Host Lisa Carmichael speaks with Cheryl Eslinger, an electrical engineer turned community changemaker, about rebuilding life and identity after a major stroke abruptly ended her 30+ year career. Cheryl shares honestly about workaholism, losing the career that defined her, learning everyday tasks again, and discovering a new purpose rooted in serving others.

Cheryl also introduces Power of 100 Eagan, a women’s giving circle

that gathers twice a year so members can collectively donate thousands of dollars to local nonprofits in a single evening. You’ll hear how the model works, why legacy is about the impact we have right now, and what it means to “bloom where you’re planted.”

Featuring: Cheryl Eslinger, Lisa Carmichael, Tracie Munce, and Amy Sousa.

References / Mentions:

Notable Quotes:

“I remember telling them I would rather go back to work quickly than walk quickly, because that was my norm, that was my identity.” – Cheryl Eslinger
“I told her what I wanted is I wanted to go to bed every night having been a blessing to someone.” – Cheryl Eslinger
“I don’t feel like I have to prove myself as an engineer, as a business owner… I didn’t think I’d like retirement, but I’m just having so much fun.” – Cheryl Eslinger
“Legacy… I don’t care what my grandchildren are going to remember. I care what people around me right now are going to remember.” – Cheryl Eslinger
“It’s time to stop asking why and just get on with it.” – Cheryl Eslinger
“Reinvention is every day… we all have a better version or a higher version of what we see ourselves.” – Tracie Munce

More about Cheryl:

I was a workaholic electrical engineer for over 30 years. I had a small engineering contracting company for the last 20 years of that. In April of 2024, a had a massive brain bleed (stroke) that left me paralyzed on the left half of my body. The brain damage caused enough cognitive deficits and limited endurance that I was unable to continue my successful company and my rewarding career. I found myself suddenly retired - the thought of which has always terrified me. So I started a journey of reinventing who I was.

Cheryl on Linked In: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-eslinger-3775407?
Cheryl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.eslinger

More about Power of 100 Eagan:

Power of 100 Eagan Women is a group of women who come together with a shared belief that collective giving can create meaningful support for local organizations. Twice each year, members gather for one hour to learn about nonprofits serving our community, contribute $100 each, and vote together to award a significant donation to one selected organization. By pooling our individual contributions, we are able to provide substantial financial support while building connections among women who care deeply about making a difference in our community. Our gatherings are simple, welcoming, and focused on strengthening our community through local action.

Website: https://powerof100eagan.com

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017: Reinventing Identity: Cheryl Eslinger & the Power of 100 Eagan