AGEIST: Do you see gender differences in hiring over 50?
Diane Flynn: My primary demographic at ReBoot Accel is women re-entering the workforce. Many are over 50, and they have 3 strikes against them. They face gender bias, age bias, and pause bias. So yes, I definitely see how challenging it can be for our women to land the interview, much less the job. But I’m encouraged by how many have re-entered at exciting places who need their talent and wisdom — companies like Facebook, Airbnb, Udemy, and many others where the average age is 27.
AGEIST: Are there more opportunities now for women starting businesses than 20 years ago?
Diane Flynn: Absolutely. Investors are wisening to the experience, wisdom, and connections of older women, and research has proven that they tend to be very successful launching new businesses. Many women going through our program see opportunities to better their communities with businesses focused on sustainability, mental health, education and the like. It’s exciting to see the impact they’re having through their entrepreneurial ventures.
AGEIST: What is the one thing, in your experience, women need to focus on in starting a business?
Diane Flynn: Having the CONFIDENCE to do it, and DOING IT! Inertia, perfectionism, lack of confidence and fear of failure often get in the way. We encourage them to have a bias to action, a growth mindset, embrace failure, and take small steps. Having an accountability partner also helps.
AGEIST: How important is peer support for women looking to make a change?
Diane Flynn: Peer support is huge. Many of our women meet weekly with their accountability groups, and we have a thriving Facebook discussion group where women find support and mentorship. I also serve as a coach to many women who are seeking accountability and progress.
AGEIST: What sort of jobs are listed on your job board?
Diane Flynn: We have quite a variety, including full-time, part-time, and remote jobs in many functional areas, including legal, finance, sales, marketing, and office/ project management. We even have “Returnships” — 14-week internships for those returning to careers. Check our job board out here.
AGEIST: What are you most excited for at the YBL (Your Best Life) Conference?
Diane Flynn: I can’t wait to be surrounded by passionate, energized, like-minded individuals striving to make a difference at any age and stage. My dad started a charter school at age 85 that is now thriving. If we’re not dead, we’re not done!
Diane Flynn will be speaking on 50+ Women Entrepreneurs at our YBL (Your Best Life) conference in Los Angeles June 11. More info here.
