EP 29 From Keynotes to Empowered TEDx Coaching
Hey Pro Agers!
Meet Mimi Donaldson: At 76, she is thriving in life and shares her journey from giving keynotes for decades, to helping others deliver powerful speeches through her TEDx and speech coaching.
Here are the highlights from our delicious conversation:
🎤 Keynote Wisdom – Mimi, once a powerhouse keynote speaker, likens delivering speeches to operating a jukebox, with a repertoire of 14 keynotes. She shared the liberating realization that after her last major keynote in Brazil in 2014, it was time to transition to something she loved more—coaching. Her journey teaches us that it's okay to move on from things that no longer bring joy, especially after the age of 65.
❤️ Finding Passion vs. Doing What You Love – Mimi’s advice for those over 65 is gold: instead of chasing new passions, immerse yourself in activities you already love. Discovering what doesn't excite you can be just as important as finding what does.
✨ Path of a Speech Coach – After decades of inspiring from the stage, Mimi’s aha moment came as she found delight in mentoring others. Today, she coaches TEDx speakers, executives, and entrepreneurs, helping them develop powerful speeches that resonate. Her joy now comes from seeing the spark in her clients’ eyes—proof that our passions can evolve beautifully over time.
💡 TEDx Secrets Unveiled – If you’re thinking about giving a TEDx talk, Mimi’s got you covered! She emphasizes the importance of preparation and engaging storytelling. Watch Kelly McGonagall's "Make Stress Your Friend" for a masterclass in effective delivery.
Catch the full episode to get inspired and empowered!
For more insights and resources, subscribe to the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age newsletter, and visit Mimi's website at mimidonaldson.com.
Remember, you are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Keep thriving, keep shining, and never let age cage you!
If you found inspiration from this conversation, we’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.
Listeners, please remember – you have so much to give – don’t let those internalized ageist beliefs prevent you from pursuing new dreams and opportunities – no matter your age.
Tune in and let's crush ageism together!
Waving from Boston – cheers!
Ande ♥
CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!
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Mimi Donaldson
Speaker Coach / Ted Talk Coach
For over twenty years, Mimi captivated audiences from the Fortune 100 to the just plain fortunate. She's won acclaim for her rousing keynote speeches, compelling workshops, and in-house training programs. She has shared the keynote platform with Colin Powell, Katie Couric and Suze Orman.
Mimi has created speeches for TED Talkers, executives, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and sales staffs.
To date, she has coached 22 speakers to the TEDx stage.
She has a Bachelors Degree in Speech and Dramatic Arts from the University of Iowa, and a Masters Degree in Education from Columbia University. For 10 years, she was a staff Human Resources Specialist with Walt Disney Company, Northrop Aircraft, and Rockwell International.
Mimi has been a visiting professor at Harvard University’s Center for Public Leadership at the Kennedy School of Government.
Mimi Donaldson is co-author of Negotiating for Dummies, published in six languages and sold almost 2 million copies worldwide. She also co-wrote Bless Your Stress: It Means You’re Still Alive!
Mimi’s third book is about women, success and football: Necessary Roughness: New Rules for the Contact Sport of Life.
Mimi’s latest book is designed to improve the quality of how you present yourself: Pitch Perfect: Speak to Grow Your Business in Seven Simple Steps.
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