Blooming in Midlife…Meet Barbara Guterman
It’s time to meet another woman who is Blooming in Midlife…This week we’re spotlighting Barbara Guterman, founder of Teach Give Inspire Fridays (TGIF), and her story is going to give you ALL the feels. At 57, Barbara had her “aha moment” and created something truly amazing.
Get to Know Barbara!
Coffee order that gets you going?
Dunkin Donuts Vanilla
Guilty pleasure we’re totally here for?
Taking a nap in the afternoon
What’s always in your purse?
Lipstick and a hairbrush
Early bird or night owl?
Somewhere in between
Go-to cocktail?
Petrone Silver
If you could have dinner with any woman, who would it be?
My mom who passed away in 2014 at the age of 84 from COPD. (💕)
Now Let’s Talk About Barbara’s Midlife Pivot…
So what was your midlife pivot?
I created TGIF - a dynamic women’s speaker series featuring quarterly conference-style events with thought leaders and industry trailblazers. It’s designed to empower, inspire creativity, and unlock new possibilities. Since launching in 2019, we’ve hosted over 22 events, welcomed more than 55 remarkable speakers, and engaged an audience of over 1,700 women collectively!
How old were you when you made this leap?
57 - proving it’s never too late to start something incredible!
What was your “aha moment”?
I realized that I wanted to get beyond “Hi, How are you?” to engage more deeply with those I was coming into contact with in the hopes of forming more meaningful relationships.
The Beautiful Impact She’s Creating with TGIF
What’s the BEST part about your midlife pivot?
The opportunity to work with such extraordinary women to help them frame and share their stories in the most impactful of ways. I love the ripple effect that has allowed our speakers to transform and touch so many women’s lives.
What prepared you for this next chapter?
I am a public speaker and a philanthropist as well as a retired CEO. It is this combination of 40 years of experience that has allowed me to coach powerful women for impact and engagement to the broader community.
If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
“To Just Go For It! There is nothing standing in your way but you!”
The Midlife Magic
What’s your favorite unexpected thing about this stage of life?
I love the impact that I can make unapologetically and I am inspired by creating a profoundly loving and inspiring impact for my grandchildren now ages 4 and 2.
What’s one thing you’ve stopped caring about?
Not being included. (The freedom in this statement is everything!)
How has your definition of success changed?
Success looks like striving to be my best self everyday as me and not compared to others.
Wisdom to Share
Your advice for women considering their own midlife pivot?
“Not to fight it, but to find a path that can bring new friendships and joy. I love making new friends at this stage in my life.”
What’s been your biggest source of inspiration?
Besides my mom, it’s been the women I have met along the way over the last 7 years. They are women who are making a difference in the community and in the world at large.
What’s still on your bucket list?
Moving back to Florida and having the opportunity to play more (with purpose)!
Favorite way to celebrate small wins?
My happy place is Canyon Ranch. I take myself there (by myself) 3 to 4 times a year to recharge and reunite with my love of exercise, cooking, hiking and spirituality.
-----
Want to connect with Barbara and learn about TGIF events? Follow her journey on Instagram @momofthreebs
Barbara’s story proves that sometimes our greatest gifts come from recognizing what we truly need. What started as a desire for deeper connection became a movement that’s touched over 1,700 women’s lives. Now THAT’S what we call Blooming in Midlife!