We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andrea Bjorkman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andrea, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

It all started six years ago. I had just taken an unplanned early retirement after over 30 years in the corporate world. At 58, I found myself standing at a crossroads, the weight of my professional life behind me and an open road ahead. It was an exhilarating yet daunting feeling, one that left me contemplating my next steps while seeking a new sense of purpose.
Without realizing it at the time, the idea for “Find Your Fizz” began to take shape as I struggled with not being able to find a job that matched my values and where I was in my life, while knowing I wasn’t done yet. I realized that my journey wasn’t unique. Many women like me, who had dedicated decades to their careers, were now facing a similar transition. They were excited about the next chapter but uncertain about how to navigate it. They wanted a professional path they loved without sacrificing freedom, peace, and family. This revelation sparked something within me.

The turning point came one evening while I was chatting with a few friends about the challenges and opportunities of this new phase. It struck me that there was a significant gap in support for women 40+ going through professional life transitions. Many were dealing with the same feelings of uncertainty, the same desire to find joy and fulfillment, and the same need for a sense of community.

“Find Your Fizz” was born out of this vision. I wanted to offer a unique approach, combining practical career guidance with emotional support and community connection. The idea was to create a holistic experience that addressed the multifaceted needs of women in transition. I was excited about the prospect of helping others find their “fizz” – that spark of joy and excitement that makes life truly fulfilling.

As I began to develop the concept, the pieces started falling into place. I created a course with modules designed to help women plan and execute smooth career transitions. I launched the “Seamless Shifts” module, which became a cornerstone of my program. I also started engaging with my audience through live videos, workbooks, and a Facebook group called “Work Life Queens 40+,” where women could connect, share their stories, and support each other.

Seeing the positive impact on the lives of these women reaffirmed my belief that this was a worthwhile endeavor. I was solving a problem that many faced but few addressed comprehensively. What excited me the most was witnessing the transformation in the women I worked with. They began to embrace their second chapter with enthusiasm and confidence, discovering new passions and reconnecting with old ones. They started to see themselves in a new light, celebrating their past successes and looking forward to future possibilities.

“Find Your Fizz” is more than a business to me; it’s a mission. It’s about empowering women to live their best lives, no matter their age or circumstances. It’s about creating a space where they can thrive, find joy, and support each other through life’s transitions. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many amazing women.

Andrea, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello, I’m Andrea Bjorkman, and I’m thrilled to share my journey and the story behind “Find Your Fizz.” I live in downtown Bloomington, IL, with my husband Scott and our rescued dog Lincoln. After taking early retirement at age 58, following over 30 years in the corporate world, I found myself at a significant life crossroads. The excitement of new possibilities was mixed with uncertainty about what would come next.

The transition from a structured executive corporate career as a leader and mentor/coach, to the open expanse of retirement was both liberating and challenging. It was during this time of introspection and self-discovery that the idea for “Find Your Fizz” began to take shape. I noticed a gap in support for women 40+ who, like me, were navigating significant life changes and seeking fulfillment in their next chapter. This realization ignited a passion within me to create something meaningful and impactful.

What We Offer
At “Find Your Fizz,” we provide a comprehensive range of services designed to help women embrace their second chapter with confidence and joy. Our offerings include:
• Coaching Programs: Tailored to address the unique needs of women in transition, our programs provide personalized guidance and support.
• Courses and Modules: Our flagship course, featuring the “Seamless Shifts” module, focuses on planning and executing smooth career transitions.
• Live Videos and Workbooks: Engaging and interactive content to inspire and empower our community.
• Community Support: Our Facebook group, “Work Life Queens 40+,” offers a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Solving Problems and Making a Difference
The core problem we solve is helping women navigate the often-overwhelming process of professional life transitions. Whether a woman is contemplating a bold move in corporate, eyeing a fulfilling side hustle, considering going after their dream of entrepreneurship, approaching retirement with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, or rediscovering personal passions, we provide the tools, support, and community needed to make these transitions smooth and fulfilling. Our unique approach combines practical career guidance with emotional support, ensuring a holistic experience that addresses all aspects of life.

What Sets Us Apart
What sets “Find Your Fizz” apart is our focus on joy and community. We believe that the next chapter of life should be filled with excitement and possibility, and we strive to help women find their “fizz” – that spark of joy that makes life truly fulfilling. Our programs are designed to empower women, celebrate their successes, and foster a strong sense of community.

Proud Moments and Core Values
One of my proudest moments is seeing the transformation in the women I work with. Witnessing their journey from uncertainty to confidence, from feeling stuck to embracing new possibilities, is incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of the supportive community we’ve built and the positive impact we’ve had on so many lives.

For those considering joining our community or working with us, here are a few key things to know:
• Empowerment: Our mission is to empower women to live their best lives, no matter their age or circumstances.
• Community: We offer a supportive and inclusive community where women can connect, share, and grow together.
• Holistic Approach: Our programs address both the practical and emotional aspects of life transitions, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling experience.
• Celebration: We believe in celebrating successes, big and small, and fostering a positive and uplifting environment.

“Find Your Fizz” is more than just a business; it’s a mission to help women rediscover their passions, find joy in their journey, and embrace the next chapter of their lives with confidence and excitement. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and the work we do at “Find Your Fizz.” I look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant and supportive community.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that stands out in my journey with “Find Your Fizz” is the time I faced a significant challenge just as I was about to launch my first course. After months of planning, creating content, and engaging with my potential audience, I was ready to introduce the “Seamless Shifts” module to the world. I had poured my heart and soul into this project, knowing how much it could help women navigate their career transitions and find joy in their new paths.

Just a week before the launch, I encountered an unexpected technical glitch. The platform I was using to host my course experienced a major system outage, rendering all my content inaccessible. Panic set in as I realized the potential impact on my launch. I had invested so much time and effort, and now everything seemed to be falling apart.

In that moment of crisis, I had two choices: give in to the frustration and delay the launch or find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward. Drawing on my years of experience in the corporate world, where I had often faced high-pressure situations, I chose the latter.

I immediately contacted the platform’s support team, only to find out that the issue would take several days to resolve. With the launch date approaching fast, I knew I couldn’t wait. I needed to find an alternative solution and fast.

I reached out to my network of fellow entrepreneurs, asking for recommendations on other reliable platforms. Within a few hours, I had a list of potential alternatives. I spent the next 48 hours researching, testing, and transferring my content to a new platform. It was exhausting, and there were moments when I doubted whether I could pull it off in time.

But through sheer determination and the support of my community, I managed to get everything set up on the new platform just in time for the launch. The course went live as scheduled, and the response from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. Despite the hurdles, the launch was a success, and it marked the beginning of a journey that would impact many lives.

This experience taught me the true meaning of resilience. It reminded me that challenges are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our path forward. It reinforced my belief in the power of community and the importance of staying focused on our goals, no matter the obstacles.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

At 58 years old, after over three decades in the corporate world, I found myself at a crossroads. Early retirement had given me a taste of freedom, but I soon realized I wasn’t ready to step away from the professional arena entirely. I began the familiar process of job hunting, polishing my resume, and reaching out to my network. Yet, something felt off. The traditional job market wasn’t resonating with me anymore. I wanted something different, something that would challenge and excite me in new ways. And honestly, the job market didn’t want me, an older female.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, changing the landscape of work and life as we knew it. Amid the uncertainty, an unexpected opportunity arose. A friend introduced me to a startup that was forming, with co-owners from various parts of the world. The idea of joining a global team, working entirely remotely, and contributing to a burgeoning business was exhilarating. Despite the challenges and the fact that I had never met my co-founders in person, I decided to take the plunge.

This was my first true venture into entrepreneurship. I quickly learned the ropes of startup life, from navigating time zone differences to managing remote collaboration tools. The learning curve was steep, and the stakes were high. I poured my time, energy, and money into the venture, driven by a passion to make it succeed. The experience was both thrilling and daunting, filled with late-night meetings, rapid decision-making, and constant adaptation.

However, after 10 months, I realized that the startup wasn’t aligning with my personal goals and vision. The financial strain and the challenges of working with a team I had never met in person began to take a toll. It was a difficult decision, but I knew I had to pivot once again. Leaving the startup was bittersweet, but it opened the door to something even more meaningful.

Drawing on my experiences and the lessons learned, I co-founded “Find Your Fizz.” This new venture was a culmination of my journey, a platform designed to help women 40+ navigate life transitions with confidence and joy. The mission of “Find Your Fizz” was clear: to empower women to embrace their second chapter, find their passions, and connect with a supportive community.

Two years ago, I also started another company, expanding my entrepreneurial pursuits and embracing the challenges and opportunities that came with it. Each venture has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of aligning one’s work with personal values and passions.

The journey from job seeker to startup co-owner, and finally to the co-founder of “Find Your Fizz,” has been transformative. It has reinforced my belief in the power of pivoting, the importance of following one’s passion, and the incredible potential that lies within each of us to reinvent our lives, no matter our age or circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://findyourfizz.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findyourfizz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FindYourFizzwithAndreaBjorkman/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabjorkmanfindyourfizz/
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@findyourfizzcoaching
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/worklifequeens40