For over three decades, Nancy Griffin has been a trailblazer in the wellness and spa industry, and today she is transforming the way we think about aging. As the founder and host of the Glowing Older podcast, she brings together thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining what it means to age with purpose, vitality, and resilience. Her story inspires our 5M+ Humans of Fuzia community by reminding us that every stage of life is an opportunity for growth, connection, and self-care.
Q: Nancy, what inspired you to start your journey with Glowing Older?
A: I spent 30 years in the wellness and spa industry, starting with graduate school at Cornell Hotel School. In the mid-90s, the industry was just emerging, focused on eating well, exercising,
connecting with nature, and building social ties. Years later, I saw the senior living sector adopting the same strategies for resilience and brain health. Then COVID hit in March 2020, and much of my spa-related work disappeared. That’s when I launched Glowing Older, a podcast dedicated to innovations in aging well. I interview experts on brain health, caregiving, housing, and more—because those extra years between midlife and the end of life truly matter.
Q: What were some challenges you faced as you built your platform?
A: One of the biggest challenges has been funding. Women entrepreneurs, especially older women, face incredible hurdles in raising capital. Studies show women receive less than 2% of venture funding, and when it comes to age-tech, it’s often young men from elite universities who get the backing—not women like me with decades of wellness experience. So I’ve had to grow my work organically, and that journey has been both difficult and rewarding.
Q: What milestones have made you most proud?
A: A huge highlight was being named the fifth most popular podcast in senior living, out of 90 shows. I’ve also launched events called Better With Age in senior communities and clubs—bringing people together over wine, cheese, and conversations about aging well. Beyond that, I’m proud of helping people embrace the idea of an “aging dream team”—personal trainers, financial planners, health care partners, and friends—because aging is not something we should do alone.
Q: Do you work solo or with a team?
A: I’ve been a solopreneur for most of my career, though I’ve had passive investors and short-term collaborators. I also work with outsourced support for marketing and web development. But even as a solopreneur, I believe no one succeeds truly alone—it takes a network.
Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
A: Women are natural leaders. We excel at supporting teams, helping others succeed, and leading by example. Unfortunately, women still don’t get enough opportunities to lead at the highest levels. But when given the chance, we thrive because leadership is about collaboration, empathy, and vision—qualities women bring naturally.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs? A: Find mentors—ideally across generations. Intergenerational relationships are incredibly valuable because younger and older entrepreneurs bring different strengths. For example, younger people intuitively understand AI and social media, while older professionals have decades of experience. Both perspectives enrich one another. My advice: seek those cross-generational connections and learn together.
Q: How do you define success for yourself?
A: For me, success means making a difference in people’s lives—my listeners, my colleagues, and my community. Financial independence matters, of course, but success is also about staying connected and not feeling isolated. Personally, I believe self-care is at the heart of sustainable success. Too often women give endlessly—to children, parents, partners, businesses—without putting on their own oxygen mask first. If you don’t prioritize your health and well-being, you can’t truly give your best to others.
“As women, we must remember that caring for ourselves is not selfish—it’s essential. Only when we are well can we lead, give, and inspire others to live better, longer.” – Nancy Griffin
Connect with Nancy Griffin:
Website: glowingolder.com
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