Here late, I don’t have a lot of time, so I will share a couple of quick points on people and a quick survey that’s changing the talent pool like we’ve never seen.
50% of retirees in the last 5 years want back in, not for money – it’s about mattering, not feeling useless and sidelined, missing the water fountain chatter and the contribution to something.
Bad news, I’m telling 4 or 5 calls a month, once you leave, you’re gone, and most likely gone for good from the career scene and C-suite.
Here’s one – a college dean is trying to find a job teaching a biology class and can’t find an offer. Why? Once you retire, you put in a bucket called out to pasture.
Opportunity: The obvious hidden asset here is to hire this talent at low tide prices or not?
Solution: Pass – This is one of those that ‘sounds good on paper’ but is a stinker in practice.
Different story if they want to restart (cute word is rewire) instead of retire, seeing great 2nd and 3rd career surges.
Retirees: You can find your own thing. Get back in for sure, just own something.
Foremost: Good People x 3
Put aside Lee Heisman’s big M&A deals, Dr. Nikil’s FDA breakthroughs; we are about helping each other
“Cliff, you were right! Ashton is truly the very best! He gave me so much of his time and shared lots of wisdom. I think I walked away with the new best friend 😂
Thank you so much for the introduction! Back at you. Thank you so much for being with me. Had such a great time. Please let me know if you need anything. I’m always here to help.”
More Friends: Glennda, you need a bigger boat.
Mike and Musk
Off the CliffCo floor, Mike Epright bought NextGen, so I’m glad to have him on my home solar/backup project with design/installation to reserve long-term backup energy and trade electricity: buy cheap at night, backup, and sell back during peak costs.
Musk is a genius, and Mike is the conscientious GA Tech engineer to do it the right first time. Impressive.
Mike Epright epitomizes.
Be Ready. It’s Feb 15th, 2026.
