In this refreshing and empowering episode of Pockets of Knowledge, host Desiree Stanley sits down with Lisa Haynes—retired CFO, retirement coach, and author of Retired and Killin’ It—to talk about reinventing life after corporate success and why retirement is really just the beginning of a bold new chapter. After three decades in corporate America, including a decade in the C-suite, Lisa walked away from her high-powered role to redefine retirement on her own terms—and now she helps others do the same.
Together, Desiree and Lisa explore the emotional side of leaving full-time work, the challenges many professionals face in transitioning from “doing” to “being,” and why your sense of identity doesn’t have to retire when you do. Lisa introduces her signature Killin’ It formula—eight elements that help retirees design a life of joy, purpose, and meaning. Whether it’s legacy, creativity, health, or fun, Lisa shows that retirement is a chance to align with what truly lights you up.
With warmth, humor, and practical insight, Lisa shares what it takes to navigate this transition with clarity and confidence—and how we can all start thinking differently about what success looks like in our later years.
Whether you’re nearing retirement, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about how to live with more intention, this episode is packed with uplifting wisdom and real-world tools for creating your most fulfilling chapter yet.
Bio:
Lisa Haynes is a retired Chief Financial Officer turned Retirement Coach, author, and speaker helping professionals redefine life after full-time work. After more than three decades in corporate America—including ten years as a CFO—Lisa stepped away from the C-suite to empower others to build purpose-driven, fulfilling retirements.
She’s the founder and CEO of Haynes Executive Solutions, where she blends financial consulting with certified executive and retirement coaching. Lisa is also the author of Retired and Killin' It: The Ultimate Retirement Plan, a practical and inspiring guide based on her signature Killin' It formula, which highlights eight essential elements of a meaningful retirement.
Lisa speaks to audiences about life transitions, legacy, reinvention, and the often-overlooked emotional side of retirement. Whether on stage or in her coaching practice, she brings clarity, humor, and a deep belief that retirement shouldn't be boring—it should be your best chapter yet.
Connect with Lisa:
Email: lisa@haynesexec.com
Website: https://haynesexec.com/
Website: https://www.retiredandkillinit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retiredandkillinit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirednkillinit/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-haynes-cpa-mba/
Books mentioned:
Retired and Killin' It: The Ultimate Retirement Plan by Lisa J Haynes -
https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9798987526125
https://amzn.to/3JDzQ5C
Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781538777800
Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr - https://bookshop.org/a/116550/9781592409600
https://amzn.to/3KllTKo