Event Details

An afternoon of discussion and reflection celebrating two Routledge books on reinvention, professional identity, writing, and the future of work.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon exploring how we navigate identity, purpose, and reinvention at key moments of change.

Centred around the launch of Radical Retirement: The Reinvention of Self After Work (Routledge, 2026), this event brings together contributors and publishing experts to challenge traditional ideas of retirement and instead explore how this stage of life can become an opportunity for growth, new directions, and reimagining who we are.

Through a mix of panel discussion, personal reflections, and interactive sessions, we’ll explore:

• how professionals redefine identity beyond their careers
• the realities of transition and reinvention
• the process of writing and sharing personal and professional stories
• how publishing can shape thinking around the future of work

The afternoon will also feature insights from Routledge editor Rebecca Marsh, alongside the launch of Jan Maskell’s new book, Work Psychology and the Climate Crisis: A Handbook of Principles and Practice.

🎧 You can also hear editor Kath Houston discussing the thinking behind Radical Retirement on BBC Radio Cumbria:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nOP38E6mC5xSVR7Xo0FJJspRqn0spGt9/view?usp=sharing

This event is ideal for professionals approaching career transition, those interested in writing or publishing, and anyone curious about what a more meaningful “next chapter” could look like.

Copies of both books, and promotional materials will be provided.

Programme

12.45 to 1.30pm We begin with a Taster Session “The Courage to Become: Mapping Identity Through Transition” from Geraldine Locke and Louise Sutton

1.35 – 2.30pm There will be a Panel Discussion session aimed at would be writers, contributors to academic/business books, those interested in the publishing process. Hosted by Sandra Booth, one of the book contributors and member of PEML, on stage will be other book contributors – Geraldine Locke, Jo Greenwood, Krista Court, Dan Biggs, and Routledge editor, Rebecca Marsh. Jan Maskell too will be on stage to answer questions about the respective books.

2.35 – 3.30pm Chapter contributors to Radical Retirement will share their experiences of crafting their stories and will read passages from their work. Hosted by Eileen Cunningham, this session will explore the concepts of identity, change, reinvention, and, most importantly, personal growth. There will be the opportunity for the audience to ask questions to each writer.

3.35 – 4.10pm There will be a talk on how the concept of Bildungsroman and literary works in general can support your writing and publishing goals. Hosted by Christine Eastman and Diane Bleakly, The Power of Words will introduce the audience to Herman Melville’s Redburn and Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and demonstrate how the study of literature can support your professional writing, publishing ambitions, and sense making in times of change.

This event will be delivered fully in person. Sessions are designed to be attended flexibly, and guests are very welcome to arrive late, leave early, or attend only those parts of the programme most relevant to them.

Lancaster University Management School, Room LT18

For further information, please contact: Emma Sose, Postgraduate Manager, Management School Office, e.sose@lancaster.ac.uk