Category: Beyond Work

Beyond Work is our line of resources for people and community leaders looking for something new and innovative outside, be it a new job, career change, or personal development outside of work.

  • Fearless & Forty: Nourishing the Female Entrepreneur in Midlife

    Fearless & Forty: Nourishing the Female Entrepreneur in Midlife

    Horizon Point is all about nourishment this year, especially nourishing innovation and entrepreneurship. This week, we’re featuring Katie Caldwell and Susan Norgren – better known as Fearless & Forty – who are sharing their experience with nourishing the female entrepreneur. Let’s do it! 

    When we started Fearless & Forty, we didn’t have a business plan, a studio, or even microphones. What we had was something more powerful: weekly phone calls filled with real, honest conversations about careers, motherhood, marriage, and identity. Those calls—raw, supportive, and often hilarious—became a lifeline. And one day, we said what many women have probably joked about: “We should start a podcast.”

    Only we didn’t let the idea go.

    We’re Katie Caldwell and Susan Norgren—friends, moms, working women, and now co-hosts of Fearless & Forty. What started as a friendship sparked at our children’s school has grown into a podcast born from laughter, vulnerability, and a shared desire to nourish women like us navigating midlife and entrepreneurship.

    But let’s be real: it hasn’t been easy. Like most women in their 40s, our plates were already full. We had zero experience in podcasting. Between researching equipment, testing platforms, and trying to find the time in our already jam-packed schedules, progress was slow. And yet, we knew this dream mattered. We shelved it for a season, then came back with new energy and deeper purpose.

    And now, here we are—launching in 2025, just as we step into our 40s. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

    Because Fearless & Forty isn’t just about podcasting. It’s about reclaiming the narrative of what it means to be a woman—and an entrepreneur—in midlife.

    Midlife Is Not a Deadline. It’s a Launchpad.

    Too often, women in their 40s start to feel invisible. Like their best years are behind them. Like their dreams are too big or their time has passed. We call BS on that.

    Fearless & Forty is a space where women are reminded that they are still full of power, potential, and purpose. It’s about nourishment—not just physically, but emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. We talk about the messy middle of life: the pivot points, the burnout, the reinventions, and the wins. We’re not chasing perfection; we’re celebrating progress.

    We don’t have all the answers. But we do have each other. And now, we have you.

    Entrepreneurship, on Our Terms

    We’re not founders of tech startups. We don’t have angel investors or Shark Tank pitches. But we areentrepreneurs—because we had a vision, we took action, and we created something from nothing. This podcast became our way to build something ours. A platform, a passion project, and a movement.

    Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to look like hustle culture. It can look like two friends showing up for each other. Like carving time out of chaotic days to share stories that matter. Like believing your voice still has something important to say—even if it’s your first time saying it out loud.

    Nourishment Is More Than Self-Care

    To us, nourishing the female entrepreneur means creating space for connection. It means being honest about the highs and the lows. It’s cheering each other on in big wins and small steps. It’s allowing joy to coexist with struggle—and not waiting until everything is “figured out” to begin.

    That’s what Fearless & Forty is about.

    So if you’re a woman in your 40s (or getting close), if you’ve ever felt like you were too late to dream again, or if you’re simply looking for a community that gets it—welcome. You’re in the right place.

    We see you. We believe in you. And we’re walking this fearless path with you.

    Go be fearless, friends.

    With love,
    Katie & Susan

  • What’s Ethical Isn’t Always What’s Easy

    What’s Ethical Isn’t Always What’s Easy

    Years ago I worked for a small company that was in financial trouble. The CEO asked me to alter payroll records because the company couldn’t afford to pay employees, employer taxes, or 401k contributions. I knew the request wasn’t just unethical—it was illegal. I also knew that refusing could cost me my job–-and it did. Situations like this—where personal and professional consequences collide—are the kind of ethical gray zones HR professionals face every day.

    Ten years ago, ethics in the workplace often meant compliance training and checking boxes. Today, it’s about how values show up in hiring decisions, leadership behavior, and even how we exit employees.

    That’s why I’m excited to be leading a session this week at the Alabama SHRM Conference, diving deep into Ethics in HR. We’ll explore core ethical principles, the most common challenges HR professionals face, and how to build a practical framework for navigating tough decisions—even in complex, uncomfortable situations where there may be no clear right answer. (We’re also launching a brand new eCourse all about Ethics in HR!)

    At the same time, with increasing attention on workplace transparency, DEI, and employee well-being, HR leaders are under more pressure than ever to make ethical decisions that align with both legal standards and evolving cultural expectations.

    Have you ever been asked to bend the rules “just this once”? What did you do? Ethics in the workplace isn’t always about obvious misconduct—it’s often about subtle pressures and competing interests.

    Ethics isn’t just a one-time conversation—it’s a critical skill set that needs to be practiced, refined, and supported by policy and culture. Whether you’re new to HR or a seasoned leader, revisiting these principles can sharpen your judgment and strengthen your voice in moments that matter. Ethical leadership starts with asking the hard questions and being willing to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. As HR professionals, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to model what integrity looks like in action.

    Think about a time when you were faced with an ethical dilemma or an unclear ethics in the workplace situation. What did you do? Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently? Ethical decisions in HR rarely come with applause—but it’s essential to building organizations people can trust.

    NEW! Ethics in HR eCourse

  • How to Know if I Should Leave My Job

    How to Know if I Should Leave My Job

    Finding a job can be hard — and so can leaving one. If you’re asking yourself how to know if you should leave your job, you’re not alone. It’s a big decision, and knowing when it’s the right time to make a move can be challenging.

    “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs

    Working in the HR and career development field has allowed me to dive deep into this topic for over a decade. Helping someone find the right career path is always rewarding — and, believe it or not, helping someone decide whether to leave a job and take their next right step can be even more exciting.

    Making a career move can be intimidating. Concerns about salary, stepping away from a comfortable routine, and diving into the unknown are real. But being stuck in a job that no longer fits the season of life you’re in can be just as challenging — if not more so.

    If you’re wondering how to know if you should leave your job, these three key questions can help you find clarity:

    1. Why do I want to leave my job?

    • Am I burned out?
    • Do I feel unchallenged or undervalued?
    • Is the culture toxic?
    • Am I running from something — or running toward something better?

    Being honest about your motivations is the first step to making a healthy decision.

    2. What is my financial situation?

    • Can I afford a potential gap in my income?
    • Would I be willing to make less money if it meant greater fulfillment?
    • Can I support myself (and my family) if I take a pay cut?

    Financial realities are important to consider when thinking about leaving your job.

    3. What are my career goals?

    • Have I fully explored growth opportunities where I am?
    • Is it time to have a conversation with my leader about my future?
    • Will making a move help me grow, learn, or get closer to my dream role?

    Leaving your job should move you toward a future that excites you, not just away from something you dislike.

    Additional Resources

    A colleague recently shared an article with our HPC team that offers some helpful perspective: “Your Vocation is Not Cancelled” by Emily P. Freeman. It’s a great reminder that career transitions don’t have to define (or derail) your bigger purpose.

    Another resource I highly recommend is the book Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life — it’s an excellent guide for anyone wondering if it’s time to leave their job and what they should do next.

    Still wondering, “Should I leave my job?” You’re not alone. For more career advice and inspiration, search for words and phrases you’re interested in on The Point Blog — we’re here to help you navigate your next steps with confidence.

  • SPECIAL FEATURE: Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025

    SPECIAL FEATURE: Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025

    Experience Innovation in Action at the Singing River Trail Launch Tank

    We love to nourish entrepreneurship, and we’re especially thrilled when it’s in our own backyard. Today’s special feature comes from John Joseph and Toni Eberhart, Co-Chairs of the Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2025 and the Launch TN Valley Entrepreneurship Pillar. We hope you will join us in Scottsboro on April 23 for Launch Tank 2025!

    Looking for a front-row seat to North Alabama’s next big ideas? Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and make your way to the Scottsboro Civic Center for the Singing River Trail Launch Tank Pitch Competition—a high-energy event where innovation takes center stage and community-driven entrepreneurship shines. 

    What Is SRT Launch Tank 2025?

    Inspired by the fast-paced excitement of “Shark Tank,” the SRT Launch Tank is a live pitch competition that showcases some of North Alabama’s most promising entrepreneurs. Selected from a wide pool of applicants across the region, finalists will present their business ideas in front of a panel of expert judges—and a live audience—for the chance to win $20,000+ in funding and support.

    But SRT Launch Tank is more than just a pitch competition. It’s a celebration of regional innovation and a rallying point for anyone interested in building stronger, more connected, more entrepreneurial communities.

    Why You Should Attend

    Whether you’re a local leader, business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, educator, or just someone who loves seeing new ideas come to life—this event is for you. Here’s what you can expect:

    Connect with Visionaries

    SRT Launch Tank brings together entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, educators, and community members from across North Alabama. It’s a rare opportunity to expand your network, meet stakeholders, and discover how entrepreneurship is evolving in our region.

    Spark Ideas for Your Own Community

    In addition to the pitches, attendees will hear insights on what it takes to build a supportive, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. You’ll walk away equipped with ideas you can bring back to your own community or organization.

    See the Future, Live

    Watch finalists pitch their ideas live, in real time at SRT Launch Tank 2025. You’ll get an up-close look at the challenges they’re tackling and the innovative solutions they’re developing. It’s one thing to read about startups online—it’s another to see them pitch their hearts out in front of a crowd.

    Event Details

    • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
    • Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM | Pitches begin at 10:00 AM
    • Location: Scottsboro Civic Center, 876 Ed Hembree Drive, Scottsboro, AL
    • Cost: Free and open to the public, but registration is required
    • Register here: Eventbrite

    A Proven Launchpad for Regional Innovation

    Now in its fourth year, SRT Launch Tank has already made waves across the Tennessee Valley. Past winners have gone on to launch businesses that are making real impacts—from electric bike rentals enhancing mobility to tech platforms that support disease detection.

    The competition is powered by Singing River Trail, a regional initiative focused on connecting North Alabama through greenways, culture, and innovation. SRT Launch Tank 2025 is a key part of that mission, supporting entrepreneurs as the backbone of strong, vibrant communities.

    Come Be Part of the Energy

    You don’t need to be pitching to be inspired. Come for the ideas, stay for the connections, and leave with a renewed sense of what’s possible right here in North Alabama. If you’re passionate about innovation, community development, or just want to support the next generation of local leaders—this is where you need to be.

    We’ll see you in Scottsboro!

    Toni Eberhart and John Joseph

    Co-Chairs, Launch Entrepreneurship Pillar

  • Understanding Behavior Styles Can Turn Conflict into Growth

    Understanding Behavior Styles Can Turn Conflict into Growth

    For the past two semesters, I’ve been part of the Highlands College Leadership Institute, and if I’m honest, I’ve often felt like an imposter. Leadership hasn’t always come naturally to me. Speaking of understanding behavior styles, I know I tend to thrive in supportive roles rather than taking center stage. According to the DiSC personality assessment, my style is SC-calm, conscientious, and supportive. That means I avoid the spotlight and steer clear of conflict when I can.

    But here’s the twist: this very discomfort has become a space for deep growth.

    Through both Highlands College and my professional work with Horizon Point, I’ve been diving into conflict resolution. It turns out, understanding personality styles-not just our own, but others too, can dramatically shift how we handle disagreements in the workplace.

    At Highlands, Chris and Sophie Corder from Designed for Unity have been helping us explore how our DiSC styles shape our approach to conflict. They draw from Robert A. Rohm’s powerful framework in The Ultimate Discovery System, which teaches how understanding behavior styles can unlock harmony at work.

    Here’s what I’ve learned-and why it matters.

    The Four DiSC Styles: How They Handle Conflict Differently

    (Note: There are many models for understanding behavior styles, and we recommend using more than one to better understand ourselves and others. This is simply one tool we like.)

    According to Rohm, people tend to operate within four key behavioral types:

    • Dominant (D): Assertive, results-focused, and direct. In conflict, they can seem intense or confrontational. To resolve issues, speak to their need for efficiency and solutions.
    • Influential (I): Outgoing, optimistic, and persuasive. These people might avoid tough conversations, so approach them with empathy and affirm their ideas.
    • Steady (S): Calm, patient, and loyal. They value peace and can shy away from conflict. Give them reassurance and plenty of time to process.
    • Conscientious (C): Precise, logical, and detail-oriented. They’ll want facts, not feelings. Offer clear data and structured solutions.

    Know Thyself: The Power of Self-Awareness in Conflict

    Understanding others is key-but knowing yourself might be even more important.

    • What triggers your frustration?
    • How do you respond under pressure?
    • Do you tend to avoid conflict or rush to solve it?

    By becoming aware of your own behavioral style, you can better regulate your reactions and navigate conflict more intentionally.

    Communication Tips for Resolving Conflict Effectively

    Conflict can either divide teams or deepen trust. The difference often comes down to how we communicate.

    Here are some key strategies from The Ultimate Discovery System:

    • Listen actively. Before offering solutions, seek to truly understand the other person’s point of view.
    • Tailor your communication. Match your tone and approach to the other person’s DiSC style for better connection.
    • Focus on solutions. Keep the conversation future-focused instead of rehashing problems.

    Collaboration > Competition: Shift the Workplace Mindset

    One of Rohm’s most valuable insights? Conflict resolution isn’t about winning. It’s about understanding and collaborating. Teams function best when they embrace diverse styles and strengths, working together instead of pulling in different directions.

    When we honor different perspectives and communicate with intention, conflict becomes a tool for progress, not a threat to it.

    Ready to Rethink Conflict?

    Conflict is inevitable. But with the right tools, self-awareness, communication, and behavioral insight, it doesn’t have to feel like chaos. It can be the start of something better.

    Want to dive deeper? Check out more from The Point Blog: