A few years ago, I developed the concept of the “4-Quarter Life” framework. It’s a simplification of a lot of complex themes. Traditionally, our society and mindset have been shaped by the familiar 3-stage life plan: learn, work, retire. This structure influences much of our life planning and the expectations we place on ourselves. However, I believe it’s important to explore alternative ways of thinking. Dividing life into four quarters makes sense to me.

In the first quarter (Q1), the focus is on learning and growth. The second quarter (Q2) is often about career building, starting families, and achieving professional and personal goals. It is in the third quarter (Q3) when things get interesting. This new chapter represents a time when we’re older but still active, engaged, and curious. In Q3, we can contribute to society in many ways. We’re no longer going straight to the slowing down phase of old age, which I term Q4.

Mapping my own life within this framework helps illustrate its potential. My Q1, like many others, was about learning and personal development. Q2, from my mid-20s to late 40s, was centred on achievement. I got married at 27 and had children in my early 30s, balancing family life with professional ambitions. During this time, I founded the Professional Women’s Network which has grown into a global organisation and is still thriving 25 years later. This period was when I became deeply engaged with issues of gender balance in business, leading me to start my own consultancy, 20-first, helping corporates adapt their leadership, cultures and systems towards a balanced workplace. By the end of Q2, I had built a successful business and published my first book “Why Women Mean Business” at age 47. Having laid the groundwork in Q2, I was ready for Q3 — ready to expand my reach and share my message about gender balance with the world. My books became the vehicle to globalise these ideas, and I spent the next decade travelling internationally, speaking to businesses and individuals.

As I approached my 60s, I became fascinated by a new demographic shift: the generational balance between the under 50s and the over 50s. I believe that generational balance will be to the 21st century what gender balance was to the 20th century, bringing about significant changes in market dynamics, workforce composition, and consumer behaviour. At 60, eager to deepen my understanding of this issue, I completed a year at Harvard as an Advanced Leadership Initiative Fellow, researching new demographics. Through my research, I realised that the discussion around generational balance had been largely limited to the topic of ageism, overlooking the broader economic and societal implications.

After leaving Harvard, I started advocating for generational balance through writing, speaking, and podcasting. Just like gender balance, this message is slowly starting to gain traction, with a few forward-thinking companies beginning to consider how they can address generational diversity within their workforces. I believe that in the next five years, many more will follow suit, and this conversation will move into the mainstream.

There are still many areas I’m keen to explore, particularly the intersection of gender and generational balance. When both men and women reach Q3, they often find themselves at very different junctures. In my experience, many men, after years of uninterrupted work, arrive at Q3 feeling drained. In contrast, women, who have often juggled multiple roles and responsibilities, tend to feel a sense of liberation and renewed energy at this stage. Understanding these divergent experiences is something I’m eager to delve into further.

As for my Q4, it’s a complete mystery to me. I’m not sure exactly how things will unfold, but I’m inspired by the stories of people who are 10 and 20 years older than me. I want to keep enjoying life and having fun. I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone. I simply want to continue growing and giving forward.

Circle Square Member Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Optimistic, international, humble.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? It’s all going to be OK.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Giving my mother the death she wanted.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? Yuval Noel Harari and Dan Ariely – together.

How has age strengthened your advantage? Age has strengthened me in every possible way.

What inspired you to join Circle Square? It’s the perfect place to meet people who fit the demographic I am so passionate about.