{"id":82655,"date":"2025-12-22T15:12:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T04:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balancethegrind.co\/?p=82655"},"modified":"2025-12-22T15:12:54","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T04:12:54","slug":"dont-ask-me-when-im-retiring-celine-egan-on-quiet-ageism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/balancethegrind.co\/interviews\/dont-ask-me-when-im-retiring-celine-egan-on-quiet-ageism\/","title":{"rendered":"“Don’t Ask Me When I’m Retiring”: Celine Egan on Quiet Ageism"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At 60, Celine Egan, CEO of Juice Plus+ ANZ, is tired of being asked when she\u2019s going to retire. Viewing her first four decades in the workforce as merely an “apprenticeship,” Celine is now challenging the “quiet ageism” that pushes experienced women toward the exit door just as they hit their stride. Here, she discusses the “Second Half on FIRE” movement, the economic imperative of hiring women over 55, and why she believes sixty is a green light to build something extraordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve spoken about being constantly asked when you\u2019ll retire \u2014 and how that question reflects a quiet ageism many women face. How do you personally respond to it, and what do you wish people would ask instead?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I often respond with a smile and say, ‘Sixty is a green light, not a red light!’ While I know the question is usually well-meaning, it carries the subtle sting of an outdated assumption that women over a certain age should be eagerly winding down. I see it as a symptom of a quiet ageism that too frequently greets empowered women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead of asking when I’m retiring, I wish people would ask me: ‘What extraordinary thing are you building next?’ That question acknowledges my decades of experience as an asset and recognises that for many women in this demographic, the need for purpose, work, and connection within our community is stronger than ever. We’re not looking for a rocking chair, we’re looking for a bigger platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve described women in their 50s and 60s as being \u201con fire\u201d in the second half of life. What does that phrase mean to you, and how has your own sense of purpose evolved at this stage of your career?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The phrase ‘second half women on FIRE’ is about reclaiming our purpose, power, and wealth on our own terms. It means we are focused, inspiring, radiant, and energised by the opportunity to turn decades of lived and professional experience into our greatest advantage. We’re not slowing down; we’re hitting our stride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My own sense of purpose has shifted from just building a successful business to one of fierce advocacy. The first half of my career was about the ‘apprenticeship’, learning the ropes, building businesses from an accounting technician role to CEO. Now, my purpose is two-fold: to lead Juice Plus+ with impact over hype, and to use my platform to champion age inclusion, especially for the one in seven women over 55 who are struggling to find meaningful work despite their wisdom and qualifications. I am here to build something extraordinary, and that includes building a movement and support for our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve built your career from accounting technician to CEO over four decades. Looking back, what lessons or qualities from your early career have become your biggest strengths now?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My earliest years as an accounting technician in Dublin instilled an absolute dedication to detail, financial discipline, and foundational structure. That rigour is critical in a CEO role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the greatest strength that emerged was from my side-gig in direct selling, the original gig economy. That taught me the power of community-first leadership and the importance of human connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My core strengths today are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n