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Good morning, Fearless readers:
We are so excited for our Fearless Focus event this Thursday.
We'll hear from four women business owners on how they started their businesses, the struggles they've faced and how we can better support entrepreneurs.
The event is virtual. You can register for free.
In this week’s Fearless e-newsletter, you will find:
- A look at our 2025 survey on the status of gender equity in Iowa.
- A column about changing the narrative on aging.
- And a column about making a career change in midlife.
- Lots more!
— Macey Shofroth, Fearless editor
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Survey on gender equity in Iowa: DEI, health care, child care, wages identified as top issues
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COMPILED BY MACEY SHOFROTH AND EMILY BARSKE WOOD
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Nearly 500 people, a record number, shared with us their thoughts about the status of gender equity in Iowa.
The Business Record has published its annual survey on women’s and gender issues as part of our Fearless initiative for the last several years. While nonscientific, we believe the results of this questionnaire illustrate current opinions about Iowa women’s equity in and outside of the workplace.
The record number of responses was perhaps indicative of the strong feelings about the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from the national to local levels. Some respondents shared extreme dismay at the rollback and at what they viewed as a step backward, while others celebrated what they saw as a return to meritocracy.
Respondents were invited to answer multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and to leave comments when they wished. They could pick which questions they responded to, and we did not require that they submit their name in hopes of getting more honest answers. We did, however, ask that respondents tell us their gender identity; we note where we’ve broken down answers based on respondents’ gender.
We selected comments, which have been edited for clarity, to represent a wide range of perspectives. While the vast majority of respondents answered questions in a civil manner, we chose not to include comments that didn’t seem to be made in good faith.
In reading this coverage, we hope business leaders and individuals can identify new ways in which they can empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life.
We will be sharing much more of the results in future Fearless newsletters, but we encourage you to check out the coverage in the most recent print edition of the Business Record and online.
Is the rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across business, education and government organizations good or bad?
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Commentary: What if we don’t have to fear getting older?
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BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS EDITOR
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My entire life, the women around me have lamented growing older.
There was the refusal to reveal one’s age. The expensive products that claimed to brighten and tighten every inch of a woman’s body. The longing for the energy and ability to move that had dissipated over the years. The looks that seemed to tell me, "One day, you’re going to hate your body, too."
There were some pitfalls of aging that made sense to me. More responsibility seemed overwhelming. The increased pain and tiredness didn’t sound fun. I understood that the adults in my life were becoming familiar with the fragility of life and how easily it could be taken away.
This fear of aging is widespread. In a 2020 study in the Journal of Aging Studies, women of every age group worried more about how aging will affect their physical appearance than men of the same age. In a 2024 survey from Luvly, nearly half of women respondents reported that fears around aging were negatively affecting their mental health.
The Anti-Aging Services - Global Strategic Business Report estimates the global market for anti-aging services at $59.7 billion in 2024 and projects it to reach $92 billion by 2030.
I couldn’t help but think – what if I don’t want to spend years of my life and tons of money hating my body for existing over time?
These negative attitudes toward growing older conceal how beautiful the experience can be. According to a joint survey between AARP and National Geographic, 2 out of 3 adults aged 80 and older say they’re living their best possible life or something close to it, compared with 1 in 5 younger adults. In a 2020 study conducted by the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, 65% of adults aged 50-80 reported feeling their life at their age was better than they had anticipated.
It’s time to change the narrative on what the process of aging can be. I spoke with six women about what they’ve enjoyed and learned as they aged.
Dr. Rachelle Keck, president, Grand View University:
I’m enjoying my 55th year on this earth and I feel like I’m in a prime period of my life. My children are grown, my spouse is fantastic and I am focused on new areas of growth in what I consider to be my "second semester of life."
The idea that our crystallized intelligence continues to grow during this phase of life is so evident to me. I feel as though my life experiences enable me to connect the dots and see solutions with more clarity and speed than ever before. I am confident in who I am and who I am becoming, while also excited to continue this journey of growth and curiosity.
My word of the year is "energy" and I am leaning into what fuels my energy and what drains my energy, and tweaking my choices accordingly. There are activities and people who can drain my energy; if I can avoid, eliminate or lessen these in my life, I do. While I care deeply about people, I care less about what "other people" in general think of me and my choices. As I’ve gotten older, I realize people think about me far less than I used to think they did; most people are concentrating on themselves and their own goals. It’s so freeing to see this and understand this deep within.
I’m looking forward to what’s next and see possibility everywhere.
Stephanie Murphy, executive director, Neighborhood Finance Corp.:
There is something about knowing that my career will come to a close sooner rather than later (I haven’t set a date!); it provides a sense of urgency to share knowledge I have gained with others to carry the mission forward, focus on finding solutions (my passion is affordable and safe homeownership that improves neighborhoods and communities) and a boldness to say what may need to be said to move projects forward.
I am fortunate to lead a great team at Neighborhood Finance Corp. and serve on boards with other great women leaders that inspire me every day. Part of getting older is taking time to celebrate the successes and personal growth of those around me. I have met so many of my goals, now is the time to lift up others to keep the good fight going.
Amy Landrigan, executive director, the Beacon:
There’s a theory called "Socioemotional Selectivity Theory," which is all about how, as you age, your friend group gets smaller. That’s part of healthy aging, where you are deciding, who should I give my time to? Who should I give my energy to? So these people that have drained me and been toxic, do I need to give my time to them anymore?
You’ve got to know yourself first before you can have healthy friends, and so that’s a wonderful joy of aging. I found that I’m getting to know myself more and more every day. I’m getting to explore who I am and who I spend my time with, and now I have these friends that are people I can share my joys with, my obstacles with. These are friends that support me in what I do. These are friends that want to spend their time similarly to mine.
Mary Kramer, retired, former Iowa senator and United States ambassador:
I’ve been through a lot of decades of change and what have you. I’ve never feared aging. I don’t think I’m finished contributing, and I think that’s what keeps me active and engaged and eager to do things like speak on civility and appear on panels about women’s issues. You have to have the passion for it. I don’t think you can plan to get older, but I think you can plan to contribute for a long time.
You should think about what you will be doing. It is my joy to do a lot of mentoring and coaching now with younger women, and I tell them when they’re debating a career change, "this is not going to be for the rest of your life. So you’ve got to prepare to say, "Yes, I can do this and do it well.’" Everything I’ve done has helped me to add to the "yes, I can do this" feeling.
Julie Matternas, executive director of foundation, EveryStep:
You kind of have no choice but to evolve. Sixty today is so much different than when my grandmother was 60. I kind of look at it as I’m much more confident and I don’t feel like I have to prove anything in my career anymore. I’ve had a very successful career. It’s really great to enjoy my children as adults. For the first time in a really long time, I get to focus on me, which it’s so easy to forget about yourself and not put yourself first, especially if you’re working and you have kids. My husband and I have started traveling, which we really didn’t have time and money for when we were raising our kids. We’re doing lots of things that we can really enjoy.
I had a brother who died of multiple myeloma at 49, so even though it’s hard to be looking at 60, I also try to have an attitude that it’s a privilege to still be around. He would have loved to have seen his kids grow up, so that just gives you a different perspective.
Linda Mason Hunter, writer:
For me, it’s been very important to listen to the voice in my soul, which I call an entelechy. Everyone has one, and it’s supposed to be like the voice of truth in your soul that guides you through life. That has really guided me so that I didn’t follow what the culture said I should do and be, but what was best for me. I learned that it was wisdom and I learned to rely on it more. You have to want to follow it and follow your passion.
I would tell my younger self: You’re smarter than you think you are. Be who you are. Don’t be who others think you should be. There are no mistakes, there are just challenges. I don’t believe in mistakes, I believe in lessons.
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The next act: Courageous career shifts in midlife and beyond
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BY SUZANNA DE BACA, FORMER BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS CORP. CEO
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"Are you crazy?" My friends asked, not unkindly. I just smiled.
After several decades climbing the ladder in the high-stakes world of finance, the question hung in the air: "Why would you leave such a successful career?" That was over a decade ago and my peers, family, even the nagging voice within, couldn’t quite fathom the leap I was considering. Everyone questioned why I would walk away from a hard-earned professional reputation, licenses and financial upside – all for the unpredictable terrain of a nonprofit. But where they saw a gamble, I felt a magnetic pull toward purpose. It was a risk, undeniably. But faith, and a deep-seated need to make a difference, propelled me forward. I didn’t feel like my decision to shift my career was a whim; it was a midlife recalibration.
I’m far from alone. A recent Grant Thornton survey found that nearly two-thirds of the women with 10-25 years of work experience are considering a new career path. Across industries and demographics, the traditional career narrative is being rewritten. Midlife, once a plateau, is now a launchpad for reinvention. And retirement, once seen as the end, is now an opportunity to explore new options.
"Careers are more fluid, volatile, and boundary less than ever," says a research article called "Breaking Barriers: A Review of Career Transition Trends for Women" in Open Psychology Journal. "Many women are now considering career transitions to pursue new opportunities and achieve greater career fulfillment."
As midcareer years loom, many encounter a "career plateau," a moment of introspection that begs the question: "What now?" For women particularly, this period often coincides with shifting family dynamics, offering a window to reclaim personal aspirations. The courage required to pivot is substantial. It demands intentionality – a thorough assessment of skills and passions, coupled with the bravery to explore uncharted territories.
Then there’s the burgeoning trend of redefining retirement. The notion of a quiet, passive existence is fading. Instead, individuals are embracing a "second act," a phase of continued engagement and purpose. Gone are the days of mandatory retirement; people are choosing to work longer, either in new fields or by launching their own ventures. They're leveraging decades of experience, not to fade into the background, but to contribute in meaningful ways.
At midcareer and later in life, the fear of it being "too late to start again" is a common concern. But the rewards – the satisfaction of pursuing long-held passions, the intellectual stimulation of new challenges, and the sense of new ways to make a meaningful contribution – far outweigh the risks. And the wealth of accumulated experience is an invaluable asset that should not be underestimated.
"There’s something powerful about reaching midlife," says a recent Forbes article on midcareer reinvention. The author, Melissa Houston, notes: "You've lived long enough to know what matters to you, what you’re passionate about, and how to navigate life’s challenges with resilience." It’s critical to remember that resilience, problem-solving skills and a unique perspective are highly sought after, whether in the corporate world or entrepreneurial ventures.
Whether it’s a midlife pivot or a post-retirement reinvention, the key lies in embracing the journey. Networking, mentorship and continuous learning are vital tools. For many, shift provides the chance to craft a narrative of success on your own terms, not adhering to outdated societal scripts.
These transitions, whether in midlife or beyond traditional retirement age, are not about abandoning the past, but about building upon it. They require courage, intentionality and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. But the potential for greater satisfaction and a more fulfilling life makes the journey undeniably worthwhile. The narrative is shifting; it's never too late to redefine your purpose.
I asked local leaders who have made midcareer or retirement shifts for advice on pivoting professionally and personally.
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Romonda D. Belcher, retired judge, Iowa 5th Judicial District, published author, adjunct law professor
As successful women, you are so much more than the titles that precede your names or the initials that follow them. Your success is defined by your perseverance and courage to accomplish the goals you set for yourself to walk in your purpose. Your growth is measured by how you continue to challenge yourself. Remember to take time to appreciate what you have already accomplished. Be comforted knowing that the same determination and confidence will guide you in your new endeavor. Be grounded by faith, family and fearlessness. Faith to know that you are more than enough even when you don’t have all the answers and may still be trying to figure out what’s next. The love of family so you never forget who you are and the sacrifices made for you. Fearlessness to walk away on your own terms to pursue other interests, redefining your purpose.
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Michelle Book, retired CEO, Food Bank of Iowa, community leader
The word "retire" derives from the French "retirer," meaning to withdraw. Ask any successful, engaged 65-year-old if they are ready to withdraw from life and most respond with an emphatic "No!" Some will focus on family, travel or recreation; I applaud those choices.
However, I have always enjoyed the satisfaction of achievement that comes from working. So I prefer to repurpose rather than retire.
Repurposing allows individuals to continue contributing to society, utilizing their accumulated knowledge and experience in new and meaningful ways. It provides a sense of fulfillment that traditional retirement may lack. Repurposed individuals often maintain better mental and physical health, fostering a more vibrant community.
Rather than viewing retirement as an end, repurposing offers a new beginning, filled with opportunities for growth and impact. After many years of funding children and saving for old age, now there are no more "have to’s" – there are only "get to’s."
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Jann Freed, leadership development and change management consultant, the Genysys Group, author
I am part of a generation of women redefining what "retirement" looks like. What advice would I give to other women over 50 considering a transition?
Based on my experience, navigating life transitions is not about being smart or having lots of money. It is about making intentional decisions about how you want to spend your resources — time, money and energy. Retirement planning is often focused on money. But once you have "enough" money to support your lifestyle, the nonfinancial aspects of retirement matter. Where will I find my purpose and new identity? Who will be my "tribe"? How will I continue to contribute my talents and serve causes in which I believe?
According to Bruce Feiler, author of "Life Is in the Transitions," "The linear life is dead; the idea that we’re going to have one job, one relationship, one home … is gone. It’s been replaced by a nonlinear life with many more twists and turns and transitions. Gen Xers understand that more intuitively than do boomers, and millennials understand it more than Xers."
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Janell Pittman, chief marketing officer, Chief Outsiders
Ignore the idea of balance. Take time to truly understand your priorities, passions and what brings YOU JOY, then allocate your time accordingly.
As leaders, we are always thinking about stakeholders. Think about what brings YOU JOY absent the positive reinforcements and influence of others.
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Ramona Wink, Vistage chair
Our society spends millions trying to convince people, especially women, that success and beauty are dependent upon age. My advice to women of all ages is this: "Just say, ‘No!’" Age does not define us.
Having that gritty mindset has allowed me to navigate life’s transitions, some of them very difficult, with optimism and hope.
Other factors that have guided me through times of change are my faith and my "why."
My faith reminds me that God has an amazing plan for all of God’s children. That plan doesn’t stop or diminish when we qualify for an AARP card! God’s amazing plan doesn’t spare us from difficulties. When times are tough, God’s Word whispers, "Fear not, for I am with you."
My personal and professional "why" is "Better together!" We are better together.
Surround yourself with great people who encourage and inspire you to be fearless. I believe in you!
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"I THINK IT'S ABOUT HOW IF YOU STILL HAVE PASSION AND IF YOU HAVEN'T BECOME CYNICAL AND YOU'VE REMAINED OPEN TO LIFE, THEN NO MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE CHRONOLOGICALLY, YOU'RE STILL YOUNG. AGE IS RELATIVE."
JANE FONDA
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How a Des Moines professor helped de-extinct the dire wolf (Axios). An IVF alternative could make having babies less onerous (Wired). Linn County cyclist brings women together with mountain biking group (The Gazette). Women in UK finance still earn a fifth less than men (Bloomberg). What RFK Jr.’s plans for baby formula mean for parents (The 19th). One preventable death every 7 seconds during pregnancy or childbirth (UN News).
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At its core, Fearless exists to help empower Iowa women to succeed in work and life. We believe that everyone has a story to share and that we cannot progress as a society unless we know about one another. We share stories through featuring women in our reporting, featuring guest contributions and speakers at our events.
We are always looking for new stories to share and people to feature. Get in touch with us!
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