“You Can’t Stop Ageism, but You Can Outsmart It” — Why Executives Need a Plan B (Reupload)

Hire Yourself Podcast with Pete Gilfillan

Ageism is real, and it’s accelerating. In this reuploaded episode, Pete breaks down how executives in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s can protect themselves from being pushed out of corporate life before they’re ready. With layoffs rising, loyalty disappearing, and older leaders being overlooked or replaced, Pete outlines eight practical steps to stay relevant, protect your income, and build long-term security.

In this episode, Pete discusses:

• Acknowledging ageism as a real threat
  Ageism is growing across industries. Recognizing the bias early helps you prepare and take strategic action before it impacts your career.
• Modernizing your resume and online presence
  Showcasing recent accomplishments, updated skills, and new certifications helps counter the perception that older executives aren’t up to date.
• Continuing to build and demonstrate leadership
  Senior-level leaders bring decades of experience. Highlighting decision-making skills, innovation, and cross-generational leadership reinforces your value.
• Leveraging your network and building mentorship
  Strong professional relationships increase your visibility, create opportunities, and help validate your expertise.
• Upskilling and reskilling to stay relevant
  Staying current with technology, AI, data, and new systems demonstrates adaptability and commitment to growth.
• Leading multi-generational teams
  Showing strength in mentoring younger talent and collaborating across age groups helps counter age-based assumptions.
• Creating a Plan B through business ownership
  Real estate, consulting, and especially semi-absentee franchise ownership can help create income security when corporate roles disappear.
• Advocating for yourself in the workplace
  Communicating your value and maintaining visibility helps reduce the impact of bias, even in environments where ageism is never openly acknowledged.

Key Takeaways:

• Ageism is real, rising, and impacting executives earlier than ever.
• Fifty percent of corporate executives over 50 are pushed out before they are ready.
• Only ten percent of those who get pushed out earn the same or more in their next role.
• You must protect yourself before ageism hits, not after.
• Building income security outside of corporate — especially through semi-absentee franchise ownership — creates real stability and control.
• A side business gives you a runway, a pivot point, and a safety net when corporate life shifts unexpectedly.

“Ageism is unavoidable, but being unprepared is optional. Build something on the side so you're never caught flat footed.” — Pete Gilfillan

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