Ep 29. Rethinking Retirement: Living With Purpose Now and Later with Derek Coburn

In this deeply resonant episode of the Legacy Branding Podcast, I sit down with Derek Coburn, entrepreneur, bestselling author, financial advisor, and co-founder of the Cadre community. We dive into the big, bold question: What if retirement isn’t the goal?

Derek shares the thinking behind his book Let’s Retire Retirement, challenging the outdated narrative that fulfillment comes after we stop working. We talk about building a life that feels aligned and joyful now, not just someday. From parenting with presence to redefining success, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about creating a life rich with meaning, connection and intentional choices.

If you’ve ever questioned the traditional path, or want more joy, purpose and fun in the one you’re on, this episode is for you.

 
  • Derek Coburn is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, and bestselling author who’s redefining how we think about work, money, and retirement. With over 27 years of experience, he challenges the outdated retirement model in his book Let's Retire Retirement, offering a bold new vision for building a life so meaningful you’ll never want to escape from it.

    He’s also the co-founder of CADRE, a unique “un-networking” community for CEOs and entrepreneurs, and author of Networking Is Not Working. Derek’s ideas have been featured in Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and beyond. He lives in Virginia with his wife Melanie and their two sons, living proof that purpose and fulfillment don't have to wait for retirement.

    Connect with Derek on LinkedIn
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    Derek Coburn’s Website

  • 00:00 - Meet Derek Coburn & the "No-Retirement" Philosophy

    03:12 - Why We're Subconsciously Opting Into Retirement

    06:45 - $50,000 Moments: What Time with Family is Really Worth

    09:38 - Health, Wealth and the Cost of Delayed Living

    13:15 - A Tale of Two Tonys: Rethinking Financial Freedom

    17:05 - Purpose vs. Happiness: What Truly Keeps Us Alive

    22:10 - Derek’s Midlife Reset: From Addictions to Alignment

    28:30 - Authenticity, Friendship & Outgrowing Old Identities

    33:40 - The Fun Recession & Why Adults Need More Joy

    36:55 - Legacy, Letting Go & Living for Today

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Ep 28. Personal Branding Isn’t Optional Anymore with Julie Cole