“Is It Too Late for Me?”: How to Stay Competitive (and Confident) at Mid-Career and Beyond

Age Doesn’t Disqualify You—Mindset Does

In coaching calls lately, I’ve heard this question come up again and again:

➡️ “Am I too experienced for this role?”
➡️ “I worry I’m being passed over because of my age.”
➡️ “Do companies really want someone with my background?”

If you’ve thought any version of this—you’re not alone.

But here’s what I want you to know:
It’s not too late. You are not too old. Your experience is an asset.

What matters is how you frame it.

Why This Fear Shows Up

Many experienced candidates hesitate because:

• Titles and org charts have shifted
  
  
• The CPG industry has evolved
  
  
• Hiring trends lean toward digital, omni, or startup thinking
  
  
• There’s fear of “being too corporate” or “not a culture fit”
  
  

And the longer a search goes on, the louder those doubts can get.

But Here’s the Truth: The Market Needs You

Companies are struggling to:
✅ Build true leadership bench strength
✅ Retain mid-senior talent
✅ Balance big-picture strategy with execution

They NEED experienced leaders who:

• Build trust
  
  
• Develop people
  
  
• Know how to deliver results without drama
  
  

When you bring that energy—you add value that younger candidates can’t match.

The Mistake That Holds Candidates Back? Leading With the Wrong Story

I often hear:

❌ “I know I’m older, but I still have a lot of energy.”
❌ “I’m fine taking a step down if needed.”
❌ “I don’t mind working for younger leaders.”

But here’s the thing:
That’s not the story you want them to hear.

The story that works:

✅ “Here’s where I add the most value.”
✅ “Here’s how I help companies navigate complex challenges.”
✅ “Here’s how I build teams and deliver results.”

Lead with strength, relevance, and readiness—not apology.

How to Stay Competitive (and Confident) at Mid-Career and Beyond

1️⃣ Lead with the Future, Not Just the Past

Don’t get stuck listing everything you’ve done.
Frame it around what you’ll do next:

"I bring 15 years of experience in [area], and here’s how I’m applying that to solve [today’s challenge in this space]."

2️⃣ Show Learning Agility

Companies want to know: Can you evolve with them?

Show it by:
✅ Speaking to current trends in your space
✅ Sharing how you’ve adapted to shifts in the market
✅ Demonstrating curiosity and a learning mindset

3️⃣ Highlight Your Leadership Currency

What is your leadership currency today?

Is it:

• Developing people?
  
  
• Building cross-functional alignment?
  
  
• Driving growth in ambiguity?
  
  

Know it. Own it. Lead with it.
That’s what hiring managers need at mid-to-senior levels.

Remember: Age Is Only a Liability If You Act Like It

If YOU bring:
✅ Curiosity
✅ Relevance
✅ Leadership presence

You won’t just stay competitive—you’ll stand out.

Your Action Step: Audit Your Story

This week, review your:

• LinkedIn “About” section
  
  
• Resume summary
  
  
• Interview answers
  
  

Ask:
➡️ Am I telling an “I still can” story—or an “I absolutely will” story?

Shift your message—and you’ll shift the results.

Want Help Telling a Stronger Story?

If you want to sharpen your narrative and build demand for what you bring, let’s work together.

📩 Book a 1:1 session
Or explore my Passive Job Search Program to move forward with clarity and confidence.