The Year Turns
When you consider what you had planned to fulfil this year, at the beginning of this year, what have you already got done? And what is still being left on the long-finger? We are now entering Samhain, the end of the Celtic year, moving towards hibernation and winter. So I invite you to consider: what is holding you back? What is left on your list to complete, or even to start?
A Personal Ambition Fulfilled
At the beginning of this year, in a business network, we were asked what one thing we wanted to achieve by the end of the year. For me, what came to mind was my long-held dream of having my own radio show. I had hosted interviews on radio before, and been interviewed on radio many times, yet for my own show I knew I wanted to focus on death, life and legacy. Finding a station willing to allow that conversation, when so many people avoid it, felt like it might leave this desire as just a pipe dream. There are multitudes of podcasts about death and grief, but I hadn’t come across any that spoke about death and life.
When I put it out to the network that I wanted to have a radio show, I knew I had to take action, or else end the dream once and for all.
That’s when Dublin northside community radio, Near FM, popped onto my radar. Two weeks after I announced my radio wish, they announced they were accepting applications to participate in their annual Women Behind the Mic training. Joining 11 other women, with varying experience in radio, we undertook six weeks of classes, followed by shadowing presenters on six radio shows to learn the practicalities involved. The most stressful experience for me was then solo presenting a music show. All the buttons and sound levels to co-ordinate, alongside figuring out the songs to play, as well as taking live requests, and also trying to sound professional and competent while chatting on the airwaves, really gave me a huge appreciation for all that goes into creating and producing shows on radio.
Afterwards, I was invited to submit a proposal for my own show, and thanks to the committee, they approved two shows: one on legacy, and one on business, which will be developed next year.
Last Tuesday, 20 October, I launched The Legacy Show on Near FM, offering a one-hour show every four weeks to explore how to live a good life, plan for a good death, and honour the legacy created in between.
For the first episode, the theme was The Bigger Picture, focusing on the legal, financial and care considerations of advance planning. Joining me live in studio was solicitor Caitlinn Gilmartin (www.cggilmartin.ie), tax advisor Jane Richardson ([email protected]), and senior care advisor Laura Haverty (www.seniorcareconsultations.ie). The conversation flowed, and they each gave great advice on how best to get your plans in place and on what areas to focus.
I was excited yet apprehensive about producing and hosting this episode, but am really pleased with how it all went. I’d love for you to have a listen, and hope you get some helpful tips for your own plans, whether to start, or to update.
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I’ve secured incredible people to come onto the show over the coming months, so please do save the next couple of dates, 17 November and 15 December, and join me at 3.30pm on www.nearfm.ie.
Reset Your Advance Planning in 30 Days
And because Samhain is also the turning of the year, it’s a natural moment to begin. What better time to close one door and open another than the days when the old Celtic year ends and the new one begins?
The Legacy Reset is my new 30-day programme which will be available from this Sunday, 1st November. This micro-programme includes a daily email setting you a task to complete, a video to talk through it, and an audio to help you reflect once it is done. Each day you will have access to a template to complete, so by the end of the 30 days you will have a complete workbook containing key information that you will have ready to share with loved ones, as well as being better prepared to formalise your wishes with your financial advisor and legal advisor.
Once you sign up you will have access to the programme for 60 days, to allow you time to work at your own pace. The cost is 97 euro, which is remarkable value towards giving yourself peace of mind. Sign up at:
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Living Legacy on the Road
Thanks to East Meath Active Retirement Association for inviting me to give a talk to their group a couple of weeks ago. Over 50 people were in attendance, and were incredibly welcoming, as well as complimentary about the talk.
I also gave an introductory webinar to clients of North Tipperary Development Company and South Tipperary Development CLG, and will hopefully have a follow-on Masterclass next month to delve deeper into getting started with advance planning.
Next month I’m also running two introductory webinars on succession planning: one for Connect Laois, with a follow-on programme starting mid-November, and one for the Irish Hotels Federation Skillnet, with whom I will be running a full succession programme in the new year. If you are a member of a community group or social enterprise in Laois, or work in the hospitality industry in Ireland, then please do reach out to them to book your place.
The Importance of Being Selfish - Blog
Check out my latest blog on why being selfish is important when it comes to your advance planning
My Ask
I’m really keen to get as many individuals and organisations prepared with their advance planning. So whether you are part of an associations or network I would appreciate the opportunity to come give a talk or workshop to help you and your community get your advance plans in place - whether that be succession planning for your organisation or community group, or and advance planning for individuals and families. Winter is when organisations take stock too so now is the best time to start. You can connect further with me by emailing [email protected].
For those of you feeling stuck or unsure where to start or progress with your advance planning, please do sign up to The Legacy Reset. It will make such a difference in helping you clarify what is important to you and for you going forward.
So, what are you waiting for?
I look forward to helping you start or update your advance planning, whether for your personal planning or professional succession. Please learn more about how I can support you at www.livinglegacy.ie and if you are on social media, make sure to following @livinglegacy.ie to see regular posts and tips.
Talk soon.
Jen
Jennifer McConnell (Founder | Living Legacy)
