Just who’s writing, thinking and talking about the encore movement?
Encore.org’s new feature showcases some of the behind-the-scenes players who don’t often get time in the spotlight.
Do you want to answer the Encore 15Qs? Better still, is there someone you’d nominate as a possible subject? Please send us your suggestions.
Cal Halvorsen, currently a doctoral student at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis, is the former director of research at Encore.org, having worked at the organization from 2008 to 2014. He currently lives in St. Louis, MO.
You’re at a party; an interesting stranger asks about your work. How would you describe what do you do?
In short, I study entrepreneurship in later life. Specifically, I look at the motivations, experiences and outcomes of this type of work. Of particular interest to me is learning more about older social entrepreneurs, as well as how we can increase the diversity of older entrepreneurs.
Why do you do it?
As a society, we need to better understand what people do that is contrary to our retirement norms and expectations. Personally, I feel confined by our current life course, and want my work to make a difference in how people work and age.
How does your work compare with what you imagined you’d “be” when you were 7 years old? When you were 17?
I’ve had what feels like hundreds of career ideas growing up that are hard to pin to certain ages. Dentist, psychologist, teacher and entrepreneur are some examples. I guess my current profession – social work research and teaching – includes a mix of the last three!
What was your first job?
My dad is a small-business owner, and from elementary through high school, I worked for him in the summers. My retired grandfather helped my dad out, too, and the three of us worked together, listening to the radio and having lunch together. What a great intergenerational experience.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom, dad, and grandparents for teaching me about a strong work ethic and good sense of humor, and my colleagues and mentors for showing me how to be a successful professional, researcher and teacher.
What surprises you?
That so many people, who often don’t realize they share many of the same goals, refuse to talk and listen about shared solutions.
What three words (or phrases) do you imagine your close friends/family might use to describe you?
Kind, genuine, and honest. At least, I hope so! Although one of my closest friends calls me a golden retriever, given my near-unceasing optimism!
How do you handle frustration, setbacks?
I remind myself that it’s not the end – it’s just a setback, plain and simple. Then I make a plan to move forward. And when I’m frustrated with people, I try to place myself in their shoes, as context gives a clearer picture.
If you had or have a mentor, what was their biggest impact on you?
My mentor, Dr. Nancy Morrow-Howell, has had a phenomenal impact on my career that I only hope to repay through my mentorship of future students. She is the reason I learned about the encore movement – and is the reason I landed my first “career job” at Encore.org!
What event has had the biggest impact on your life?
Meeting my partner in life. We support each other personally and professionally, and my life has grown leaps and bounds in the seven years since we met.
What’s the best single piece of advice you’ve received?
[From 2006-2015, Encore.org awarded The Purpose Prize to dozens of social innovators over age 60.] Many of the Purpose Prize winners sing a similar tune: Life is a journey, and there’s no need to have it all “figured out” when we’re young. That’s what life is for.
What’s something that very few people know about you?
I am a former makeup artist and skin care consultant, working for Clinique in my home state of Iowa while an undergrad. It was a blast! I have no way of confirming this, but I think I was the only male (at the time) to work for Clinique in Iowa.
What technology could you not live without?
My smartphone. It allows me to communicate with others in a variety of ways, most importantly, with my family.
You’re on an island (without wifi) and you can only bring three books, films/shows or works of music: What are they?
My favorite book, which I first read in high school: The Color Purple, by Alice Walker. My favorite book of short stories, which I also first read in high school: The Troll Garden, by Willa Cather. And my favorite movie, which warms my heart to this day: Fried Green Tomatoes, with Jessica Tandy, Kathy Bates, Mary-Louise Parker and Mary Stuart Masterson.
How did you celebrate your most recent birthday?
Every year, the Gerontological Society of America’s annual conference is held on or near my birthday. This past year it was in Orlando, so I spent my birthday at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Published: August 4, 2016