Turning 60 in July felt like something I might let slip by quietly. For months, I told myself I’d keep it low key, partly because I didn’t want others to put a number on me and decide, consciously or not, what that meant about my relevance.

In business, we’ve all heard the whispers: if someone’s been around ‘too long’ they must be out of step or anchored to an outdated playbook. I’ve seen that happen. But I’ve spent my entire career striving to be the counterexample – staying curious, reinventing myself and running towards the next challenge, not away from it.

Eighteen months ago, I left a stable job to strike out on my own. To many, that might have felt like a risk. To me, it was a natural next step.

Working with innovative companies like HeadBox, Badge, Clarasight and SilverDoor has been energising, even if I’ve clearly been the oldest person in every room I’ve entered!

This isn’t new. I recall when I appointed a senior colleague as Innovation Leader at EY. The move raised eyebrows as he wasn’t the most tech-savvy candidate. But he had a rare ability to inspire his team and unlock their potential. The result? One of the most forward-thinking travel programmes in the industry. Sometimes, innovation isn’t about knowing every new tool, it’s about empowering the right people to use them.

Forward, with purpose

Yes, the fear of being seen as “past it” doesn’t vanish. But I’ve learned that action neutralises that fear. Keep learning. Challenge your own assumptions. Trade tired habits for fresh skills. Share your experience freely. Be an advocate for progress. Your presence will add value in unexpected ways.

Think of films like The Intern or The Internship – stories where the younger generation learns just as much from the more experienced as vice versa. That blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom? It’s powerful.

As for me, I’ve made a promise: when I close my office door for the last time, I’ll be sprinting, not shuffling. That mindset is what’s propelling me on, launching my own startup with an industry friend.

It’s an AI-driven platform that helps corporate travel programmes hit their goals by nudging employees toward better travel choices that align with policy, cost, sustainability and engagement objectives. It’s the culmination of decades of experience and a deep belief in what’s next.

If you’re reading this and feeling uncertain about a milestone, or you’ve been struggling to find your place – as I’ve seen in so many recent posts online – let me offer this advice. Experience is a competitive advantage. When paired with curiosity and generosity, it becomes your greatest asset. Celebrate what you’ve achieved, and keep your eyes firmly on the possibilities ahead.

Formerly EY Global Head of Travel, Meetings & Events, Karen Hutchings founded Cobb & Hutch Consulting in January 2024. As part of Cobb & Hutch Consulting, she is on the Board of HeadBox, acts as a strategic advisor to HeadBox and Silverdoor, and also supports Badge and Clarasight. Alongside Kessie Bratko, previously with BCD Travel, she has recently launched Pioneera, an AI-driven platform.