It Has To Be Me Episode

Claiming Power in Midlife

Jen Marples

Episode #41: February 13th, 2025

THE GOLD FROM THIS EPISODE

“At 51, I went all in on bringing women over 40 together so we could support each other in midlife. When we collaborate and don’t compete, there is mass activation. We are collectively changing what it means to be older.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“Older women think they're not relevant or they don't deserve to put themselves first or start something new. But, there is nothing standing in our way except ourselves. All it takes is deciding to say yes to yourself.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“What you expect to be your experience will be your experience. If you expect to find certain kinds of people, that's what you're going to find.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“Lean all the way into who you are. The more you allow yourself to be who you are, the more your ideal people will come to you.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“No is your friend. If you want to make changes, you have to say no so you can say yes to the right things.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“Trying something new is scary. Just find support. You just need one person to be your accountability buddy to start and keep going.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“You've got to be comfortable with being so incredibly uncomfortable to embrace change.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

“Never in history has a woman ever been in the “perfect” place. You're too loud or too quiet. You're too this or too that. Enough with it! I started recording the podcast, and the tagline just came to me: You're not too fucking old! It’s a rallying cry to go after what you want.”

Jen Marples

Host of The Jen Marples Show

in THIS EPISODE

  • Feeling like your best years are behind you?

  • Jen Marples—entrepreneur and podcaster—shares how she is helping women in midlife step out of the shadows and go after what they want!

  • Jen’s big wake-up call came when 25 years in the high-pressure world of corporate marketing and PR left her burnt out, exhausted, and struggling with health problems. Her work and clients were getting the best, her husband and kids were getting the crumbs, and there was nothing left for her.

  • The tipping point came when things were on the verge of blowing up her marriage. Jen let go of managing the crises of her clients, and took a sabbatical to prioritize health, family, and quality of life in her 50’s.

  • Friends and colleagues were also having their own mid-life epiphanies, and doing more in their second act than they had in their first! This new generation of women post 50 were defying stereotypes about aging, thinking bigger, and redefining success. 

  • Jen saw the possibilities of collective activation. Harnessing the energy, she launched two new ventures: a communications agency magnifying the impact of female leaders and women-owned businesses, and a podcast with the mission statement: You’re not too f**king old!

  • Jen’s rallying cry will have you deciding It Has To Be Me! 

TESS'S TAKEAWAYS

  • Choose your circle wisely. What you expect to find will be your experience. 

  • Collaboration among women is more powerful than competition.

  • You just need one accountability partner to combat fear and start.

  • Start before you’re ready—courage comes before confidence.

  • Midlife is an opportunity to do the things you’ve always wanted to do.

  • Your definition of success and happiness is the only one that matters.

  • No is your friend. So you can say yes to the right things.

  • The Mission: You're not too old to go after what you want. 

ABOUT JEN

A seasoned entrepreneur with years of experience in marketing, communications, and public relations, Jen Marples is a speaker, podcaster, event host, and founder of the Jen Marples Agency. 

After spending 25 years crafting messages for global brands and fortune 500 companies, Jen’s communications firm now magnifies the impact of women-owned businesses, and female leaders and solopreneurs. 

Jen interviews female thought leaders on her podcast, The Jen Marples Show to help women over 40 rock the second half of their lives with the mantra: You’re not too f***ing old! 

Dedicated to championing women of all ages, Jen hosts live networking and collaboration events.