Make Authenticity Your Superpower in 2026
Lessons on Ageism - Don't Be Afraid to Be Who You Are
Reinforcing the theme I left you with in 2025—a good way to start 2026—Be Yourself.
Eighteen years ago, I did something that a local reporter thought was “gutsy”. I announced my candidacy for California state legislature on my 47th birthday.
I was the only woman in the race, running in the #1 targeted seat in the State of California. Though I was well known as a community leader, I lacked name ID, hadn’t held local office, and wasn’t wealthy. I never had my name on a public ballot.
I had to do something bold to get noticed–and this was it.
I viewed the age thing as strategic rather than risky. And guess what? The headline read that I was a local businesswoman who announced her candidacy on her 47th birthday. I didn’t win the race, but I raised $500,000, simply by being my authentic self.
Oops—I Did It Again
We talked about a great many things – being a Presidential appointee at age 25, orchestrating the appointment of the first person with a disability to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and being the first woman to serve as Western Regional Rep for the U.S. Department of Labor.
The thing that stuck out was my relaunch at age 65.
That’s right. I said it out loud. It was an instant—and in that instant, I emphasized the one thing that could deep-six me for consulting gigs, media appearances and TED talks—my age.
If you’re reading this, you’ve seen the many articles written in tech publications and at the AARP about ageism. We still live in a world that treats age as a weakness instead of a qualification.
Why You’re Hiding Your Age
How many times per week do you see an ad on social media or TV that’s about weight loss, Botox treatments, or makeup that hides the wrinkles?
Do you remember that commercial—’Only my hairdresser knows for sure’ — when asked if we color our hair?
The underlying message is that women should hide as they get older, retire, sit back and watch the Hallmark Channel in an easy chair.
But when we hide our age, we give power to the very thing that diminishes who we truly are—our authenticity.
Wisdom, Value, Authenticity, Resilience
What you bring to the table isn’t dependent on your age.
In fact, experience is a plus.
✔ Wisdom acquired through real-world leadership
✔ Resilience shaped by setbacks and comebacks
✔ With elders comes common sense and discipline.
✔ Loyalty, purpose, authenticity, and a mindset for telling it like it is
✔ Clarity, core values, hard work, and a can-do perspective
✔ Purpose aligned with policy, people, and positive change
Believe in Yourself
✔ I’ve served Presidents, U.S. Senators, a State Senator and a Member of Congress.
✔ I’ve launched businesses, guided business associations, shaped coalitions, and battled burnout.
✔ I’ve grown communities during the pandemic, mentored women in business and in politics, and redefined what public-private sector leadership looks like.
✔ I believe that knowledge is power and that lifelong learning isn’t an option – it’s a necessity.
✔ I believe that AI is a good thing—especially when its used to further causes, build capacity, and sharpen skills.
✔ I believe in the power of prayer, a hearty hike each morning, and taking time to smell the roses.
✔ I believe that it’s OK to say “no” when things don’t align with who you are and who you’re meant to be.
For Women – 60+
If you’re interested in this discussion, and what I’m doing to impact future generations, drop your thoughts in the comments below, follow me on LinkedIn, be a part of the discussion.
✔ How are you flipping the script on age?
✔ What does your reinvention look like?
✔ What energy are you bringing into your next chapter?
Women who lead with experience, energy, power, and unapologetic authenticity will always be in demand. That’s because age doesn’t define our value – we do.
Purple Inspiration is about becoming who you were meant to be and meeting in the middle to solve problems. We’ll feature leaders—women and men—making a difference—nationwide. Join us! Leave a comment and subscribe!