Here's how you can keep growing and acquiring new skills as a late career professional.

Ted Lasso (actually, Walt Whitman), said "Be Curious. Not Judgmental". Part of being a lifelong learner is WANTING to learn...WANTING to get out of the box we've lived and worked in...and WANTING to have conversations that make us uncomfortable. - Ask for feedback from people you know will be honest with you. - Get involved in associations, user groups, master mind groups, etc. If you can't find one you like, start one. - Focus on your strengths...but continue to seek feedback on how to increase those strengths - Watch for webinars on relevant topics but be selective. There is a big difference between "this is a valuable topic" and "this seems interesting". - Find a mentor. Be a mentor. Never stop asking who, when, why, where and how.

As ageism is an unspoken challenge, late stage professionals have to identify ways to continuously evolve while learning how to leverage tenured experiences as their competitive advantage. - Explore Education: Consider advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized courses relevant to your field or areas you want to learn. The more you know, the more you can grow. - Join Associations: Explore professional communities. The key is not just joining, but focusing on ways you can exchange ideas and contribute with your experiences to have an influence/impact. - Lead With Your Strengths: You have various transferable skills/experiences, leverage them as your differentiator. The only thing constant is growth, so embrace it with optimism.

The biggest challenge facing late-career professionals is embracing change in a dynamic business environment. As industries evolve, you encounter new thinking, technologies, methods, processes, and business models. It can be daunting to realize your skills are no longer sufficient and that reskilling and upskilling are mandatory to stay relevant. Acknowledging your need to change is the first step. Embracing a new paradigm, despite initial difficulties, is next. Actively plan to equip yourself with new skills. Boldly taking on new assignments, even without prior experience, is an effective way to learn. The lack of opportunity is less of a problem than lacking the courage to seize it.

Formal Education: Consider pursuing advanced degrees, certifications, or specialized courses relevant to your field or interests. Take advantage of platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Khan Academy to access a wide range of courses and tutorials. Find a Mentor: Seek guidance from experienced professionals in your field who can provide insights, advice, and support. Consider working with an executive coach to develop leadership skills. Professional Associations: Join industry-specific professional associations and participate in networking events, conferences, and forums. Engage with online communities and forums relevant to your industry to exchange ideas, seek advice, and stay informed about current trends.

Setting clear goals is important, but it's equally vital to break them down into manageable steps. Be sure to track your progress as well. Once the ball gets rolling, you'll find it encourages you to keep moving forward!

As a late-career professional, keep growing by embracing lifelong learning. Here are the basics: 1. Stay curious and open to new technologies and trends in your industry. 2. Take online courses, attend workshops, and read industry publications to stay updated. 3. Network with younger professionals to gain fresh perspectives. For example, if you're a seasoned marketer, learn about digital marketing trends by taking a course on social media strategies or data analytics. Participate in relevant webinars and join professional groups. By continuously learning and adapting, you’ll stay relevant and bring valuable, updated skills to the table.

Continuous Learning is not only learning from a topic or a new skill, you can learn also from your peer, by looking for a coach. Sometimes people can feel shone by asking their peers who have more experience is not a great attitude. Feel open to others who will help you in your career even if you have a solid background or a great profile.

There are plenty of online courses and books on strategy, technology, and markets. There are many conferences and meet-ups and summits and fora. But undoubtedly the best way to keep your finger on the pulse whether early in your career or later as the question asks is to speak to those who are on the frontlines of whatever technology or market you're interested in learning about. Build your network, check-in regularly, and be open with your time and expertise in return. Good luck!

Staying curious and exploring hobbies has been key to my growth as a late career professional. Curiosity fuels lifelong learning. Hobbies have taught me valuable transferable skills. Gaming has sharpened my strategic thinking, gardening has honed my project management abilities, and working with AI has developed my coding skills. Maintaining an inquisitive mindset and embracing diverse learning opens us to endless growth possibilities. Each new project or hobby can teach us something valuable. Curiosity and upskilling are essential for staying relevant. Hobbies provide a fun avenue for growth. I encourage everyone to pursue interests, explore passions, and never stop learning - you never know what enriching skills you might gain.