Marianne, 62
Energetic, optimist, adventurous
“ I started my MSc in Psychology at the age of 23 and people told me it was a bit late; I immigrated from the Netherlands to Barcelona when I was 37 years old and people told me that it was a bit late; I had my first child at age 42 and people told me it was a bit late; I started my own company at age 48 and my second at age 52 and you can imagine what people told me.
It is never too late to do the things you love! What I found out is that many people need excuses not to do the things they want to do, and age is one of these. ”
✨ Twinsight: In a world often consumed by self-interest, Marianne's story shines a light on giving back in a meaningful way. Her journey not only makes us want to embark on travels with deeper meaning but also reveals the profound rewards of selflessly giving back and aiding others. Marianne's volunteerism unlocks treasures beyond material wealth. With her work, she has discovered a renewed sense of purpose knowing that she is making a difference in others and it’s clear she will continue for the unforeseen future. We find this to be truly inspiring!
I am Dutch and have been living in Barcelona, Spain for 25 years. I am so happy with your initiative to gather inspiring stories of people in the magic hour. I want to be an inspiration for younger people and help dissipate society’s negative image of older people. Like you, I would love to inspire different generations to have more interest for each other, do things together, which I think, will lead to better understanding and inclusion. And finally, life doesn't stop with 60! It, in fact, being older gives you so much freedom and wisdom.
My background is in Social and Organizational Psychology, and I am a professor at EADA Business School in Barcelona and run my my own training consultancy in Barcelona. I just returned from 6 months of traveling through Central America where I have been doing volunteer work, working on projects where I supported local institutions with my professional expertise. Projects involved team building sessions for schools, female empowerment projects for local entrepreneurs, diversity & inclusion workshops, coaching and consultancy for local companies.
My purpose is to share my expertise with people who wouldn't have access to it if they would have to pay for it. While doing this, I experience an immense freedom, get to know other people and communities and learn from them. Most of the time I was surrounded by 25-35 year olds and the exchange of experiences was very enriching.
I have been posting about it on LinkedIn and Instagram, hoping to inspire more people to do volunteer work and share their professional expertise. My idea is that this world needs more giving ;-) My hope is that I can contribute to changing the image of "senior elderly" people into an image that is more energetic and positive.
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: I am 62 years old and I feel more energized than ever. David Bowie said: "Ageing is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person you always should have been" and that's exactly how I experience this freedom.
Three words that describe you.
A: Passionate, Empathetic, and Happy
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: I have learned that saying no to requests or work demands is not a bad thing to do. I had to learn that just because I am capable of doing things for others, doesn't mean I have to do these things. I have all the freedom to say no, even when I know I have the capacity to do it. The fact that I don't want to do it, sometimes is enough reason to say no.
That really would have eased my life in an earlier stage with respect to my work and relationships.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: My daughter Joanna, 20 years old, is an amazing person despite my extremely difficult divorce from a narcissistic man, in which she often had a difficult time. Apart from that, she suffered bullying at school, and has ADD. She turned into a very positive young adult, happy with her life and studies (Audiovisual Production) and I think we did a great job together.
What’s the best part about aging and what’s the worst?
A: The best part about aging is the freedom I feel to be myself, to do the things that really matter to me and give back to society from my experience. Furthermore, I feel far more independent of the opinion of others and have more self-awareness and confidence in myself.
My volunteer work and my business life has allowed me to become the person I always wanted to be. Letting adventure in and at the same time contributing from my life long experience is critical to how I feel about myself and aging.
The worst part about aging is the gap I experience between how I feel (like a 38 eight energetic, young woman) and the deterioration of my body, which undoubtedly reveals that I am 55+. The fact that I look older than I feel, sometimes leads to unexpected reactions of people about what I should or shouldn’t do. Furthermore, in our society the outer looks of young people are more popular and sometimes I wonder why. It would be so enriching if we could see wrinkles and older bodies as interesting and beautiful as well.
Have you experienced ageism?
A: Last year I experienced ageism for the first time in my life when the HR director of the business school where I work, made some remarks on "senior staff not being motivated to update their knowledge and classes". I confronted him with his remarks and he apologized, telling me that he was "speaking in general terms", which in my point of view made it even worse.
What’s your message to the world?
A: I would love to inspire younger people to change their view on the importance of "having to do the important things in life before a certain age", and live their life in their own authentic way and take time for it. You are never too old to do the things you want to do in life!!
One year ago, I posted this text (below) on LinkedIn. I received almost 4200 likes and so many personal messages from young people, telling me how grateful they were for my message and how it inspired them not to worry about their age.
When is it too late to make changes in your life?
I started my MSc in Psychology at the age of 23 and people told me it was a bit late,
I immigrated from the Netherlands to Barcelona when I was 37 years old and people told me that it was a bit late,
I had my first child at age 42 and people told me it was a bit late,
I started my own company at age 48 and my second at age 52 and you can imagine what people told me.
It is never too late to do the things you love! What I found out is that many people need excuses not to do the things they want to do, and age is one of these. My advice: just decide for yourself what the right time is for you. No matter what people say!
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I am also proudly at the forefront of inclusiveness in all aspects: age, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientations. Through my profession I teach students on the topic of DEI on a regular basis. My consultancy also offers workshops.
Favorite band, book or artist?
A: I like a variety of styles, artists and books. Always curious to discover new things. Music from hard rock to R&B, to reggaeton.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: The freedom I feel to travel and be a support for people in the world who don't have access to many things so easily. The fact that I found this way of life and made it totally possible.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: My future plan is to keep on doing volunteer projects in Central America, at least for 5-6 months per year. Now that my daughter is independent, and I can work remotely for the business school, I have all the freedom in the world to live this fulfilling life.
Do you feel visible?
A: Yes, I certainly feel visible!
Connect with Marianne on LinkedIn and her website