In this episode of Tips for the Transition: The Career Roadmap, Maria welcomes Deb Porter, founder of HOLD ~ Hearing Out Life Drama and a 25-year expert in active listening.

Deb believes that what we often call “soft skills” should be redefined as essential — especially when it comes to listening.

This episode focuses on the transformative power of active listening, a skill often underestimated but crucial in personal and professional life. Whether you’re looking to improve communication in the workplace, deepen personal relationships, or connect more deeply with yourself, active listening is the key.

Deb and Maria dive deep into what active listening is, how it works, and why it’s more important now than ever. Through this engaging conversation, Deb will share practical techniques you can implement immediately to become a better listener and how curiosity plays a vital role in fostering stronger relationships and communication.

CONNECT WITH DEB PORTER
Founder of HOLD: Hearing Out Life Drama

Website: hearingoutlifedrama.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deblhporter

Deb’s Gift: Runaway Freight Train Brain
Master your racing thoughts, boost your focus, and elevate your conversations with this free mini-course. Keep every conversation on track.

hearingoutlifedrama.com/FreightTrainBrain

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, MARÍA TOMÁS-KEEGAN
Certified Career & Life Coach | Transition Expert

Women face unique challenges and opportunities when times are uncertain.
If you’re wondering what’s next or seeking more meaning in life and work, the key to unlocking possibilities begins with understanding where you are starting from. The free tools on my website will help.

Learn more: transitionandthrivewithmaria.com. Then, let’s chat.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariatomaskeegan

On the show this week, I sit down with Jennifer Arthurton, founder of the empowering community Old Chicks Know Sh*t and host of the podcast of the same name.

Jennifer is a former Fortune 500 marketing executive who made a bold shift during midlife. She has transformed her journey into an opportunity to mentor and inspire women navigating their midlife crises.

She passionately believes that midlife is the most potent time for women — when we can authentically step into who we are and create our “kick-ass next chapter.” In this conversation, Jennifer explains why midlife is the chapter of authenticity, the midlife paradox, and how women can reclaim their power to live with clarity, purpose, and meaning. And she shares her personal reinvention story as a powerful example of what we might feel and how it can be done.

If you’ve ever wondered how to harness the power of midlife, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable advice to help you own your next chapter.

CONNECT WITH JENNIFER ARTHURTON
Founder, Mentor, & Podcast Host

Website: oldchicksknowshit.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-arthurton-546566

Jennifer’s Gift: 5 Ways to Create Your Best Chapter Yet
oldchicksknowshit.com/next-chapter-guide


CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, MARÍA TOMÁS-KEEGAN
Certified Career & Life Coach | Transition Expert

Women face unique challenges and opportunities when times are uncertain.

If you’re wondering what’s next or seeking more meaning in life and work, the key to unlocking possibilities begins with understanding where you are starting from. The free tools on my website will help.

Learn more: transitionandthrivewithmaria.com. Then, let’s chat.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariatomaskeegan

Have you ever met someone who just gets you? And she understands about life’s twists and turns?

Enter Linda Rossetti.

Linda’s not just a former CEO and Fortune 500 whiz; she's our go-to guru on navigating life's big changes. She’s penned two books, "Dancing with Disruption" and "Women & Transition," that honestly felt like she'd read my diary.

Ever had those, “Wait, someone else feels this too?” moments? Linda’s words gave me a ton of those.

With her insights, we're diving deep into how we can find hope and optimism at life’s crossroads, the role that our choices and voice play, and how to dance through them gracefully.

Ready to feel understood and empowered? Don’t miss one of our most popular guests!

CONNECT WITH LINDA ROSSETTI
Executive Director, The Transition Institute

Website: lindarossetti.com/resources

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindarossetti

Linda’s Book: Dancing With Disruption

CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, MARÍA TOMÁS-KEEGAN
Certified Career & Life Coach | Transition Expert

Women leaders face unique challenges and opportunities when times are uncertain.

If you’re wondering what’s next or seeking more meaningful work, the key to unlocking possibilities starts with understanding where you stand right now. These tools will help.

Learn more: transitionandthrivewithmaria.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariatomaskeegan