this episode of 'Act Three,' host Cara Gray sits down with John Graham, an author, adventurer, former diplomat, and executive director of the Giraffe Heroes Project. John shares his incredible journey of seeking purpose, from hitchhiking through revolutions to climbing dangerous mountains and serving as a U.S. Foreign Service officer and a peacebuilder with the United Nations. He discusses the transformative power of finding meaning through service and highlights his work with the Giraffe Heroes Project, which inspires people to take courageous actions for the common good. Cara and John...
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Transforming Life's Challenges into Opportunities: Kevin Newby's Journey & Insights
Act Three
In this episode of Act Three, host Cara Gray welcomes Kevin Newby, a versatile professional with over 25 years of experience in startups, marketing and executive leadership. Kevin discusses his journey from traditional advertising to digital, his experience with startups, and the challenges of corporate transitions and acquisitions. He also shares personal insights from his throat cancer diagnosis and how it influenced his career and led him to executive life coaching. Kevin offers a compelling narrative on self-advocacy, professional growth, and the power of mentorship. This episode...
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Shaping a Lifelong Legacy in the Performing Arts with Elvi Moore
Act Three
In this episode of 'Act Three,' host Cara Gray sits down with Elvi Moore, a distinguished figure in the performing arts world whose career spans over five decades. From her beginnings as an associate professor at the University of Chicago to her roles at the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington Ballet, Elvi shares her journey and contributions to the arts. She also discusses founding the Laurel Fund for Performing Arts and her continued retirement endeavors, including owning Curves franchises and promoting young artists. Dive into Elvi's inspiring story and explore how purpose and...
info_outlineIn this episode of Act Three, I sit down with the brilliant and endlessly thoughtful Rishad Tobaccowala—author, futurist, speaker, and longtime global strategist—to talk about what it really takes to build a vibrant next chapter.
Rishad spent nearly four decades at Publicis Group, eventually becoming Chief Strategist and Chief Growth Officer. But his most interesting work, in many ways, began after he left corporate life and stepped into what he calls his “company of one.”
We talk about:
🌟 How to prepare for the emotional side of leaving a big career
🌟 What people forget to plan for when they retire or reinvent
🌟 The four pillars every next chapter needs: identity, community, purpose, and growth
🌟 Why your zone of influence matters more than your zone of control
🌟 How to stay relevant in a world changing at high speed
🌟 The surprising truth about attention, status, and “popularity” at work
🌟 How writing, creating, and teaching shaped his Act Two (and soon, his Act Three)
🌟 The value of staying curious—and why it keeps you young
🌟 What he’s building now across books, Substack, podcasting, and The Rethinking Work Show
This is a wise, funny, deeply grounded conversation with someone who has navigated big transitions with remarkable clarity. If you're thinking about your future, your identity, or the next stage of your work and life, this episode will give you a lot to consider.
📘 Books
• Restoring the Soul of Business
• Rethinking Work
📰 Weekly Thought Letter
The Future Does Not Fit Into the Containers of the Past – a widely read newsletter for leaders seeking clarity in a changing world.
🎙 Podcast
What’s Next? – conversations about the forces shaping the future.
▶️ The Rethinking Work Show: https://rethinkingwork.io
🌐 Website: https://rishadtobaccowala.com
00:00 Welcome
01:00 Rishad on leadership and influence
03:00 The meaning of the Advertising Hall of Fame
06:00 How he planned his transition out of Publicis
10:00 The surprising emotional challenges of retirement
12:00 The four pillars: identity, community, purpose, growth
14:00 What people misunderstand about attention and status
16:00 How COVID reshaped the transition
17:00 Building a Substack and an audience
23:00 Why he never charges for his newsletter
26:00 His creative ecosystem: books, podcast, shows
29:00 Staying curious and “forever young”
31:00 Where to follow Rishad’s work
If you’re starting to think about your own Act Three—or you’re already in it—explore my Third Act Blueprint and other resources at https://goodmorningfreedom.com
Subscribe for more conversations on longevity, identity, purpose, and designing a meaningful next chapter.