From Expert to Explorer

 🎙️ Episode Summary

What happens when a 62-year-old former CFO walks into an art class—and walks out with a completely new mindset?

In this thought-provoking episode, we follow the journey of Curt Roese, founder of Retirepreneur, as he steps outside the safe confines of spreadsheets and control to explore what it truly means to innovate later in life. From fumbling with resin art to strumming a Rolling Stones riff on guitar, Curt’s experience in a graduate-level creativity course challenged decades of business-as-usual thinking—and unlocked something profound: the courage to be a beginner again.

Through Legos, laughter, and even a custom-built AI assistant, Curt learned that discomfort isn’t the enemy of creativity—it’s the path to it. He discovered that many of the best ideas don’t show up in a business plan… they arrive through play, vulnerability, and a willingness to look a little foolish. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter your age, new ideas require new approaches—and the courage to let go of being the expert.

If you’re feeling stuck, boxed in by your own experience, or ready to try something radically different in your second act, this episode is your invitation: start where you don’t know. Because sometimes, your next big idea begins exactly where your comfort zone ends.

Note: This episode is produced using Notebook LM to capture insights and structure powerful storytelling with clarity and depth.

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🌟 About Us - Retirepreneur® is where retirement meets reinvention. Founded by Curt Roese, this platform helps adults aged 55 and above launch second-act businesses, explore flexible work options, and build purpose-filled lives with clarity, confidence, and community. We offer stories, tools, and a vibrant network of like-minded individuals who turn life experiences into meaningful impact.