Facing the Unexpected: Strategies for Change with Suzanne Campi

Jan 27, 2025

In a recent episode of The Retirement Fiduciary Podcast, Adam Koós welcomed Suzanne Campi, a life coach specializing in navigating life transitions. With a background in psychology, fitness, and recruitment, Suzanne shared invaluable insights on managing change gracefully and thriving through life’s uncertainties.

Why Change Is Challenging

Change often induces panic, especially when it’s unexpected. Suzanne noted that humans naturally resist transitions, whether they involve job loss, retirement, or other major life events. She emphasized that learning to embrace change is essential, as it is a constant in life.

Her interest in resilience began after witnessing her parents rebuild their lives following a devastating wildfire in 1991. Suzanne observed varying responses to loss, sparking her journey into understanding and teaching adaptability.

The Three Phases of Transition

Suzanne outlined a structured approach to navigating change:

  • Honor the Ending
    • Recognize and mourn what has ended.
    • Ritualize the closure, such as celebrating achievements or journaling about past successes.
  • Navigate the “Messy Middle”
    • Also called the “miraculous middle,” this phase involves exploration and adjustment.
    • Allow time for reflection and experimentation without rushing decisions.
  • Embrace the New Beginning
    • Identify and align with a new purpose.
    • Suzanne likened this to rediscovering one’s “human beingness” after years of “human doing.”

Tools for Transition: The Retirement Wheel

For those facing retirement or other significant life changes, Suzanne uses a “retirement wheel” framework that addresses:

  • Purpose and Growth: Reverse-engineer goals to discover what truly matters.
  • Health and Fitness: Prioritize physical well-being as the foundation for a fulfilling life.
  • Family and Friends: Nurture meaningful relationships.
  • Adventure and Fun: Rediscover activities that bring joy.
  • Legacy: Define the mark you want to leave on the world.

Practical Advice for Job Loss and Retirement

For those dealing with job loss, Suzanne recommended:

  • Joining a community or support group.
  • Taking time to mourn the loss before jumping into action.
  • Scheduling job searches to avoid burnout and incorporating leisure activities.

For retirees, she emphasized the importance of planning beyond the financials. Think about how to use your time meaningfully, explore hobbies, and embrace the freedom retirement offers.

Embracing Fun and Adventure

One standout story involved a client who couldn’t recall the last time she had fun. After introspection, she ended up booking a spontaneous trip to Paris, reigniting her zest for life. Suzanne encourages everyone to reconnect with the activities that brought them joy as children, even something as simple as hula hooping.

Final Thoughts: Change Is Life’s Constant

As Suzanne beautifully put it, “Nothing’s permanent in life except change.” By understanding the transition phases and adopting a holistic approach, we can face the unexpected confidently and gracefully.

Connect with Suzanne Campi

To learn more about Suzanne’s work, visit SuzanneCampi.com or find her on LinkedIn.

This episode underscores the importance of adaptability and resilience, offering a fresh perspective on life’s inevitable changes. Suzanne’s strategies are a roadmap to empowerment, whether navigating retirement, job loss, or other transitions.