Jeff, 63
Optimistic, intentional, kind
“ Few people in life have discovered their why, and as a result are on “autopilot” going through life day to day, without any purpose. Discovering one’s purpose is one of the most important things we can do.”
✨ Twinsight: Embrace your age and own your worth like Jeff does! Feeling comfortable in your own skin is vital to aging well. Jeff owns his value, his wisdom and has a plan to apply it generously as he ages. We should all aspire to adopt this ethos and let this story be a reminder to us that aging is a privilege AND an opportunity to shine brighter than ever before!
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: I am 63 years old. Mentally, I don’t feel any different than when I was in my 30’s; physically, I notice some deterioration but overall am in good-great health. I really enjoy the stage of life that I am at – I don’t feel like I have to prove anything to anyone (anymore), I can just be myself and do pretty much whatever I want. That freedom is incredibly liberating.
Three words that describe you.
A: Optimistic, intentional, kind
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: Few people in life have discovered their why, and as a result are on “autopilot” going through life day to day, without any purpose. Discovering one’s purpose is one of the most important things we can do.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: Raising two sons into the confident, funny, successful, responsible men they’ve become.
Jeff with his family. “Raising two wonderful children is my proudest accomplishment.”
Have you experienced ageism?
A: Yes; it is rampant in the US. The media’s obsession with “30 under 30”, “40 under 40”, Instagram, and the VC community are constantly celebrating these “flash in the pan” personalities. So, if one is going through a career transition in their late 50s or early 60s it’s tough.
For me, the ageism prevented me from “taking a job” and required me to do the hard work of “why” discovery which led me to start the 7 entities I have in the last 6 years. It was a blessing in disguise.
What’s your message to the world?
A: Find your why and truly live it.
Favorite band, book or artist?
A: Favorite band/performer: Van Morrison. This guy is a legend and he is a true Irish storyteller – the triumph & tragedy.
Favorite book: Harold and the Purple Crayon because it celebrates imagination and creativity.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: My family, first and foremost.
A well run play; moving the chains. (It is an American football metaphor.) Winning a Superbowl is not a matter of the 4th quarter hail-Mary pass for a 70-yard touchdown; it is a matter of a well-executed series of plays, that achieves a first down and moves the chains down the field. Lather, rinse, repeat.
I take great pride and joy when I/we move the chains in any of my endeavors whether it be: my family, my community service, or my economic development activities.
Cooking a great meal for my family and friends and the conversation(s) we have over a meal.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: I had a very good and close relationship with my Grandfather Carl Valentine Gaus; he helped develop a lot of my imaginative and cognitive skills. He died when I was in the 4th grade and I miss him (but, still talk to him regularly). I really look forward to becoming a Grandfather so I may develop that kind of relationship with my grandchildren and provide help and support to my sons and their (prospective) wives.
My future self will never “retire”; I will shift where and how I use my intellect, wisdom, work, and time. I will shift more and more to community service Board work.
Are there traditions in your culture related to aging that you would like to share?
A: Unfortunately, in America we worship youth and shun the elderly, so not really.
However, I will say I was raised to respect and care for the elderly. I live where I do because we moved here (and I completely uprooted my personal and professional life to do so) so my Mother-in-law could live with us in her final decade. I wish we would get back to our immigrant roots of multi-generational living.
Do you feel visible?
A: Yes, because of who I am and what I do, I can be as visible as I choose to be, often simply by asking a question or making commentary.
The ambivert who is me, vacillates between wanting to be visible and invisible.
Are there things you are doing now that you couldn’t do before?
A: Not so much that I could do before, but because I chose not to do them. Specifically, my physical fitness routines. I never worked out until about 10 years ago. Now, my wife and I work with a trainer 2X/week and I do a lot of solo work. I walk several miles every day with my aging Black Lab and it gives me great alone time and someone to talk with who just listens and never talks back.
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