Mark Matson joins us. He’s a multifaceted professional with a rich background in human resources, storytelling, and community support. Together, we explore the concept of building an “encore career”—an intentional and fulfilling second act that leverages both professional experience and personal passion to benefit oneself and the community.

Exploring Life’s New Chapters

Mark Matson, approaching the age of 70, shares insights from his journey of transitioning into this vibrant stage of life. Embracing newfound flexibility, he discusses his recent activities such as swimming and planning a cross-country trip. Despite considering winding down his professional workload, Matson’s enthusiasm for his current role and the unforeseen opportunities it brings him are palpable.

Guiding Downsizing with Compassion

Our conversation highlights an emotional anecdote involving a gentleman named Paul, whom Matson helped transition from a 1,800-square-foot home to a significantly smaller 600-square-foot assisted living space. This experience underscores the emotional complexity of downsizing, emphasizing the need for empathy and respectful guidance when dealing with cherished personal belongings. Carol shares her story of navigating her parents’ possessions, echoing Matson’s sentiment of honoring the historical and emotional significance attached to these items.

A Diverse Career Path

Matson’s career is incredibly diverse. With a background in urban geography, he has worked as a congressional aide, a ranch hand, a seminarian, and has spent 30 years in human resources. Based in Ohio, he has also contributed significantly to charitable organizations such as Ohio Living, which focuses on senior housing. This myriad of experiences provides a rich tapestry of stories and lessons that he carries forward into his encore career.

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Embodying a Positive Mindset

A strong proponent of maintaining a positive mindset, Matson reflects on the importance of one’s state of mind through personal anecdotes and a poem by Walter Winkle, titled “It’s All in the State of Mind.” His motto, “I can and I will,” serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of self-belief and determination. He warns against the “binary trap” of viewing changes as solely losses or gains, urging listeners to recognize the potential benefits and opportunities that come with transitions.

Harnessing Assessments for Growth

Matson has amassed a robust collection of personal assessments throughout his career, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Enneagram, among others. These tools have been instrumental in understanding his strengths, weaknesses, and creative potential. They paved the way for his leap into retirement coaching and the creation of the “Career Encore” course, which aims to guide retirees toward meaningful and dynamic post-retirement pursuits.

Discovering New Ventures

A chance encounter led Matson to a surprising career development as a project manager for home renovations. Using his HR skills to hire and supervise craftsmen, he discovered a passion for managing tangible projects, such as painting and restoring homes, which he found more gratifying than his previous HR work. This venture organically evolved into his business as a “residential concierge,” where he helps homeowners—from managing renovations to beekeeping.

Networking and Personal Fulfillment

Our conversation touches on the significance of networking and accountability in carving out a fulfilling career. Carol praises Matson’s diligent research and networking efforts, and the discussion delves into the importance of maintaining professional and personal connections. These ties can often lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities.

Embracing New Interests and Skills

Mark Matson is a testament to the joy of embracing new skills later in life. Whether it’s interior decorating, drawing, or swimming, he continually seeks to grow and learn. Reflecting on his experiences, Matson emphasizes the emotional rewards of engaging in work that resonates personally and creatively. His story of restoring a historical home’s front door illustrates the satisfaction of turning one’s passion into meaningful work.

Strategizing Retirement

As our conversation rounds out, we talk about the practicalities of retirement planning. Matson used visual aids, like a “thermometer,” to track his countdown to Medicare eligibility, reflecting the common concerns around healthcare costs for early retirees. There’s an emphasis on the importance of having a plan to avoid the stagnation many feel post-retirement.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2025 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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Listener Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.