What if midlife isn’t something to survive… but something to reimagine?

In this episode of Transforming 45, Lisa sits down with Brandi Croghan, founder of The What If Collective, to explore how one simple question—what if—can unlock curiosity, courage, and meaningful change.

This conversation moves beyond symptoms and into identity, belonging, and the emotional shifts that come with midlife. Together, they unpack how we’ve been conditioned to play it safe—and what becomes possible when we don’t.

What You'll Learn:


  
Why “what if” is more than a question—it’s a mindset



  
How to reconnect with curiosity and childlike wonder



  
The role of belonging and psychological safety in transformation



  
Why midlife can feel like entering a “new culture”



  
How to move from fear → curiosity → action



  
Letting go of perfectionism and the “strive” narrative



  
Why slowing down is actually growth



  
How midlife can become your most aligned chapter




Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the What If Collective

02:22 The Power of the 'What If' Question

05:11 Reconnecting with Childlike Curiosity

07:18 Navigating Conversations on Belonging

11:52 Cultural Shifts in Midlife

15:57 Menopause in the Workplace

19:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations

22:32 The Importance of Being Seen and Heard

27:17 Embracing Change and Identity

31:19 Finding Joy in the 'What If' Mindset

About Brandi:

Brandi Croghan is the founder of The What If Collective, where she helps individuals and organizations unlock bold thinking, deeper connection, and meaningful transformation through curiosity-driven conversations.

With a background in leadership, culture change, and facilitation, Brandi blends strategy, science, and soul to help people reimagine what’s possible.

Connect with Brandi:

Website: https://www.thewhatifcollective.com 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealwhatifcollective/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandiCroghanWhatIfMindset/ 

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-croghan-founder-whatifcollective/ 

Available on all podcast platforms + YouTube ✨ New episodes drop every Thursday



 Let’s Stay Connected:

Website: liberatedmenopause.ca 

Instagram: @lboate 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leaninfindyourwayhome/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245092311417467 Email: lisa@liberatedmenopause.ca


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transforming 45

Lisa Boate

What If You Stopped Performing Your Life with Brandi Croghan

APR 23, 202639 MIN
Transforming 45

What If You Stopped Performing Your Life with Brandi Croghan

APR 23, 202639 MIN

Description

What if midlife isn’t something to survive… but something to reimagine? In this episode of Transforming 45, Lisa sits down with Brandi Croghan, founder of The What If Collective, to explore how one simple question—what if—can unlock curiosity, courage, and meaningful change. This conversation moves beyond symptoms and into identity, belonging, and the emotional shifts that come with midlife. Together, they unpack how we’ve been conditioned to play it safe—and what becomes possible when we don’t. What You'll Learn: Why “what if” is more than a question—it’s a mindset How to reconnect with curiosity and childlike wonder The role of belonging and psychological safety in transformation Why midlife can feel like entering a “new culture” How to move from fear → curiosity → action Letting go of perfectionism and the “strive” narrative Why slowing down is actually growth How midlife can become your most aligned chapter Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the What If Collective 02:22 The Power of the 'What If' Question 05:11 Reconnecting with Childlike Curiosity 07:18 Navigating Conversations on Belonging 11:52 Cultural Shifts in Midlife 15:57 Menopause in the Workplace 19:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Conversations 22:32 The Importance of Being Seen and Heard 27:17 Embracing Change and Identity 31:19 Finding Joy in the 'What If' Mindset About Brandi: Brandi Croghan is the founder of The What If Collective, where she helps individuals and organizations unlock bold thinking, deeper connection, and meaningful transformation through curiosity-driven conversations. With a background in leadership, culture change, and facilitation, Brandi blends strategy, science, and soul to help people reimagine what’s possible. Connect with Brandi: Website: https://www.thewhatifcollective.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealwhatifcollective/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandiCroghanWhatIfMindset/  LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandi-croghan-founder-whatifcollective/  Available on all podcast platforms + YouTube ✨ New episodes drop every Thursday Let’s Stay Connected: Website: liberatedmenopause.ca Instagram: @lboate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leaninfindyourwayhome/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/245092311417467 Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices