Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons – Navigating the Retirement Transition

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. Elizabeth Zelinka Parson Vroom Vroom Veer Summary In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer," host Jeff Smith welcomes guest Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, a Retirement Transition Expert and lawyer. After a brief introduction by Michelle e Dickinson and an advertisement for the show, Jeff expresses excitement about the episode's topic, namely tips for retirement, as he has been retired for a long time and is eager to learn. Elizabeth shares insights about her work at her consulting firms, Encoraco and Zelinka Parsons, highlighting her new book, "Encore: A High Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in Retirement," which was released in February 2025. She explains that many people overly focus on the financial aspect of retirement, neglecting the personal identity challenges that come with it. Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of redefining retirement as a dynamic opportunity for growth and fulfillment. Jeff and Elizabeth discuss the psychological impact of leaving a long-standing career, touching upon the pressure high achievers feel to remain successful. Elizabeth recounts her experience when she transitioned from a demanding law career to focusing on family, which drastically altered her identity and self-worth. She describes feeling lost and having to rebuild her life without the structure her career provided. They reflect on how their early identities were shaped by their achievements and how challenging it can be to adjust to a new reality without traditional markers of success. Elizabeth encourages listeners to seek engagement and purpose in various aspects of their lives, advocating for a more experimental mindset as they explore new interests and connections. The conversation also covers the difficulties transitioners face regarding social connections and community building post-retirement. Elizabeth speaks about the need to be intentional in forming relationships and finding new activities that bring joy and meaning. As the episode concludes, Elizabeth discusses her process of writing her book, which grew out of her experiences and the desire to help others navigate their retirement transitions. Jeff praises the value of Elizabeth's work and encourages listeners to engage with her content on her website, encoraco.com, and through her LinkedIn page. The episode ends with playful banter as Jeff thanks Elizabeth for her time, reinforcing the importance of navigating life’s transitions thoughtfully and intentionally. The show wraps up with a reminder to visit vvvveer.com for more information and show notes. Connections Website LinkedIn