January 2023 MBR The Audiobook Shelf

The Audiobook Shelf

Inspired, Not Retired
Dr. Burl Randolph Jr., DM
MyWingman, LLC
https://mywingmanllc.com
9781087904665, $21.00 Paper/$17.46 Audio/$3.99 Kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Inspired-Not-Retired-Leadership-Lessons/dp/B09RQ6DC3D

The audio version of Inspired, Not Retired provides a flavor the written word misses: the sound of emphasis and clarity which embeds written word with its own drama for an inspirational listening experience. "Retirement is in the eyes of the beholder." Narrator Jerome Ware opens this survey on leadership and life meaning with Dr. Randolph's admonition that the traditional view of what constitutes retirement may be skewed. It's not so much about quitting as about re-envisioning the type of work and life purpose that serves as an inspiration to one's remaining years and influences those around us. Few have embraced this idea more heartily than retired colonel Dr. Randolph, whose vision of retirement as putting his feet up and turning off his cell phone proved quite different, in reality. His experiences involved a foray into leadership that would pass from father to son and between not one, but several generations.

Dr. Randolph realized he was "...just not built to relax. Nor was I ready for retirement." The reality was that, married to a working wife with two teenage sons to raise, he was merely entering into another phase of life where he would have the freedom to more readily choose and direct his path and life work. Thankfully for listeners interested in leadership subjects, he chose the motivational guide route. Thus, this audio (which also appears in paperback and ebook formats), which considers the challenges of retirement, leadership, a father's influences on his son, and lessons learned "in the oddest ways."

Part memoir, part examination of leadership, and thoroughly backed by Dr. Randolph's changing experience and vision of retirement years, this audio would be the perfect retirement gift for that hard-to-please retiree who enters into this new phase of life with little vision of what his future will look like. Between selflessness, preparedness, and hard work (which feels like a startling contrast in a retirement guide; but which actually reflects part of the preparedness component when it comes to recreating one's later years), Dr. Randolph pursues a revised vision of retirement and injects his father's life lessons into his discourse. Subjects of respect, pride, obedience and responsibility may seem reflective of military training (indeed, they are), but they apply in surprising ways to views of retirement and life choices.

Motivational listeners who look for listening that enlightens, pushes, and admits readers into the wellsprings of the author's own life influences will find Inspired, Not Retired a compelling lesson in contrasts between leadership assets and becoming a role model in a child's life. While it might initially be chosen by those looking to retire, Inspired, Not Retired is not so much about how to relax, as how to become an effective leader and mentor in life. This message will reach motivational listeners in all walks of life; from business people to those who would be positive role models for others. The audio version lends emphasis and quiet power to Dr. Randolph's story, making Inspired, Not Retired a top recommendation for libraries interested in motivational listening for a broad audience.

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