Life Fulfilled Podcast — Where leadership, self awareness and workplace performance actually connect.

This week, Bernie Borges sat down with Bridget Dahlgren and Mike Irvine from Crystal D to explore a topic that’s shaping the future of business: the real impact of employee recognition and engagement. Whether you’re a people leader, business owner, or just curious about what drives workplace fulfillment, here are three big takeaways from our conversation: 1️⃣ Employee Recognition is NOT Just a Per...

This week on the podcast, Bernie sits down with Michele A. Mathews, a powerhouse in HR, safety, and risk management, and the president of HR Tampa. Michele’s story is a testament to how unexpected life events can reshape not only our personal journeys but also how we strive to make a difference for others. Here are three key highlights from our conversation: 1️⃣ Turning Trauma into PurposeAt just...

On this episode Bernie welcomes Joanie Musser—an accomplished instructional designer, educator, and the host of the “Mindset to Learn” podcast—for a  vulnerable conversation. 🗝️ 3 key discussion points discussed:  1️⃣ Childhood Dreams & Unforeseen ChangeJoanie takes us back to her middle school years and athletic dreams, particularly her passion for speed skating and her hopes to compete in the Ol...

On this episode, Bernie Borges sits down with Joe Weaver, the operations manager and program director at Salem Media Group’s Tampa studio. Joe shares the fascinating story of how a 30-second radio commercial sparked a major career pivot from installing tile to running multiple radio stations and FM translators.  🗝️ 3 key points discussed:  1️⃣ Say Yes & Stay Curious: Joe attributes much of his gro...

Get ready for a monumental episode as your host, Bernie Borges, unveils a deeply personal and transformative decision for the podcast! What started as the "Midlife Fulfilled" podcast is now stepping into an exciting new era: Life Fulfilled. Bernie reveals the surprising truths that led to this pivotal change, a candid look at growth challenges, unexpected listener insights, and the often-misunders...

In this episode, host Bernie Borges is joined once again by visibility and branding expert Michelle B. Griffin, who last appeared on episode 106. Since then, Michelle has evolved her signature message—“visibility is not vanity, it’s value”—into a powerful new framework she calls “Own Your Lane.” Michelle breaks down the LANE framework, which guides individuals and organizations to gain clarity on...

This week’s episode features an inspiring and vulnerable conversation with Chris Bjorling—business leader, Scout volunteer, church community member, and, above all, a legacy-builder in every part of his life. Whether you missed our full conversation or want to soak up the key insights, here are three powerful discussion points and one big takeaway that will inspire you to serve, lead, and leave yo...

Denis Beausejour joins Bernie Borges to discuss insights from O.C. Tanner’s research on how employee fulfillment directly impacts workplace culture, retention, and performance. Denis is Managing Director at the 98 year old company with a stellar reputation for employee recognition and engagement solutions.  Dennis shares insights from O.C. Tanner’s highly acclaimed Global Culture Reports, highligh...

In a first of its kind on the Midlife Fulfilled podcast, Bernie is joined by nine (9) guests for a panel-style episode. The result was a 75-minute conversation that captured decades of wisdom, insights, and inspiration.  Bernie Sets the Stage for the Panel: Each guest shares insights based on a question they selected from a pre-shared list. Transformations in Understanding Fulfillment Over Time: L...

Bernie welcomes Heather Johll for an open and deeply vulnerable conversation about healing and transformation in midlife. Heather, currently Vice President at Ascension Health with over twenty years of leadership experience, shares her remarkable journey of reinvention—from reaching a weight of 385 pounds and struggling with serious health issues, to making a life-changing career shift and reclaim...

In this inspiring conversation, host Bernie Borges sits down with fitness expert Funk Roberts, a bona fide authority on helping men over 40 reclaim their health, fitness, and vitality. As a former pro athlete, best-selling author, and the creator of the renowned 40 Alpha program providing community for more than 10,000 men, Funk brings a no-nonsense, passionate approach to midlife wellness for men...

In this special episode, host Bernie Borges welcomes Nicole Gray and Ann Marie Henke, co-hosts of the What's Next Gen X podcast, for a dynamic conversation about embracing "what's next" and reinventing your career during midlife. Bernie, Nicole, and Ann Marie discuss the unique challenges Gen Xers face—from unexpected layoffs to navigating the fear of starting something new after decades in the co...

Bernie sits down with Dr. Mary Key, an internationally recognized consultant, author, and leadership expert. While Mary’s professional accomplishments are impressive, it’s her personal journey through two life-altering open-heart surgeries that is featured in this conversation. Mary shares the powerful lessons she learned from her harrowing experience—letting go, surrendering, forgiveness, and gra...

In this 'On My Mind' episode, Bernie opens asking, "What if the career or life path you're on isn't wrong, but just misaligned?"   Bernie walks through his Fulfillment Centric Leadership™ framework and walks through a practical exercise—evaluating your sense of fulfillment across five life pillars: health, fitness, career, relationships, and legacy. With his free Values and Fulfillment Alignment G...

Ep 230 features Brandee Brown sharing a journey that is both powerful and transformative. Drawing from over 30 years of career and leadership roles, Brandee introduces us to the concept of "coming off mute," a profound awakening that transformed her life and career. Through personal stories of overcoming trauma and silencing self-doubt, she underscores the importance of finding your voice, buildin...

This week's conversation with Erich Kurschat, the founder of Harmony Insights, is about the power of influence in community, leadership, and self-awareness. With over 18 years of experience as an Everything DiSC® instructor and seasoned corporate HR professional, Erich shares his journey to building a thriving network of over 3,500 members in his HRHotSeat community.  Bernie and Erich's conversati...

In episode 228, Bernie sits down with the dynamic Jack Madrid, a true Renaissance man whose ventures span across industries and countries. From his role as CEO of IBPAP in the Philippines to hosting the 'Promptly Speaking' podcast and being an ardent wine columnist, Jack shares the driving force behind his versatile career: an insatiable curiosity.  🔑 Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Harnessing Curiosity: Jack...

On episode 227 Vince Warnock joins us for a riveting conversation. Despite growing up in an abusive home, Vince overcame his challenges and achieved significant success. His story is a testament to the power of having a supportive teacher and mentor. Vince is passionate about helping others, particularly those who feel like they don’t fit in, and he shares a profound message about the importance o...

In this episode of the Midlife Fulfilled podcast, Bernie has an engaging conversation with Bridgette Bello, CEO and Publisher of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth magazine. Bridgette's story is nothing short of inspiring. 🗝️ Here are three key discussion points:  1️⃣ The Career Impact of Local Engagement:Throughout her career in Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, Bridgette has been deeply involved in local c...

Explore Executive Coaching with Bernie BorgesBook a Free Discovery Call  On this Maximum episode, I'm joined by Brent Pattison, a seasoned consultant with a passion for guiding small business owners toward their unique vision of success. Brent and I explore a fascinating system he's developed called the "three P's," which is employed in business as People, Product, and Profit, but can be metaphori...

Explore Executive Coaching with Bernie BorgesBook a Free Discovery Call  On this Maximum episode, Bernie speaks with the esteemed Mimi Nicklin. Mimi, an internationally best-selling author and the force behind the platform Empathy Everywhere, explains the powerful yet often misunderstood power of empathy.  🗝️ 3 The key discussion points from our conversation: 1️⃣ Empathy is a Skill Set: Mimi share...

Explore Executive Coaching with Bernie BorgesBook a Free Discovery Call  In episode 223, a Vulnerable Conversation episode, Bernie has a heartwarming conversation with Tim Hughes about his journey to finding purpose and legacy through loss and reflection. The discussion offers valuable insights for anyone seeking clarity in the meaning and impact of their existence.  🗝️ Here are three key takeaway...

Explore Executive Coaching with Bernie BorgesBook a Free Discovery Call  On episode 222 we're joined by Loren Greiff, the founder and CEO of Portfolio Rocket, an executive career strategist, and the host of the Career Blast and a Half podcast.  The conversation covers navigating career transitions for those over the age of 40. Loren shares insights on overcoming ageism and how to adapt to changes...

This week, Sean Ilenrey joins us for a Maximum episode. Sean is an inspiring entrepreneur on a mission to create 100 million jobs in Africa by 2050. We explore his innovative "soil to seed to plant" strategy, cooperating with governments and entrepreneurs to stimulate economic growth. Sean’s story of transitioning from homelessness to a successful tech executive is a testament to the resilience an...

Explore Executive Coaching with Bernie BorgesBook a Free Discovery Call  Episode 220 is an 'On My Mind' episode about leadership. Not the conventional meaning of leadership. In this episode I unpack how leadership isn’t about a position or a title—it’s about influence. It’s about how you show up, how you inspire others, and how you take responsibility for making a difference. You can lead anywhere...