It’s Time to Push Back & Stand Up

Recently, I had a conversation with a longtime friend and former client who has an impeccable resume. CMO of many companies, deep experience, and a track record that would be the envy of any professional.  I’ve always thought of him as innovative, creative, and one of the marketing gurus in the industry. He is 58 years old (hold that thought).

As he has been talking to executive recruiters and headhunters, he is being told .. “you are too old”…“why don’t you think about retiring”…”your resume/experience is sterling…but” 

This is the shocking behavior of so-called executive recruiters who continue to promote the ageist thinking that is prevalent in their world.  Where are the progressive recruiters? Where are the progressive search firms that push the C-Suite and other hiring managers to break through their own discriminatory thinking?

This has to be spearheaded not only by the big firms but also the boutique firms. Stand up.

Push back. Be the ones who value what a 50+ employee or manager brings to the table.

I had my own experience with a Board that I serve on. After an extensive search, a man in his 60’s emerged as the best candidate to lead the organization. His background, knowledge, and experience are impeccable.  We hired him and he is making an extraordinary mark on our organization. Thanks to an open-minded Board, we made the responsible choice. 

At ROAR, we hope to take this on—in business, government, and organizations that have embedded ageism into their recruiting and hiring practices.  #ROARforward.

ROAR into the second half of your life (before it's too late)

Meet the Author

Michael Clinton is a best-selling author, new longevity expert, thought leader, and keynote speaker on the changing face of what it means to live longer. He is also a writer-at-large for Esquire, and regular columnist for Men’s Health. A former president and publishing director of Hearst Magazines, he now serves as the special media advisor to the Hearst Corporation’s CEO.

He is also a photographer, has traveled through 124 countries, has run marathons on 7 continents, has started a nonprofit foundation, is a private pilot, is a part owner of a vineyard in Argentina, holds two master’s degrees, and still has a long list of life experiences that he plans to tackle.

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