Retirement is no longer synonymous with slowing down or stepping back. It’s being reimagined as a phase of renewed purpose, opportunity, and contribution. Dr. Johann Redelinghuys, founder of Reset Retirement and Chairman of The Chairman’s Institute, is leading the charge in challenging outdated perceptions of retirement. With a career steeped in leadership psychology and retirement coaching, Dr. Johann is helping individuals transition into this next chapter with clarity and intention.

 

Recently appearing as a guest on the Circle Senior Living ‘Rocktirement’ Podcast, Dr. Redelinghuys shared his insights about exploring the evolving notion of aging and retirement. During the podcast episode, he discusses his approach to creating a “portfolio” of fulfilling activities that keep retirees engaged and contributing to society. This conversation reinforces the growing discourse around purpose-driven living and how individuals can continue leading impactful lives well into their later years.

 

“Retirement should be seen as a second act—a chance to leverage one’s lifetime of skills and experiences in meaningful ways,” says Dr. Redelinghuys. His approach, known as “portfolio living,” encourages retirees to embrace a mix of activities that not only enrich their lives but also contribute to society. This could include advisory roles, mentoring younger professionals, pursuing passion projects, or engaging in community work.

 

Dr. Redelinghuys’ perspective is rooted in decades of experience working with high-level professionals. As a former founding partner of Heidrick & Struggles in South Africa, he specialised in CEO succession planning and governance, equipping leaders to adapt to changing roles. Through Reset Retirement, he now applies this expertise to guide individuals through the emotional and practical aspects of retirement.

 

At the heart of his philosophy is the belief that retirement is not an end, but a transformation. “It’s about redefining what success and fulfillment look like in this phase of life. Many retirees have a wealth of knowledge and leadership capabilities that can be applied in new and impactful ways,” he explains.

 

In addition, Dr. Redelinghuys highlights the importance of proper governance and leadership dynamics, particularly for those stepping into roles such as board chairpersons or non-executive directors. His work with The Chairman’s Institute focuses on equipping leaders to navigate these roles effectively, ensuring their contributions remain impactful without overstepping the boundaries of governance.

 

“Retirement is not about withdrawing; it’s about engaging in life differently,” Dr. Redelinghuys asserts. “It’s an opportunity to create a legacy, inspire others, and continue growing.” This evolving narrative around retirement challenges the conventional notion of stepping back and instead celebrates the possibilities of stepping forward into a vibrant and purposeful future.

 

Gidon Novick, Non-Executive Director at Circle Senior Living and host of the Rocktirement Podcast that anchors itself around respected senior South African citizens challenging society’s current perceptions around retirement, reflects on Dr. Redelinghuys’ approach, saying, “Hearing Johann speak about unlocking potential and transforming the retirement experience has been truly inspiring. He’s taken the same mindset he’s used to help individuals throughout their careers and applied it to help people approaching their retirement years with creativity and purpose.”

 

As the Rocktirement Podcast continues to grow, this episode serves as a reminder that retirement can be a vibrant, purposeful phase of life. It offers listeners an opportunity to rethink the traditional view of aging, with insightful conversations and forward-thinking perspectives. Dr. Redelinghuys’ philosophy challenges the conventional notion of retirement as a time for rest, encouraging individuals to stay engaged in life and find new ways to contribute to society—an ethos shared by Circle Senior Living.

 

To listen to the full podcast click here:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vI7TDjxUAO6s0eY9VizLK?si=b532cc618417427e

 

For more information about Circle Senior Living or to book a site tour, visit

www.circleseniorliving.co.za