We all know change is coming and it's better that we do something about it and not sit around and watch our world crumble around us. Senior Advocates provide their clients with advice on how to manage the many changes in their lives as they age. The senior advocate can help you plan for the future, whether that's through estate planning, financial planning or even simply planning a birthday party.
In today’s episode of Fly the Coop podcast, we are joined by Sara Lykken. Sara is an organizational change management consultant with expertise in guiding the implementation of large-scale transformational change as well as small-scale change initiatives impacting systems, processes and/or culture change. A balance of successful business experience and business acumen and a pragmatic approach to change management has positioned Sara well in the role of change leader and mentor.
Sara talks about her journey to becoming a Senior Advocate and the lessons she has learnt. She explains how the right sizing philosophy can make all the difference in an elderly person’s life. Sara also shares the top five services she offers as well as the benefits of having a senior advocate and much more. Enjoy!
Topics Discussed and Key Points:
Timestamps
[01:09] A Little bit about Sara’s journey to becoming a senior advocate and the lessons she is learning
[05:36] Where Sara learned the right sizing philosophy and how she communicates it with the people she works with
[08:47] The top five services Sara offers
[11:59] The support system for our ageing population: Gaps and Solutions
[13:56] Where Sara sees longevity currently in The Expanse based on her experience working with various clients
[15:42] Where does Sara see complexity with a lack of connection between family units and parents when it comes to advising families?
[17:32] How likely is it, in Sara's opinion, that in the near future, there will be the formation of professional advocacy groups?
[19:48] What are the advantages of having a senior advocate for an individual or a family?
[21:35] When a client is going through a transition, how does Sara draw attention to their mindset and mentality so that they can focus on joy?
Notable Quotes
[00:02:12] “We've all experienced it through COVID, but seniors, especially, especially those that don't have family members nearby to support them, and even if they do, those family members are so busy that they can't give them the time that many of these seniors really need as well.”
[00:03:50] “But you know what I'm seeing as maybe some of the other contractors that do these different services, you know, are valued agents or real estate agents to our senior transition companies. They have all the right tools, but they don't always have the time or the conversation that these seniors need.”
[00:05:39] “When organizations change is not about an organization change, it's about people changing.”
[00:06:11] “I'm also very much a very conservative in terms of property and belongings, and it just breaks my heart to see all those beautiful things that they've had go into dumpsters.”
[00:12:22] “I think that being a senior advocate, I'm really working hard for them with those, so they get a good value for their home, not because I think it's important to have a good product, but I see as a need because it's playing on their minds about how long am I going to be able to live on this in the senior housing? How long am I going to be able to afford to live there?”
[00:22:50] “Change is a choice that requires a mindset, and the mindset is a choice.”
Resources
Connect with Sara
Connect with Carrie Ann Carter
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