We’re done just talking about ageism. In this episode, we show you how to do something about it.

Janine Vanderburg is the powerhouse behind Changing the Narrative and CEO of Encore Roadmap. She joins me to talk about how she and a coalition of advocates helped pass the groundbreaking Job Application Fairness Act in Colorado - legislation that bans asking for graduation dates or age identifiers in job applications. It’s a big win for both older and younger workers - and a roadmap for change in other states.

Just in time for Intergenerational Week and Older Americans Month, this is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt invisible in the job market or want to turn your frustration into progress.

From the importance of intergenerational teams in the workplace to the business case for older workers, Janine provides practical advice for both job seekers and employers.

What you’ll get from this episode:

✅ How the Job Application Fairness Act is changing the game for job seekers in Colorado

✅ Why intergenerational teams are essential for business success

✅ Stories of how ageism impacts real people in the workforce

✅ Janine’s journey from consultant to anti-ageism advocate and how you can get involved

Tune in to hear Janine’s incredible journey and learn how we can all be part of the solution. Let’s go!

“My mantra personally is: It’s not too late—dreams don't have an expiration date.”

~ Janine Vanderburg

In This Episode:

-How Colorado became the first state to ban age-based application screening

-Why this law helps both Gen Z and older generations

-How to tell your story without risking your career

-Why intergenerational teams drive business success - and how to make the business case

-How you can bring this law to your own state (yes, there’s a toolkit!)

And much more!

Resources:

-Colorado's Job Application Fairness Act: Advancing Age Inclusion in Hiring by Janine Vanderburg: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/colorados-job-application-fairness-act-advancing-age-vanderburg-hvmwc/

-AARP Research on Age Discrimination: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/older-workers-fear-age-discrimination.html

-Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/id1678559416

Connect with Janine Vanderburg:

-Website: https://encoreroadmap.com/ and https://changingthenarrativeco.org/

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janinevanderburg/

Connect with Maureen Clough:

-LinkedIn: maureenwclough - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenwclough/

-Website: itgetslateearly.com - https://www.itgetslateearly.com/

-Instagram: @itgetslateearly - https://www.instagram.com/itgetslateearly/

-YouTube: @itgetslateearly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrHwk-y7ERaq7bCSjZYf1A?sub_confirmation=1

-Facebook: It Gets Late Early - https://www.facebook.com/people/It-gets-late-early/100088694515585/

Colorado’s Game-Changing Job Application Act, the Case for Intergenerational Teams, and How You Can Take Action With Janine Vanderburg