Redefining Retirement: From Burnout to Purpose with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode of "How to Live A Fantastic Life," Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, a renowned retirement transition expert, attorney, and co-founder of two consulting firms. After a decade-long career at Milbank, Elizabeth left the legal world, only to find herself grappling with identity loss and uncertainty. This turning point sparked her passion to help others redefine retirement as a fulfilling and intentional new chapter of life. Elizabeth shares lessons from her book Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement, offering practical wisdom on how to rebuild purpose, connection, and joy beyond the traditional career path. Together, she and Dr. Lycka challenge the myth of “pure leisure” and explore how professionals can thoughtfully design their next phase with creativity and clarity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why financial planning alone isn’t enough for a successful retirement
• The emotional impact of career loss and identity redefinition
• How high achievers can embrace “graduation,” not “retreat”
• Building community and reviving dormant relationships
• Creating a mosaic life of passion, purpose, and play
• The importance of mindset and pivoting outside your comfort zone
• How to move from reactive living to intentional life design

Guest Bio:

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons is a magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown Law and co-founder of Lycka Parsons and Nkoraco. With over 20 years of experience advising top-tier legal professionals, she now focuses on helping high achievers navigate the complexities of retirement. Her book Encore offers a structured, heartfelt roadmap to reclaiming fulfillment, direction, and connection in life after work.

Golden Nugget:

“Retirement isn’t the beginning of the end—it’s the start of something extraordinary. You’ve earned the freedom to live intentionally. Now, choose joy.” – Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

Call to Action:

Explore Elizabeth’s programs and get your copy of Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement at www.highachieverretirement.com. Stay connected with Elizabeth on LinkedIn for ongoing insights.

Want to live a fantastic life? Sign up for Dr. Lycka’s weekly Golden Pearls at www.drallenlycka.com. One lucky subscriber wins a luxury vacation—four nights on a cruise or seven nights at over 3,000 resorts worldwide. Don’t miss your chance to embrace the life you were meant to live.

BIO:

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, J.D., is a Retirement Transition Expert, lawyer, and co-founder of two consulting firms, Zelinka Parsons and Encoraco. A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and summa cum laude graduate of James Madison University, Elizabeth has spent over two decades shaping professional development and transition strategies for legal professionals. A former attorney at Milbank, she built a national consulting firm assisting AmLaw 100 firms with talent solutions. Author of "Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement " (Feb. 5, 2025), Elizabeth combines analytical rigor with creative vision to help professionals redefine retirement as a dynamic opportunity for growth and fulfillment.

Social Media:

1. 1.https://www.facebook.com/encoraco/
2. https://x.com/encoraco_zp
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons-3b58a52/
4. https://www.instagram.com/encoraco_zp/