Annie Coleman, Stanford ambassador: 'Life is reinvention and, in a longer life, people will have to reinvent themselves several times'

Annie Coleman, a global ambassador for the Stanford Center on Longevity, believes that longer lifespans should be viewed not just as adding years, but as adding life to those years. With over four decades of experience in global corporations, Coleman has observed diverse corporate responses to the aging of their executives and challenges the traditional retirement model.

Coleman champions the idea of reinvention over retirement, seeing the accumulation of years as a strategic asset rather than a stigma. At 66, she embodies this philosophy. Through her consultancy, RealiseLongevity, she guides boards and CEOs to rethink corporate strategy and human capital with a focus on extended lifespans. Her work assists companies in addressing population aging, planning for multi-stage careers, and capitalizing on the burgeoning longevity economy.

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Life is reinvention, and in a longer life, people will have to reinvent themselves several times because the old scheme of education, work, and retirement will no longer function.

"Life is reinvention, and in a longer life, people will have to reinvent themselves several times because the old scheme of education, work, and retirement will no longer function," Coleman stated. She envisions a future where careers are more flexible and less linear, alternating between education, work, leisure breaks, and professional retraining, making lifelong learning essential.

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It is not about great purposes but about small daily achievements that bring happiness.

Coleman's personal interest in longevity was sparked when she was offered a position at UBS at age 52, challenging her own internalized ageist prejudices. She realized that age was not a barrier to contributing professionally. Her subsequent eight years at UBS and time at UniCredit, until she left full-time corporate work at 62, were among her most productive and rewarding. This experience solidified her understanding that age-related barriers persist, even at peak professional moments.

Following this, Coleman decided to encourage more companies to retain and hire individuals over 50 or 55, recognizing their significant potential contributions. She argues that the conventional, linear view of careers is outdated and that companies need greater flexibility. A Bain consultancy report supports this notion, highlighting that due to labor shortages, companies must adapt their strategies.

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The accumulation of years, far from being a stigma, should become a strategic asset.