Redirecting.work
Scott Burton
“Rewiring and Refiring” for a Better Life
Scott and I worked at the Hunter Group in the late nineties. I had just started the HR Systems Survey, and he was doing the work I was surveying about, assisting customers in transitioning to self-service or the cloud. I always appreciated his work because of the deep change management components practiced by him and his team. To me, change management was the critical success factor for people to adopt any technology deployment. Over the years, we've kept in touch, exchanging insights on change management and business transformation. I was delighted when he saw my article on cocooning and reached out, saying he had a few insights to share as it’s such a timely topic for retiring boomers or any person of any generation facing a life transition or as he says - “lifequake.”
The Catalyst for Change
Scott refers to his life and career pivot as “rewiring and refiring.” He made a conscious decision to leave Corporate America as a business transformation executive. In the second half of his life, he became more aware of living with purpose and meaning, contributing to something more significant than satisfying his ego needs. This shift led him from being a goal-oriented and analytical Achiever in business to embracing a more holistic heart-centered approach, focused on making a meaningful difference in the world for others.
A New Direction
Several roles in Scott’s life came to an end: his parents passed away, he became an empty nester as his son graduated from college, and he went through a divorce. These “lifequake” type changes allowed him to downsize, reflect and reframe the second half of his life, moving from a life of success to a life of significance. Scott now has had more time to do the things he cared about most and the opportunity to explore new possibilities.
In his second act, Scott has discovered a love of reading, recommitted to time in nature, meditation and fitness, built new community connections, created peak experiences with family and friends, and now operates a leadership coaching and small business consulting practice. The focus of this practice is helping people and discover their gifts, transcend their obstacles and realize their dreams.
Support and Guidance
Scott completed a year-long coaching program and other certifications in positive psychology, varieties of cognitive behavioral and trauma therapies, career transition management and counseling. He is also involved in ongoing education, research and practices in each of the aforementioned areas, with the intention of greater learning, growth and awareness for himself and his clients. Scott often collaborates with a close circle of selected friends, colleagues, partners and mentors he calls his “kitchen cabinet of advisors.”
Financial Goals and Time Management
Having been a road warrior for much of his career, Scott no longer desires that lifestyle. He works part-time, focusing on family, friends, community, and ongoing spiritual growth. His life goals are now in the driver's seat and his encore career and financial goals align and support those life goals. He has crystallized his values and wisdom into a new “Northstar” vision, adopted a new mindset and framework for living a more purposeful life and adapted best practices, processes and tools from his corporate career to be his operating system.
Unique Insights and Advice
“It's important to stay curious and keep an open mind so you continue to learn and grow in the second half.” Scott offers a few unique insights for those considering a life pivot:
1. Reflect and Reconnect: Consider what's most important to you now and rightsize your life, both physically and emotionally.
Let go of the things that no longer serve you i.e. old beliefs, toxic relationships and material stuff you don’t need anymore.
Upgrade and reboot your values to stand on solid ground as you move into the unknown.
2. Try New Things: Think about what made you happy as a child and the dreams you gave up to grow up. Pick up that
instrument or paint brush or pen and start again. Take a class, research new topics, engage in a discussion group. Go
hiking, join a health club, ride a bike, start a new sport . Volunteer and mentor others, sharing your passion and wisdom.
3. Embrace the Experience: Understand that change is not a linear process. It’s an exploration. Try new things without rigid
expectations for outcomes. Instead of fixating on results, focus on how new experiences make you feel. This approach
encourages growth and joy.
4. Be Grateful Every Day: Life is messy and we all make mistakes. Focus on what you learned and move forward. Judgment
kills joy, so be kind to yourself and others.
Conclusion
Scott’s story is a testament to the power of purposeful change, the search for a new beginning and a meaningful encore career. By transitioning from corporate goals to heart-centered living, he has found a new way to contribute and grow. His journey of rewiring and discovery serves as a guide for anyone facing a “life quake,” offering insights on how to navigate the complexities of life with grace, purpose, and authenticity.
Scott can be reached by email: scotteburton@gmail.com