Navigating Transitions with guest faculty Marci Alboher & Kerry Hannon

Crafting Your Encore: Finding Purpose, Passion, and a Paycheck in Your Next Chapter

Nov 11 - Nov 16, 2024 in Santa Fe, USA
Led by: Marci Alboher, Kerry Hannon, Christine Sperber, Robert King, Lee Johnson

Financial aid is available. Apply Here.

How do you find fulfilling work in the second half of life - that pays well - when you're dreaming of doing something new?

You are done with your job and ready for something new.

But what that “something” is, and how to get from here to there, isn’t clear.

Maybe you’re retiring from the job you’ve had for decades and have no idea what to do with the long runway stretching out in front of you. Or maybe you’re bored to tears with your current position and yearn for something that excites you and makes you feel like your work has real value in the world.

(And getting a paycheck that reflects your decades of experience would be nice, too!)

How do you find your path forward to fulfilling work that gives you what you need – personally, financially, and in terms of your legacy and impact in the world?

The secret is to be curious, courageous, and patient – and remember that the conditions are never going to be perfectly ready for you to make a change. You just have to get started.

In this Navigating Transitions workshop co-facilitated with career and intergenerational workplace experts Marci Alboher and Kerry Hannon, you will craft an encore work chapter that pays good money, fills you with purpose, and offers the human connection you need to feel healthy, vibrant, and whole.

What You’ll Gain

Through a combination of our MEA Navigating Transitions curriculum and Marci and Kerry’s practical teachings and proven experiential activities, you will:

  • Turn on your own “inner GPS” to make sure you’re pursuing work you’ll love
  • Gain valuable clarity into what you want your next chapter of work to look like – and why
  • Take control of your financial life so you have the freedom to experiment and discover what you love
  • Learn how to patiently pursue change and set yourself up for lasting success
  • Explore opportunities to develop your creativity or make a social impact
  • Gain powerful tools and strategies for conducting experiments and trying on new identities
  • Find the courage you need to step out of your comfort zone and face the unknown
  • Build trust in yourself and others so you’re willing to take risks and grow beyond your limits. What got you here won’t get you there!
  • Harness the power of intergenerational relationships and collaborations
  • Clarify your legacy and the kind of difference you want to make in the world

By the end of your five days with Marci and Kerry and the MEA faculty, you will be bursting with excitement and confidence in your ability to take the next step and put your encore plan into action.


You’ll leave with greater self-awareness, proven tools, strategies and a plan to follow as you embark on your journey, supported by a calm and positive mindset and the inner oomph of joy that comes from a new adventure unfolding before you. 

Meet Your Faculty

Marci Alboher

Author of The Encore Career Handbook: How to Make a Living and a Difference in the Second Half of Life

Vice President at CoGenerate | Speaker | Nonprofit Leader | Coach | Former NY Times Columnist

Marci is one of the nation’s leading authorities on career issues and workplace trends, with deep experience at the intersection of workplace and career issues, intergenerational relationships and aging with purpose.

As a Vice President at CoGenerate, a nonprofit working to bridge the generational divide, Marci leads the organization’s work on narrative change, thought leadership and field-building.

She has written two books that explore new models for working today, The Encore Career Handbook: How to Make a Living and a Difference in the Second Half of Life, and One Person/Multiple Careers: The Original Guide to the Slash “/” Career. She has appeared in or been quoted by numerous media outlets including The Today Show, The Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio.

Earlier in her career, she created the Shifting Careers column and blog for The New York Times, taught journalism and coached aspiring writers. A few careers ago, she practiced law for nearly a decade. She is well-versed in what it takes to successfully transition into a new work situation that fulfills you. 

Kerry Hannon

Workplace Futurist and Career Transition Strategist

TV & Podcast Commentator | Keynote Speaker | Yahoo Finance Senior Columnist | Personal Finance & Entrepreneurship Expert

Kerry Hannon is a workplace futurist and strategist on career transitions, entrepreneurship, personal finance and retirement. She is a frequent TV, radio and podcast commentator and is a sought-after keynote speaker.

Kerry has written numerous books including, In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New World of Work, Great Jobs for Everyone 50 +: Finding Work That Keeps You Happy and Healthy...and Pays the Bills and Never Too Old to Get Rich: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting a Business Mid-Life.

Kerry is currently a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance and an on-air expert. She was formerly an expert columnist, opinion writer and regular contributor to The New York Times, MarketWatch, Forbes, and a personal finance and entrepreneurship expert on the PBS website NextAvenue.org.
Millions of viewers, readers and listeners have been motivated by Kerry’s can-do, down-to-earth message. She has appeared as a career and financial expert on The Dr. Phil Show ABC, CBS, CNBC, NBC Nightly News, NPR, Yahoo Finance and PBS.

Kerry has dedicated her work to making a difference in people’s lives by giving them the confidence and tools to succeed personally, professionally and financially. She offers her audiences and readers can-do expert advice on the best ways to empower themselves now and for the future.

This workshop is for you if...

You’re in a job that doesn’t fulfill you and you dream of pursuing something new

You’re approaching or have recently retired and looking for a new purpose to enrich your life

You were recently let go from a job and looking for a new position that pays well and brings you joy

You’re considering starting a business or non-profit, or joining a board – but want to make sure it’s the right fit

You want to make big changes but something is holding you back from taking the leap

You want to make sure you’re in a strong financial position to experiment with possibilities

You’re curious about learning how to work more effectively with younger generations

You’re ready to embrace change and explore new identities as you chart your path forward to a life you love

Do this powerful work on our beautiful regenerative ranch in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, USA

Rising Circle Ranch

An upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and spanning nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, with ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.

  • Big-sky desert country
  • Breathtaking nature
  • Interaction with horses and donkeys
  • Evenings around the campfire
  • Star-gazing

Meet Your MEA Facilitators

In addition to the powerful sessions conducted by Marci and Kerry you will be guided through the core MEA Owning Wisdom curriculum by our seasoned faculty members:

Christine Sperber

MEA Co-Founder and Chief Experience Office (CXO)

Christine Sperber is a former professional snowboarder and seasoned entrepreneur who has launched and operated hotels, managed pro athletes, and worn the hats of writer, restauranteur, and more.

She has been with MEA since the beginning and is a devoted team builder whose authenticity, values-based leadership skills, and empathetic engagement create community wherever she focuses her attention.

Christine is an ardent activist and igniter of new ideas. You’re going to love her boundless energy and dedication to creating transformative experiences that change people’s lives. “I had the sheer pleasure of working with Christine in a number of capacities over 10 years. I have met very few people as passionate, open, personable, and dedicated as she is in any line of work she was engaged in. I look forward to any opportunity I might have to work with her in the future.” – Scott Owen, Executive Sales Management & Strategy

Robert King

Experience Facilitator

Robert King is a family medicine physician and award-winning ceramic artist with work in private and public collections all over the world. He is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklohoma and lives in Galisteo, New Mexico with his fearless and furry companion, Wilbur.

As an artist, Robert continuously seeks new ways to express himself, utilizing the natural resources found in the surrounding landscape. He describes his body of work as “a love letter to the high desert”. You will appreciate his creative perspective and deep appreciation for the natural environment in which you’ll be doing this soul-empowering work.   

Lee Johnson

Land, Livestock, and Mindfulness

Lee likes to say that he’s as ordinary as dirt but as complex as soil. He’s resident “cowboy sage” at our campus in Santa Fe, where his love for the simple yet complex hum of nature has led him to work in holistic land management. As steward of our four-square mile regenerative ranch, Lee translates nature’s teachings into simple insights that encourage us to tune into the inner and outer landscape of the world around us.

You will appreciate the opportunity to be in his presence and slow down, listen to nature, and gather around the campfire of shared understanding.

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Work is not a four-letter word

Your work is a powerful vehicle for finding your purpose, demonstrating your value, and cultivating the connect you crave – with others and the world around you, and within yourself.

It’s time to give yourself permission to pursue work that makes you excited to jump out of bed in the morning and live your rewarding and impactful life.

Are You Ready to Craft an Encore Chapter That Challenges, Excites, and Fulfills You?

People come for the workshops,
but they stay for the community

This is truly MEA’s “secret sauce” and something you can only experience in person: the powerful connections you will make, not only with your fellow participants and the incredible MEA faculty, but also the deeper sense of connection you will feel to your own inner self and the natural world around you.

Research into aging shows that your relationships play a HUGE role in your health and wellbeing later in life. At MEA, you will make deep and lasting connections and become part of a larger community that will make your life richer and more meaningful.

Many of our alumni cohorts have stayed in close touch for years after their workshop and we have a growing number of local alumni chapters all over the world. It’s a joy for us to see them continuing to offer each other community, friendship, and support as they create thriving midlives for themselves. So if you have been feeling at all disconnected or isolated on your journey, we would love to have you join us!

Have we mentioned the food?

The MEA experience was designed by Chip Conley, a world-renowned boutique hotelier, and from the first bite you will taste the difference.

All of the ingredients are locally sourced and organic, and the food is made from scratch in our kitchens by incredible chefs.


The delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners will leave you feeling nourished inside and out – not to mention blended drinks made with fresh fruit and other top-shelf ingredients.


Each retreat center has multiple kitchens that always have snacks and beverages available. At MEA, we believe that thriving is delicious!

Your workshop includes

  • 5 days and nights of lodging at our boutique luxury retreat center in Baja or Santa Fe with all of your meals, snacks, drinks and other amenities included
  • Daily sessions and experiential activities to help you connect with your inner self, envision your desired experience, and release what no longer serves you
  • Meditation covering a range of practices to soothe your nervous system and help you cultivate greater mindfulness and presence in the moment.
  • Movement to get the energy flowing and build your strength and agility as you chart your course forward to the life you want to live.
  • Incredible bonding experiences with the most amazing humans you’ll ever meet.
  • Three delicious, chef-prepared meals plus snacks throughout the day prepared from scratch with the freshest local ingredients.
  • Festive gatherings to cultivate connection and celebrate the joy and beauty of life.
  • Prices start at $4,000

Ready to start your journey?

Crafting Your Encore: Finding Purpose, Passion, and a Paycheck in Your Next Chapter

Nov 11 - Nov 16, 2024 in Santa Fe, USA
Led by: Marci Alboher, Kerry Hannon, Christine Sperber, Robert King, Lee Johnson

Step into your next chapter with confidence and ease, knowing that every detail of your experience is being taken care of by our world-class faculty and hospitality team.

Starting at

$4,000 per person

Financial aid is available. Apply Here.

Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors

Our Advisors are all MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. They’re passionate about helping you finding the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.

Daniel Booz

Dana Anton

Lucas Erie