I expatriated to Spain in the summer of 2003, where I have since been granted citizenship.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I chose to make Spain my home back in July 2003. I've lived and worked -- independently, as a "solopreneur" -- throughout Spain ever since, except for one year on the island of Sardinia, and another half year on the Italian Riviera that overlooks the Bay of Tigullio.

My work has provided me with steady and creative employment throughout — and despite — Spain’s great economic crisis -- 2008 - 2015 -- and, again, throughout the brunt of the COVID crisis. Today I live semi-retired.

Keep in mind that I managed to do that while living in a country *foreign* to me, where I had *zero* contacts [at the start], could not yet speak the language, and while parenting -- single handedly -- *three* minor-aged children. That means I had four bodies to feed, to clothe, to shelter, and to maintain in the healthiest way possible.

Also keep in mind that I had no parents, no inheritance, and no “significant other” to pay the bills. Even so, I never received an unemployment check nor any COVID assistance.

Instead, I did the work, made the contacts, got known within a circle, got referrals, and now live semi-retired.

So, in my coaching and mentoring, while I do encourage that one receive and nurture all the help one can get, I also do not use the brokenness of one’s past or one’s lack of help as viable excuses for a lack of commitment to one’s way.

I continue to work independently with a clientele that is strictly C-Suite. I keep clients updated on industry trends, debrief their experiences, and help them navigate personal disruptions.

I always strive to develop long-term relationships based on confidentiality and trust.

That has been my goal throughout the day-to-day, week after week. As a result, I have sat with mostly the same C-Suite executives for roughly 714 weeks, as of April 2020. This introduction to you, is written in broad strokes only: to say that during our sessions together we have navigated large themes in their personal lives; including, deaths; births; health challenges, psychological preparation for retirement; divorces; extra-marital affairs; challenges and changes with adolescent-aged children, and so on.

That said, there were times (and there may come still more) when my personal limits and my conscientious compliance to appropriate ethics, require I draw a line and refer clients to other professionals. That can happen.

So that said, as the years wore on, I became increasingly aware of a severe hole in the market, which has only worsened with this Coronavirus pandemic.

An ever-growing gap exists in the labor market to address the needs of persons aged 45+. We need to take control here.

Some call it “ageism” and still others refer to it as “the last acceptable -ism remaining after racism, sexism, classism, and etc.

The gaps means very little support for those 45+ who still wish to take advantage of their experience, talents, skillsets, and passion to enjoy meaningful work, to perhaps even CREATE their own meaningful work though a digital business solution. A digital business solution that serves themselves and their loved ones. So, it is now my aim to fill that need and it is why I am moved to provide this special Co-Creative Community of Practice for YOU to join.

Our direction is that of a social enterprise and we plan our strategy accordingly. As Dotpreneur continues to grow, we will implement new tools and ideas relevant to our industry. Welcoming new members now!