Purposeful Third Act
Why retirement needs a rethink
Purposeful Third Act has evolved from my personal journey to building a movement—offering an alternative path for life after full-time careers. By embracing a portfolio life, including meaningful pursuits with social and economic impact, we can create both personal fulfillment and a brighter future for the next generations. Here’s why I believe it’s time to redefine aging as a period of great potential.
We’re living longer and healthier lives
We’re in the midst of a longevity revolution. The average lifespan of Canadians has increased by about 25 years over the past century: those reaching 65 are now expected to live to 87 (women) and 84 (men), bringing within reach the possibility of a 100-year life. This unprecedented gift of time demands we reimagine aging not as a wind-down, but as a powerful phase of purpose and contribution. What if this chapter became our best one? What if our accumulated wisdom could enrich not just our lives, but our families, communities, and the broader society?
Old Paradigm
New Paradigm
Yet our society remains trapped in an outdated mindset that views life as a linear sequence: school, work, then retirement in our late 50s or 60s. This fixed view squanders the talent and insights older adults could contribute in their remaining two or more decades. Instead, let’s imagine a portfolio life in our third act, where our hard-earned knowledge, social capital, emotional intelligence, and sound judgment become the foundation for personal and professional pursuits that benefit society. This wisdom, woven from what we know and what we’ve been through, can be shared through advising, mentoring, inspiring, speaking, connecting, convening and engaging in our communities.
People thrive when they live with purpose - their North Star
Our yearning for purpose has deepened as we have reflected on what truly matters. Research shows purpose drives positive emotions, wellbeing, and life satisfaction, while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Having purpose motivates us to do more when we believe our actions can positively impact the world.
Society and the environment benefit from the Purposeful Third Act movement
Today's challenges—rising inequality, polarization, climate change, learning and reskilling to work alongside the rapid adoption of AI, and the mental health crisis—are widening social and economic divisions. Only 30% of young Canadians, our children and grandchildren, expect to enjoy a better standard of living than their parents. Meanwhile, research by the Conference Board of Canada shows that active, healthy seniors would add $2.1 billion to the economy from 2023 to 2040, averaging $122 million in annual social and economic value.
Purposeful Third Act challenges
Transitioning to a P3A can be challenging and isolating. Loss of identity, status, routine, and networks may bring self-doubt and shame (read more about Zabeen’s experience here). There are limited resources and communities supporting the development of P3As for individuals; businesses, governments and educational institutions haven't yet adapted to this new reality. We have the capacity: we just need the structure, support, and tools to make our longest chapter our best one.
P3A is a Call to Action
P3A offers both personal fulfillment and a response to society's pressing challenges. Global events have sparked a great rethink across generations about what we want from life. My vision is to scale P3A into a movement by inspiring and enabling leaders and professionals to lead P3As and to catalyze cross-sectoral collaborations to build an ecosystem of support. We all benefit when more people contribute their valuable skills and wisdom following successful full-time careers.
In conversation with
Purposeful Third Act role models
What are you doing now?
President and CEO, Arora Digital Solutions Corporation
International Data/Digital consultant, World Bank Group
Adjunct Lecturer, Harvard Kennedy School
Distinguished Fellow, Canada School of Public Service
Board Member, Center for International Governance Innovation
Board Member, Open Data Watch
Technical Advisor, American Statistical Society
Mentor, Coach and Active Listener
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Chief Statistician of Canada
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Anil has dedicated his professional career to partnering with the business sector, academia, internationally and with all three levels of government, building a culture of innovation, successfully delivering complex and transformational digital solutions, strengthened consumer and citizen trust, and increased organizational relevance and impact.
He has authored a number of strategies and papers, earning numerous accolades. He was named Public Policy Forum Testimonial Dinner Honouree (2025), Outstanding Innovator (2023), A Top 25 Canadian Immigrant (2022), Policy Maker Metropolis Canada (2022), as well as receiving several leadership awards from the business community and the Association of Professional Executives of the Public Service of Canada (2009-2024).
Anil is passionate about creating a better future by supporting the new generation of leaders tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges.
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I came to Canada at age 11. Like so many immigrants, I faced numerous challenges, worked hard and I feel extremely fortunate to have had helpful guidance, a good education, opportunities, a great professional career, amazing bosses and mentors, a supportive network, and a vibrant social life. I have always believed that the country moves forward only when we are willing to give back to our areas of influence, small or large. My Purposeful Third Act is rooted in this philosophy and my position of current privilege.
After retiring from a very senior government position, I began sampling a rich selection of opportunities—some I’ve created and others have been presented to me. I know I won’t fall in love with every choice: I will abandon a few while embracing activities and options that once would have been foreign to me. I wanted to try my hand at teaching and that has led me to take on the role of Adjunct Professor at Harvard Kennedy School. Although it has been years since I was in the private sector, I set up a corporation to offer consulting services to paying clients. I wanted to do some volunteering, which has resulted in me joining a few boards where I can leverage my experience and passion. I had the chance to play ball hockey with my youngest son over the summer and a brand new guitar awaits some well needed lessons! I am approaching this phase of discovery and data collection with an open mind to explore what exists out there, who I am and who I want to be. Therefore while the “what” may change over time, my aim is to pass on the skills and expertise gained over decades, in formal and informal ways that help others reach their full potential.
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I have an internal desire to pursue happiness through purpose, networking and service after a fulfilling full-time career. Pursuing the principles behind P3A serve as inspiration and incentives to lead a healthy, happy, full life.
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This is a great time to think about what legacy you would like to develop; what purpose drives you; what difference you want to make in your own life and in the lives of others. Research has demonstrated that remaining active, being part of networks, pursuing a purpose where you make a real impact can lead to happier and healthy lives long into your retirement years. Develop your own P3A plans, communicate them and develop a roadmap that works for you to pursue them. It is never too early or too late!
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My benchmarks include intellectual curiosity and learning. Am I discovering new things each day? Am I reading and developing interests I did not previously have? Knowledge sharing is important to me: I track the hours each month I spend sharing and passing on my knowledge and expertise to numerous networks and groups I belong to. Finally, I’m tracking my time spent on intellectual, physical, family/leisure and spiritual pursuits, aiming for a healthy balance.
What are you doing now?
I am a Renaissance Woman: embracer of life, change maker, connector, global leader, and lifelong learner.
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CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada
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Denise dedicated her career to strong values-based leadership in the public service and working in education at the beginning of her career.
She worked for over 28 years in the federal government, her last posts being as Head of a federal Crown Corporation and in three roles as an Assistant Deputy Minister: in talent management, public affairs and in corporate services. She also worked in several federal departments in the economic, social, scientific and cultural sectors: ESDC (formerly Human Resources Development Canada), National Defence, Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Heritage and the Public Service Commission. Prior to that, she was a teacher and worked in a Department of Education in the Northwest Territories. She has lived and worked in Ontario, Quebec and the Northwest Territories.
Denise has a Master's in Education and three Bachelors in Biology, Humanities and Education. She holds an ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors, and designations in ESG Governance and in Climate Change and Diversity from Competent Boards. Denise is passionate about sailing, skate skiing, coaching and networking. She is active on multiple boards across Canada and internationally.
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In a way I started my P3A after retiring from the federal government, working full time in the nonprofit sector where I was very successful as the CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada. After 10 amazing years working with members from all parts of Canada and in 25 countries, I shifted to being an entrepreneur and founded Denise Amyot & Associates in 2023, offering executive coaching and experiential group leadership training as well as consultation. In my first year, I ran groups on three continents: in Canada, Africa, and the Caribbean. My executive coaching practice is flourishing and is bringing me a lot of satisfaction.
As governance is of great interest to me, I have a diverse portfolio sitting on several boards in the education, science, international trade and health sectors. My corporate boards include LCI Education, MSM Unify and the Qatar Foundation. My nonprofit boards include the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics, CUSO International, Academics Without Borders, Forum for International Trade Training and Health Standards Organization. Most of my boards are international. However, I have two at the national level (Palette Skills and Canada Science Policy Centre) and one at the provincial level (Hôpital Montfort). I can say that my governance portfolio is very varied and intense.
I continue to take every opportunity to learn by attending conferences, seminars and courses, and participating in learning and new experiences through my boards or my linkages to different organizations including women’s groups or personal interest. One example: I’m learning Arabic and just completed a program on Emotional Intelligence.
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Retiring from a role and team I enjoyed was a very difficult decision. I loved what I was doing but I know life isn’t eternal and there was still so much I wanted to explore, especially after I’d lost many former colleagues and friends in recent years. I was very emotional for several months. Then one night as I was on the plane reviewing the content of the leadership training I was about to deliver in Senegal, I felt compelled to do one of the exercises I was going to offer—The Tree of Life—for myself. Three hours later, I could clearly see all I wanted to achieve. So much that I now incorporate the Tree of Life into my coaching practice. It’s extremely powerful when you’re going through a transition or to prepare for your next move.
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Do the Tree of Life exercise.
Make sure you find ways to give back.
Learn something new every day, participate in conferences, take courses, read on new topics, experiment.
Embrace technology.
Say yes to new experiences (I was asked by two authors to review their books before they were published).
Choose wisely and learn to say NO (make a list of things you say yes and no to).
Keep a routine: exercise, in person and virtual meetings, allocate time for yourself, holidays, family, friends, walks, hobbies, etc.
Do not wait for later. Seize the day: you never know if opportunities will come back tomorrow (I had an opportunity to go to Ethiopia and Congo and China in the same month).
Discover the world.
P.S. Do not wait until you retire to participate in boards and advisory committees.
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I am intentional and resourceful with my time. This summer, my spouse and I decided to spend eight weeks on our sailboat. I measure my portfolio by the pleasure and satisfaction I gain from giving back and feeling useful, the impact I have on organizations and mentoring and coaching, and by my level of happiness: I especially enjoy adding new stimulating experiences to my life. I can say my current P3A is as varied, fulfilling and exciting as my career has been and I love it. I was also delighted to get an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Ilse Treurnicht
What are you doing now?
impact investor, director, advisor, friend
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Former CEO of MaRS Discovery District
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All my work has been at the messy intersection of science, business, money and public policy, trying to create new pathways for innovators to make the world a little better. This winding road straddled the profit and purpose sectors, the commercialization of research, startups and ecosystems, venture capital and impact investing—from very local to global contexts. Along the way, I worked with extraordinary talented academics, entrepreneurs, community leaders, change agents, investors and policy makers. I have tried to focus my energies on hard problems, problems worth solving—because these attract people worth spending time with. And who you travel with makes all the difference.
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This act consists of a busy portfolio of projects, still connecting the multi-sector pillars that got me here. I choose these projects carefully. Together, they allow for synthesis and integration of a range of diverse experiences. That means my efforts can be more strategic and focus on supporting and enabling others who are leading the way.
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I came to Canada as a chemistry post-doc, changed plans and stayed. Thus unfolded a magical adventure, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to live, work and raise a family in this amazing country. From this blessed spot, the simple question is how can I best use what I have gained to contribute something positive? Starting with very small actions in my immediate circles, all the way to more indirect, catalytic efforts to help improve the systems that drive social and economic wellbeing in Canada and beyond.
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Dr. John Evans, a remarkable Canadian and the visionary behind MaRS, once said to me, in his quiet, wise manner, “The most important thing is to figure out what you can uniquely do.” This is a particularly good time to ask that question. We have all traveled unique paths, learning from unique fellow travelers. Time is incredibly precious. What can you uniquely do now?
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In a qualitative, rather than quantitative manner. I am aiming to maintain a delicate balance around various priorities. I ask myself: does it matter, does it move the needle, can I be useful, am I learning new things and working with amazing people, does it bring joy, does it leave time for the people I love and a new dog?
What are you doing now?
Partner, Prospectus Associates
Co-founder, The Power Shift
Founder, The Iron Network
Advisor, coach, board member, and public affairs strategist
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Senior leader in federal politics, diplomacy and public service
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After 30 years in federal politics, diplomacy and public service, Frédérique “retired” in 2024 at age 55. She knew from the beginning that she did not want a traditional retirement, and certainly did not want to stop contributing. What she wanted most was agency.
Today, her Purposeful Third Act is intentionally a portfolio. As a Partner at Prospectus Associates, she advises organizations navigating complex public affairs, communications and strategic challenges. She is also the co-founder of The Power Shift, a platform examining how power operates across the sectors shaping Canada’s future, from politics and defence to infrastructure and energy.
Through her own initiative, The Iron Network, she coaches and leads workshops for young professionals, executives and teams navigating transitions, leadership challenges and high-pressure environments. She also sits on boards, remains deeply engaged in public life and continues to work hard — but with more choice about where she invests her energy and why.
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My Purposeful Third Act is about agency, contribution and flow.
For the first time in my life, everything feels like it is coming together. The Japanese concept of ikigai resonates deeply with me: the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs and what gives your life meaning.
I no longer feel the same need to prove myself or impress anyone. I am also no longer stretched in every direction raising three children while managing demanding leadership roles. Instead, I feel free.
This chapter gives me the freedom to use my experience, energy and values in ways that are genuinely of service to others — while continuing to learn, stay challenged and discover new dimensions of myself.
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One of the ideas that most influenced me during my transition came from the Good Life Project podcast: the concept of a “2x20” — giving yourself two years to figure out the next twenty.
That mindset gave me permission to pause, explore, test ideas, change my mind and rethink what I wanted this next chapter of life to look like. That permission changed everything.
A few moments also crystallized my thinking. At one point, I was offered a very senior role and realized deep down that I did not want that rhythm or that type of pressure. At another point, I accepted a consulting contract that was completely wrong for me and realized I no longer wanted to spend my time doing work that did not bring me energy or purpose.
Walking away from both opportunities felt surprisingly liberating. That, to me, is the real Freedom 55.
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Don’t rush.
Rest. Explore. Daydream. Reinvent yourself a little. Try things without needing them to become permanent. Give yourself permission to change your mind.
We spend so much of our earlier careers operating inside structures, expectations, financial pressures and responsibilities. A third act can be an opportunity to reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been dormant for years: creativity, curiosity, entrepreneurship and joy.
Your next chapter does not need to look linear or conventional.
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I measure success differently now.
Professional accomplishment still matters to me, but the real return on investment is seeing my experience, energy and values being of service to others.
Whether I am helping a client navigate a difficult challenge, coaching a young professional through uncertainty, or contributing through The Power Shift to larger conversations about women’s participation in the sectors shaping Canada’s future, that sense of contribution feels deeply meaningful.
I also love that I am still learning, still challenged, still meeting fascinating people and still discovering new dimensions of myself.
At 55, I think I may just have started one of the most interesting chapters of my life yet.
What are you doing now?
Managing Director, The Return on Disability Group
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General Counsel, Deloitte LLP (Canada)
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General Counsel and Secretary to the Board, Deloitte LLP (Canada) from 2000 to 2020. Appointed General Counsel Emeritus and Senior Partner, Indigenous and Accessibility, leading Deloitte’s Reconciliation and Disability initiatives. In June 2021, retired from the partnership and now serve as Managing Director, The Return on Disability Group.
In 2018, named Canada’s Outstanding General Counsel and in 2021, recognized by the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association with the R.V.A. Jones Award and later in the same year was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the annual Canadian General Counsel Awards.
In October 2024, appointed Chair of the Conference Board of Canada.
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I serve as Managing Director, The Return on Disability Group. We help our clients better serve customers and employees with disability, better. We focus on helping our clients learn and design from disability. PWD represent 27% of the population. That is a huge marketplace opportunity which organizations miss. In my role I have conversations with senior leaders, hoping to transition their thinking from social to business opportunity and employee productivity improvement. Everyone wins when organizations approach disability in this way.
I am serving as Chair of the Governance Committee of the Disability Screen Office and was appointed Chair of the Conference Board of Canada. For a number of years I coached Special Olympics Basketball and am a Deloitte certified coach, coaching and mentoring folks both inside and outside the legal profession. I co-chair the University of Saskatchewan College of Law fundraising campaign and for two years running, have organized a Legal Executive Forum for Saskatchewan based General Counsel and their teams. I am toying with the idea of writing a book on governance in a private partnership.
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Mandatory retirement. Love it and embraced it as it caused me to think about and build a meaningful P3A. I loved what I did, the question I had was how I could double down on a few things.
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Maybe for the first time in your career, this phase of your career is about you. Know what brings you happiness in what you do now, where do your interests lie. List your skills (there will be many). Create the perfect role based on your skills and interest. Talk to others- ask questions and be open minded. Keep a journal about what you learn. Modify your plan. Create the role, if that role does not exist. But most importantly, be honest with yourself and with others. And, be quick to pivot if what you are doing is not working for you.
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Important to have a ‘retired’ mindset- though you are adding value in what you do and what you are giving, you need to keep space for family, yourself and the other interests you have. There needs to be balance and harmony in your life. What you do now should make you happy, bring you pleasure. And if the value you add with your skills and experience is not compensated, you need to be comfortable with that, or find something where all of what you have to offer is compensated. That said, there will be many organizations which could use your skills and experience and a portion of your time needs to be designated pro bono. My examples are the Conference Board, Disability Screen Office, coaching and mentoring and building community amongst General Counsel and their teams.
What are you doing now?
Board Chair, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
Board Director, Mobilité Infra Québec
Volunteer Board Member, World Wildlife Fund Canada
Mentor
Proud new grandmother
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Deputy Minister, COVID-19 Recovery, and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Operations, Privy Council Office
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Thao Pham is a senior leader whose career has focused on the public sector, governance and complex national challenges in the areas of infrastructure, transportation and environmental policies.
Before entering her Purposeful Third Act, she held senior Government of Canada roles, including Deputy Minister, COVID-19 Recovery, and prior to that as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Operations, in the Privy Council Office, where she provided advice at the highest level of decision-making on wide ranging domestic policies, and led the coordination of the federal pandemic response. Before that, she was Associate Deputy Minister of Transport Canada. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership roles at Infrastructure Canada, Environment Canada and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, leading complex national programs, operations and major projects.
Today, she brings that experience to board governance as Board Chair of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, Board Director of Mobilité Infra Québec, and volunteer board member of World Wildlife Fund Canada. She is also an honorary senior fellow at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and holds the ICD.D designation.
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Currently, my Purposeful Third Act is a diversified portfolio of professional and personal activities that bring me a great deal of satisfaction.
Professionally, I care deeply about public trust in institutions — a cornerstone of a healthy democracy — and I am excited to continue to contribute to good governance through my board roles.
I also invest in continuous learning, including earning my ICD.D designation and staying current on emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the future of work and economic dependence on nature.
Mentorship is also an important part of my P3A. I received great support and encouragement throughout my career. and I believe those of us who have received that kind of support have a duty to give back. I mentor new executives and young public servants — and I learn a lot from them in return.
On a personal level, I am also discovering new skills and sources of joy. I took up alpine skiing only a few years ago and can now proudly say that I can carve on black diamond runs. I developed basic artistic skills while writing an illustrated book for my granddaughter, and have started Italian lessons, simply for the fun of it.
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I have always been driven by a sense of service to society. My family and I immigrated to Canada more than 50 years ago, and the motivation to contribute to the country and the province that welcomed us runs deep in me.
I feel privileged to have had the opportunities and support I received throughout my career, and now to have the freedom and luxury to choose what I want to do in this phase. It was obvious to me that I wanted to continue contributing to Canada and to society, but at a different pace and in different ways.
I also do not think personality traits change when people retire. I am active and curious by nature, and still want to discover new things about the world and about myself.
At the same time, I wanted to make space for my family and myself. Spending time with my growing family and savouring life and nature are precious to me. Those were the goalposts that guided my transition, and they still guide how I choose what to be involved in and how I spend my time.
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Give yourself time to change your mindset. It can be tempting to go back to what you know or jump at the first opportunity that comes your way, but it is important to reflect on what this new phase could be.
Try new things. Stretch yourself. Meet new people. The world is interesting out there.
Reach out to people who have gone through this transition, including friends and former colleagues. You are not alone in this phase.
Use your network to express your professional interests. One thing often leads to another.
There is no one recipe or silver bullet, but you will find your way.
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Two words: joy and significance.
Joy is the sense of fulfilment. Significance is what matters to me.
When I think about what to add to my portfolio, I ask myself: Will I be able to contribute to making a difference? Will I bring added value? Will it bring me satisfaction? And will it bring me joy?
P3A Advisory Circle
Dear Advisory Circle members:
My heartfelt thanks for your encouragement, thoughtful insights and guidance, honest reflections, and generous support. You remind me what’s possible when good people come together with clarity and purpose.
Thank you for walking alongside me in my Purposeful Third Act - whether as fellow P3Aers or purposeful second actors. Your wisdom, heart, and abundance mindset continue to inspire and elevate the work.
With deep gratitude,
Denise Amyot
Anil Arora
Shari Austin
Simon Chan
Ken Fredeen
Allyson Hewitt
Godyne Sibay
David Smith
Anjum Sultana
Ilse Treurnicht
See below for the terms and conditions and privacy bit.Thought Leaders and Resources for Thriving in our Third Acts
My Purposeful Third Act continues to be inspired and influenced by ideas from a variety of people, resources and conversations, including:
Chip Conley at Modern Elder Academy
The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew J. Scott
The New Long Life by Lynda Gratton and Andrew J. Scott