In the latest episode of 4-Quarter Lives Podcast, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox delves into the fascinating world of longitudinal studies with George Ploubidis, Professor of Population Health and Statistics at University College London. George offers invaluable insights into how these studies shape our understanding of health, economic circumstances, employment, family life and wellbeing across the life course. They discuss how large-scale, population-based surveys like the 1958 and 1970 British birth cohort studies provide crucial life course data across generations, informing social policies and public health interventions. George reveals surprising findings such as the deteriorating health of Generation X compared to baby boomers, despite overall improvements in living standards. He argues that making longitudinal data freely available to researchers worldwide, reveals the huge value of open access for scientific advancement and policy development.

George Ploubidis is Professor of Population Health and Statistics at the UCL Social Research Institute and Director of the 1958 National Child Development Study and the 1970 British Cohort Study at the Centre for Longitudinal Studies. He joined the Centre for Longitudinal Studies in 2014 as the Centre’s Chief Statistician, and in 2016 became CLS’s inaugural Director of Research. Prior to joining UCL George held posts at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the University of Cambridge. His research interests relate to socioeconomic and demographic determinants of health over the life course and the mechanisms that underlie generational differences in health, well-being and mortality. His methodological work in longitudinal surveys focuses on applications for handling missing data, causal inference and measurement errors.

Some Useful Links:

* George’s UCL website

* Recent keynote: The future of ageing: A cross generational life course perspective

* Centre for Longitudinal Studies website (for all info CLS related).

* CLS Data Access page (with information on how to access CLS data).

* UK Data Service (where the data can be downloaded from).

* Forbes Article by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox: The Battle Over Gen Z Minds, Sad, Bad or Mad?

In this episode of "4 Quarter Lives," Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Tim Parr, CEO of Caddis, to explore his multifaceted journey from a serial entrepreneur in the action sports industry to revolutionizing how we perceive ageing through his innovative eyewear company focused on the Q3 demographic. Tim shares his insights on midlife reinvention, the importance of authenticity in marketing, and why embracing ageing can be your next great adventure. He talks about his own transitions, the significance of tone and understanding your audience in brand communication, and the potential of the longevity economy.

Tim has both founded new companies and worked with some of the most respected brands in the apparel and sporting goods industries, including Patagonia, L.L.Bean, Filson, Kono and others. After founding cycling brand Swobo he developed his ideas and expertise in brand building. He became GM of Patagonia’s WaterGirl surf business, then established his own brand strategy business to help others build relevant customer brand experience. He brought this expertise to the founding of Caddis, a lifestyle brand specifically addressing the needs of people over 40. And alongside this he has toured his Bluegrass band across the western USA. He is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Useful Links

* Caddis website

Chip Conley is on a midlife mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the U.S., and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, leading a worldwide revolution in travel, Conley co-founded MEA (Modern Elder Academy) in January 2018 in Baja California, Mexico. Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a ‘modern elder’ at Airbnb, where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary transformation from fast-growing start-up to the world’s most valuable hospitality brand, MEA is the world's first ‘midlife wisdom school’ and has a campus opening on a 2,600-acre regenerative horse ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico in early 2024. Dedicated to reframing the concept of ageing, MEA supports students to navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. A New York Times bestselling author, Conley's 7th book "Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age" is about rebranding midlife to help people understand the upside of this often-misunderstood life stage. In 2023 he gave a TED talk on the “midlife chrysalis."

Some Useful Links:

* Website: Chip Conley

* Book: Learning to Love Midlife – or at Amazon

* Website: Modern Elder Academy

* Chip Copley’s Daily Blog: Wisdom Well

* Blue Zones Retreat at MEA

In this episode of 4 Quarter Lives we tackle the complexities of longevity, ageing populations, and the evolving business landscape that accompanies these global shifts. While longevity science progresses at a breakneck pace, societal norms and economic structures lag behind, posing significant challenges. Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with demographic strategist Bradley Schuman. Together they take a deep dive into how businesses that leverage age diversity can outpace the competition and why addressing the unique challenges women face in midlife could be a game-changer for innovative companies. They also explore the critical skills that will define success in the future workforce, highlighting the importance of curiosity, creativity, and compassion.

Bradley Schurman is Founder and CEO of Human Change – a global strategic research and advisory firm helping public and private organizations understand the challenges and harness the opportunities of demographic change, with a focus on population ageing. Human Change works to ensure that these subjects are considered across organizational strategies from human resources, marketing and communication, public policies, and product and service design. Schurman is also the author of “The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny”, which examines how this shift is driving social and economic change around the world. Prior to launching his company and authoring the book, Schurman was Co-Founder and Managing Partner of EconomyFour, where he led business development in Asia and Europe. He also served at AARP – the world’s largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of older people – where he was Director of Global Partnerships and Engagements. 

Some Useful Links:

* Website - Human Change

* Book: The Super Age: Decoding out Demographic Destiny

* Newsletter: newrulesmedia.substack.com

In this episode, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Michael Clinton, a visionary leader and former President, Marketing and Publishing Director of Hearst Magazines. They discuss the evolving workplace, the benefits of age inclusivity, and the transformative power of media in shaping societal views on ageing. Michael shares his perspectives on how businesses and content creators can contribute to a more inclusive environment that values experience and longevity.

Michael Clinton is a writer, photographer and former magazine publishing executive. He was publisher of GQ magazine from 1988 to 1994, senior vice president and executive VP of Condé Nast until 1997. He then joined Hearst Magazines as senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer. From 2010, he was President, marketing and publishing director of Hearst Magazines and served on the board of The Hearst Corporation. He remains special media adviser to the CEO.

He has written many books and his latest, published in 2021, is his eleventh, ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). The book draws its title from an acronym:

* Reimagine yourself

* Own who you are

* Act on what's next for you

* Reassess your relationships

The book describes how people can transform themselves later in life and pursue a new career trajectory by "rewiring or 'refiring' for what could be another 30 or 40 years of life". Michael also runs a joint venture business with Hearst called roarforward.com.

Michael is also an avid traveler and runner. He has visited more than 123 countries, run races in over 60 and run marathons on all 7 continents, including Antarctica. A former board member and supporter of Starlight Children’s Foundation, he is also the founder of Circle of Generosity, a foundation that grants random acts of kindness to people in need. He has a degree in economics and political science from Pittsburgh University, an MBA from Pace University, an honorary doctorate from Pace and, after retirement, in 2021 earned a Master of Science in Non-Profit Management from Columbia University. He lives in Manhattan, New York, and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Some Useful Links:

* Michael’s JV website: Roar Forward

* Michael’s book: ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life

* Forbes article by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox: 5 Steps to Longevity Leadership – Is Your Business Ready?

In this episode of 4-Quarter Lives Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Ann Francke, Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, about the pivotal role of management skills in supporting and enhancing longer career spans. They uncover startling statistics, including that 82% of managers receiving no training upon promotion, resulting in what's known as "accidental managers", and the sobering reality that only 42% of managers are open to hiring workers over 50. Their conversation touches on the unique challenges women face as they enter the third quarter (Q3) of their careers and the huge importance of managers in shaping workplace culture and team member wellbeing. Ann describes CMI's extensive research on ageism in the workplace, strategies to support older workers, and the significance of leveraging the talents of a multi-generational workforce. Together Ann and Avivah explore how individual behaviours can influence organizational culture and how managers can become catalysts for an equitable and inclusive work environment.

Ann Francke is Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, the UK's leading professional body for management and leadership with an international member community of over 200,000. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. She is an expert in Management and Leadership in the workplace, speaks frequently in the media and at conferences and is a regular columnist for The London Times. She’s the author of ‘Create a Gender-balanced Workplace,’ published by Penguin, and the ‘Financial Times Guide to Management.’ She holds several Board positions and Honorary Doctorates for her work in management and leadership and is an ambassador for the 30% Club.

Some Useful Links:

* The Everyone Economy. A project, as part of CMI’s 75th anniversary, to understand the current state of inclusion in the workplace. Age was one of six characteristics looked at.

* Age in the Workplace. As part of the Everyone Economy, CMI published a discussion paper examining the evidence base around age inclusion.

* The Workplace in Review: Age. Part of CMI’s documentary series on barriers to fairness and inclusion in the workplace. This 20 minute episode focuses on age in the workplace.

* Over-50s at work: 'You feel your usefulness has passed'. A BBC article from January 2023 citing CMI research into managers' openness to hiring older workers.

In this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Pedro Pitella to explore the innovative work of global healthcare company Sanofi in fostering an inclusive work environment through Generations+, its intergenerational Employee Resource Group (ERG). Pedro is Head of People and Culture for Sanofi Brazil, and global lead for Generations+. The conversation explores the importance of age diversity in the workplace and the valuable insights Sanofi has gained in shaping the way for a diverse and inclusive future. From tackling age justice awareness to updating company policies to serve an ageing customer base, Avivah and Pedro discuss why a multi-generational workforce is not just a social justice issue, but a business imperative, and the practical steps Sanofi is taking to make an impact both locally and globally.

Pedro Pitella has 20 years of business operational experience followed by 18 years in positions with increasing responsibility in Human Resources. Prior to joining Sanofi he worked in multinational companies including C&A, Citibank, Procter & Gamble, Mondelez, Johnson & Johnson and Makro. His first-hand business operational experience has been invaluable for developing HR strategies to support organizational growth and transformation. He holds a Production Engineering Degree from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and an MBA from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, and has lived and worked in Brazil, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Some Useful Links:

* Sanofi’s Employee Resource Group approach

* Sanofi’s ERG ‘Allyship Guides’

In this episode of 4-Quarter Lives, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox talks with Helen Tupper, Chief Executive of Amazing If, a company redefining careers for individuals and companies. Together they explore the intricacies of career transitions during midlife and how organizations can support these changes. The conversation also delves into personal experience, highlighting the essential balance between work and life. 

Helen Tupper is co-founder and CEO of Amazing If, a company with an ambition to make careers better for everyone. Together with her business partner Sarah Ellis, she is the author of two Sunday Times bestsellers The Squiggly Career  and You Coach You. Sarah and Helen are also hosts of the podcast Squiggly Careers which has had 4m downloads and their TED talk, The best career isn’t always a straight line, has been watched by almost 2m people. In 2023 Helen was awarded a place on EYs International Winning Women programme. Prior to founding Amazing If, Helen held leadership roles for Microsoft, Virgin and BP and was awarded the FT & 30% Club’s Women in Leadership MBA Scholarship.  

Some Useful Links: 

* Amazing If website. 

* Book: The Squiggly Career, by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis 

* The Squiggly Careers podcast. 

* Helen Tupper’s LinkedIn