French icon Catherine Deneuve famously quipped that as women age, we must choose between a “good backside or a great face.” It’s cheeky and, for many women, me included, hits a bit too close to home. As a fairly sporty woman myself transitioning through menopause, for a while there I was incredibly disheartened, worried that a lifetime focus on creating a fit, strong body, was showing up on my face as I aged.

Hence the exploration into the science of regenerative skincare – which has been transformative. These new regenerative skincare discoveries are challenging that old “all-or-nothing”, “either/or” mentality, and I couldn’t be more excited.

It’s the same for our careers, isn’t it? We’re often told to choose: career or life, ambition or balance, success or happiness. But just as regenerative skincare is shaking up outdated notions about how we age, so too can a shift in mindset. It’s time we replace “either/or” thinking with “Yes, and”-the approach that says we can have it all. With this mindset, we integrate, elevate, and see how the best of both worlds can come together.

Regenerative Thinking: A “Yes, and” Approach to Career and Life

1. “Yes, and” to Growth and Wellbeing

Regenerative skincare works by nurturing and rebuilding, not sacrificing one part to support another. That’s exactly where “Yes, and” thinking shines, giving us permission to grow in our careers without sidelining wellbeing. Career and life aren’t a zero-sum game. Growth in one area can fuel the other, creating a positive feedback loop that supports the whole. I recently celebrated a 10 chin up goal just shy of a very big birthday. That chin-up goal reminded me that physical strength builds inner strength. The confidence I gained in the gym translated to confidence in my work, proving that a strong body fuels a strong mind.

2. Sustained Transformation, Not Just Short-Term Wins

Just as regenerative techniques give us resilient skin over time, “Yes, and” thinking allows us to craft a career with longevity. Rather than burning out for short-term gains, it’s about building success that supports our joy, health, and peace of mind. And that’s not just theory-women like Arianna Huffington show us how it’s done. A late bloomer herself, she recently launched a global AI-powered wellness platform in her 70s! More than ever, women are contributing meaningfully well into their 60s and beyond, transforming the idea of career and life-long impact.

3. Adapt, Don’t Abandon

Skin needs change as we age, and so do our career priorities. With a “Yes, and” mindset, we don’t need to ditch personal goals to pursue professional ones. Curiosity and adaptability become our secret weapons, letting us take on new career challenges while honouring our evolving personal lives. One thing I’ve learned from regenerative skincare is the power of tracking progress. Inspired by a skincare brand founder who treated only half his face to compare results, I’ve started treating only my right hand, leaving my left hand untouched. That way, I can course-correct as I go with real data and evidence to guide me. It’s the same with our careers-keeping track, adapting, and using feedback is what helps us truly flourish.

4. Wellbeing and Performance

The “Yes, and” approach recognises that health and productivity aren’t in opposition; they’re symbiotic. Just as regenerative skincare focuses on health at a cellular level, prioritising inner resilience makes us more effective in our careers. When everything aligns, I make the greatest strides forward in every area of my life. When I’m strong, feel fabulous, and am energised, I’m more visible, kick bigger career goals, and thrive in all aspects of life. When we value wellbeing alongside achievement, we build a foundation for sustainable success that brings genuine fulfilment.

Ditching the All-or-Nothing, Either/Or Mentality for Good

When I turned 44, I remember telling my husband that I thought I only had one big role left in me. I was exhausted, in the wrong job, working ridiculous hours, and in an industry that didn’t align with my values. What I didn’t know then was that this feeling was temporary. Once I repaired my energy, everything only got better from there.

So, if you’re in your late 40s or early 50s and feeling like you may have peaked too early, or that it’s time to take your foot off the career pedal, it might be time to think again. You may just feel worn out (which you absolutely should do something about), but what else might happen if you adopted a “Yes, and” approach to do things differently?

No more “all-or-nothing” thinking.

By embracing “Yes, and” thinking, we’re freeing ourselves from those outdated either/or choices. We no longer must sacrifice career for life or success for happiness. Instead, this new approach to career is about integration. It’s about claiming both and thriving in the whole.

Let’s retire the idea that we must make hard sacrifices to get where we want. Just as regenerative skincare now allows us to care for our whole self without having to choose between a great butt or a fabulous face, we can also integrate ambition with happiness. By embracing regeneration in our careers and adopting “Yes, and” thinking, we’re setting a new standard for success that truly works with our lives, not against them.

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PS: Drop me a note if you’re curious about the products I’ve found – one of them has genuinely turned back the clock on my “nana arms” by at least 15 years! No commissions, just me being curious.